Ayas walks

This is a short first stage that takes you almost halfway up the slope to the hamlet of Frachey, overlooking the Ayas valley.

This tour is a must among the great Alpine circuits. Straddling Italy and Switzerland, it offers absolutely remarkable views of one of the largest glaciers in the Alps. It allows you to see a large number of 4,000-metre peaks up close, the very long Alpine valleys and to visit sites with enchanting names such as Saas Fée and Zermatt in Switzerland, and Macugnaga, Gressoney and Alagna in Italy.

This is a fairly wild hike starting from Saint-Jacques-des-Allemands, a village after Champoluc. The trail begins with a continuous climb towards the Ferraro Refuge and then joins the Palon de Résy. There is a beautiful cross and a beautiful view of Mont Rose, its moraine, and Lac Bleu. Trail 8D then leads to several small mountain lakes called Résy. The trail continues to the "basin" of Alpe della Forca Supériore. From here, the trail descends to the refuge and then Saint-Jacques-des-Allemands.

Another long day on this stage. The descent to Saint-Jacques-les-Allemands is long. A stop at the Grand Tourmalin refuge is a welcome break. Especially if the weather is glorious with views of the Swiss Alps and Monte Rosa. It’s all worth it. There are slightly more water issues than in the southern section. So don’t forget your water.

At the exit of the hamlet of Résy (a few houses), another stage with the TMR. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This is a long stage in the shared ski area of Saint Jacques and Gressoney, where the route alternates between wide ski slopes and narrower trails.

Starting from the church square, this hike follows the Evançon torrent before turning left onto Rue de l'Ostrion, which gradually climbs. Passing by the small chapel overlooking the village of Champoluc and the Ayas Valley, you will reach the village of Mascognaz, an authentic and beautiful Walser village. The hike passes through Col de Palasina and then, after a slight descent, you will reach the wild Bataille lakes and then the Arp refuge at 2,400 metres.

A pleasant hike, suitable for the whole family, to reach the village of Mascognaz via its beautiful waterfalls. The route starts in Champoluc and continues along the path through the forest, following the stream and reaching the village of Mascognaz. From there, it is possible to take several longer routes.

A circular loop that takes you to the Alta Luce summit with a view of the glacier and back down via the A Staffal/Greyssonney la Trinité cable car. The route is very well marked: follow several trails: 7a to the summit, then descend to the pass and take the 6b to the cable car that takes you back to the starting point.

Wait until there is no snow to do this hike safely. Round trip hike. You must be sure-footed and experienced in mountain walking. Starting from Lignod, pass in front of the church, which is currently being renovated, with its pretty fresco. Well-marked paths in the village allow you to leave it and climb towards Borbey. Pass a car park and take the path that continues to climb and gain altitude. You are on a Way of the Cross that climbs up to the Virgin of Mount Zerbion. The Col de Portela is visible and recognisable with its pylon. Cross the pass to reach Mount Zerbion and its virgin located at 2,723 metres above sea level, overlooking the Ayas valley.

Punta Falinère is the peak overlooking the Chamois slopes. It offers views of its neighbours, the Petit and Grand Tournalin. To the north, you will discover more than 4000 Swiss peaks, including the Dent Blanche d'Hérens and the Matterhorn. To the south, the Grand Paradis will catch your eye.

A superb winter route starting from Chamois. At Col Pilaz, you will be surprised to discover the Matterhorn to the north. A giant red bench offers a superb photo opportunity with the Cervinio in the background. On the south side, a magnificent panorama of the Paradis massif awaits you. The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is only accessible on foot, by bicycle or by cable car.

The final stage is almost entirely downhill, except for a short climb to cross the Col Nord des Cimes Blanches. The descent takes place in long valleys, interspersed with very steep slopes. The arrival at the hamlets of Fury and Blanchard is a real relief after 10 days of hiking.

Facing Cervinio, then superb landscapes after Cime Blanche. We will now spend five days on the Tour du Mont Rose. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

That’s the end of the southern section. This hike takes in a different landscape, with the Swiss Alps in view. It feels like we’re in Germany. It’s a lovely day. After the climb, the hike descends back into the valley. As with Eaux Rousses, it’s best to book in advance as the refuge is very popular. In fact, there are two of them and they’re full by early July.