Gabiet Lake, located at an altitude of 2.371 meters in the upper Lys Valley at the foot of Monte Rosa, has been recently drained to allow for significant maintenance work on the dam. The intervention, necessary to replace the butterfly valves at the base of the dam, offers a rare opportunity to see the reservoir in an unprecedented state, as it hasn’t been seen since 1921.
According to Giuseppe Argirò, CEO of Compagnia Valdostana delle Acque (CVA), the company that manages the dam, “the draining of the reservoir allows one to see the dam from an absolutely unusual perspective, as well as to rediscover the lake as it appeared at the beginning of the century with its original dimensions.” This natural spectacle allows for a journey back in time, offering a landscape of mountain lakes with snow-capped peaks reflected on the water’s surface, reminiscent of a time when alpine valleys were wild and inaccessible places.
Events and exhibitions throughout the summer season
Throughout the summer, it will be possible to walk in the area of the lake returned to its natural state and participate in numerous dedicated initiatives:
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CVA’s “extraEAUrdinaire” exhibition: Set up in the hydroelectric plant of Gressoney-La-Trinité in the valley floor, the exhibition, open until September 15, explores stories of water, glaciers, climate change, energy, and the history of the Lys Valley dam. Visitors will also be able to discover the functioning of the hydroelectric plant through guided tours of the operational premises.
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Exhibition at the dam: Climbing to the dam, accessible on foot or by cable car, visitors will find informational panels on the renovation work and curiosities about the construction site. An opportunity to better understand the synergy between man and nature.
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Themed evenings: Two special evenings are scheduled for July 23 in Gressoney-Saint-Jean and August 7 in Gressoney-La-Trinité. During these events, it will be possible to relive the history of hydroelectricity in the Lys Valley through vintage images, interviews, and stories curated by CVA.
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Guided Tours with FAI: On September 14 and 15, once the work is completed, the reservoir will return to its normal capacity, and it will be possible to visit the dam with volunteers from the Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI), discovering all the secrets of this engineering masterpiece.
An example of energy sustainability
The Aosta Valley is the only Italian region to be fully powered by energy produced from renewable sources. Thanks to the 32 hydroelectric plants of CVA, a 100% public company, it is able to independently produce all the necessary energy needs and transfer 65% of the produced energy to the national grid. 99% of this energy comes from hydroelectric plants, with the remaining 1% from photovoltaic plants.
This intervention on the Gabiet dam not only ensures the safety and efficiency of the plant but also represents an opportunity to reflect on the importance of renewable energy and the engineering history of the Aosta Valley.
📅 Dates: Now until September 15 📍 Location: Gabiet dam, Gressoney-La-Trinité, Aosta Valley
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure among history, nature, and innovation. Don’t miss it.
