The Valais cantonal police and the Swiss army inaugurated the largest indoor shooting range in Switzerland on Friday in Sion. Named “La Tranchée”, the 7,200 m2 complex is designed to accommodate several dozen shooters simultaneously. Its opening to the public is not planned.
Built on the parade ground of the Valais capital, in the Champsec district, south-east of the city center, the installation will be put into service in January 2025. It is the result of a collaboration between the Confederation and the canton of Valais. The complex is equipped with the latest technical innovations and meets the strictest environmental and acoustic standards, indicates a press release from the canton.
The inauguration ceremony took place Friday morning in the presence of Brigadier Jacques Ruedin, replacing Chief of Staff of the Swiss Army, Valais State Councilor Frédéric Favre, and President of the Valais Grand Council Muriel Favre. -Torelloz and the commander of the Valais cantonal police Christian Varone.
Only for short distance shooting
The work on “La Tranchée” lasted two years, starting in November 2022. Its cost amounts to 33.5 million francs, financed to the tune of 11 million by the State of Valais, through the Financing Fund investments and management of state real estate, and 22.5 million by the Confederation.
This indoor shooting complex is unique in Switzerland, according to its managers. It is made up of ten shooting modules, seven of which are reserved for the Swiss army and three for the Valais cantonal police. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facilities can accommodate several dozen shooters simultaneously.
The modular infrastructure makes it possible to organize short-range shooting training (0 to 30 meters), self-defense exercises and simulations of stressful situations using immersive visual and sound effects. It is also equipped with a dojo, changing rooms, storage rooms and toilets. “La Tranchée” can be rented to the Valais municipal police and other police forces. However, the infrastructure will not be open to civilians or sports clubs.
Inside to reduce noise pollution
The new complex aims to significantly reduce noise and environmental pollution caused by shooting training on official squares. At the Pra Bardy shooting range, between the Iles de Sion and the village of Aproz, short-range shooting, which represents around 75% of activity, will be eliminated. Long-distance shooting will, however, be maintained, subject to site adjustments.
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After a test phase, the shooting range will be put into service in January 2025. It will also welcome candidates for the new Valais police academy from November 2025.
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