Works 2020

Hotel

In Hérémence in Valais, on the site of the future Dixence Resort Spa and Hotel Centre, the first highlight of 2020 was undoubtedly the installation of the bedrooms pods, of which you obtained a preview in our article of 14 March 2020.

The winter conditions did not obstruct the installation of these prefabricated chalets according to a brand-new concept which is unique in Switzerland. The platform on which the modules were to be installed was covered with tarpaulins and the snow was easily removed.

The framework was then erected, and the roof completed. Despite the start of a semi-lockdown at the end of March, the fine weather enabled the teams of carpenters and roofers to complete their tasks under the clear blue sky of the Valais.

During May, the roof of the hotel gradually began to acquire its ultimate appearance. The north-facing sections are finished, and the south-facing roof sections are ready for the installation of the photovoltaic solar panels, which will provide the clean and renewable energy for our project.

Suites and spacious lofts have been installed above the 3 rows of 14 modular chalets. These bright rooms will offer an unobstructed view of the mountains on the right bank of the Val d’Hérens (Sasseneire, Dent Blanche and Matterhorn).

The interior works gradually progressed and the lobby and reception area can be viewed below. Spacious openings will offer a magnificent view of the mountains.

In September, the scaffolding was dismantled, revealing the south-east main facade. On the left of the above photo, you can see the site of the ski slope (grey panels) which will enable you to access the hotel bar on your skis. The “Domaine des 4 Vallées” ski resort is indeed accessible from the Dixence Resort.

Access Road and Reservoir

A major part of this year’s works also included the road downstream of the complex, where all the pipes to be installed to connect the buildings to the water and electricity networks were laid underground.

Additionally, the thermal water supply line, which was designed to supply the pools and to heat the buildings, was installed on this section.

The insulation of the tube which will contain hot water.

A reservoir was installed on the north side of the plot, to act as a water reserve in the case of fire and intended to supply the sprinkler system. This area will be used to supply a turbine with water which will enable the Dixence resort to become energy self-sufficient. In fact, the thermal waters will also be used for the underfloor heating of the resort buildings and will subsequently be turbinated.

The area of the reservoir and water feeder basin will be filled with earth and the soil will be planted.

Gravel was also laid for the development of the Route de la Forêt Derrière, which provides access to the buildings, chalets, and the Spa car park. Walls were built to provide the foundation for the buildings and access to the terraces of the ground floor apartments. The surface of the Route de la Forêt Derrière has been prepared to be asphalted next spring.

The Thermal baths and the Underground car park

A 5-storey car park was inaugurated this year, to access the hotel and the thermal baths by vehicle. The result is neither spectacular nor particularly impressive, however, substantial effort was invested to enable future clients and visitors to access the centre of the complex by car.

The construction of the thermal baths has progressed, and the outdoor swimming pool floor has been completed on schedule (on the right-hand side of the below photo).

The Buildings

The majority of the apartments in the Aiguilles Rouges and Tête Blanche buildings are sold and almost completed.

The contractors in central Valais commissioned to perform the fit-out of the apartments, sometimes under difficult conditions, as the construction site is located at an altitude of 1750 m, undertook considerable effort. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their valuable collaboration.