Vex irrigation channel
VEX BISSE ASSOCIATION
Repairs following the bad weather in April and June 2025
The current situation
Restored in the mid-1990s, the Vex Bisse was severely damaged in 2025, first by heavy snowfall on 17 April, then by a torrential mudslide on 30 June. In several sections, the canal was destroyed and the footbridges swept away down steep slopes. This damage has made it impossible to supply water from La Printse. As for the footpath, it has had to be closed.
Restoring the site requires significant investment, estimated at over 1.5 million francs. New metal or wooden structures will replace the lost footbridges. The canal will also need to be restored, with new metal or wooden channels installed. Work began last autumn and will be spread over two to three years.
For 2026, funding is secured by the partner municipalities of the inter-municipal association (Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Sion and Vex). The first priority will be to repair the most damaged section, near the Doussin torrent. As soon as authorisation is granted, this work will be undertaken as quickly as possible. If all goes well, the footpath could be opened in autumn 2026 or during 2027, with water being released from La Printse in spring 2028.
In the meantime, we urge walkers to follow the safety guidelines that have been put in place so as not to put themselves at risk or disrupt the works. Fortunately, the area between Le Chity (Verrey), Veysonnaz and Les Mayens de Sion remains accessible and offers a lovely walk through the cool, magnificent forests of the Cône de Thyon.
