Champorcher walks

An easy but long day. No complaints about the climb. However, be careful towards the end as there are many paths that look alike. From Chardonney, there is little public transport. It is possible to hitchhike to Pont-Saint-Martin. With all the French place names, you wouldn’t think you were in Italy. From Pont-Saint-Martin, there are buses to Gressonney-Saint-Jean.

A lovely hike in the Cogne area with stunning views of Gran Paradiso.

A lovely autumn circular with magnificent views of the Aosta Valley and Cly Castle. Parking in Nus, pleasant climb in stages. On the way back, a meal or refreshment in Nus is a must!

A fairly popular hike that takes you close to the foothills of Gran Paradiso. You might spot some ibex if you’re lucky!

Spectacular view over Gran Paradiso.

The upper Palasinaz valley boasts some truly valuable natural treasures, including the famous plateau of lakes. An easy but long walk from Estoul (1,884 metres) takes you up to the plateau of lakes in four hours via a marked forest road (Route No. 6). Trail No. 5A then leads to the Valfredda Lakes (2,564 metres), with the option of a variant, while No. 4 continues towards the Bataille Lakes (2,484 m), Potcha (2,517 m) and Long (2,632 m), the route of this hike.

The trail winds through the forest for a good while and, after a near-flat section, becomes steeper... and remains moderately steep until you reach the small Lac d'Estoul (2,434 m). Leave trail No. 6B on your right and stay on trail No. 6A, which in a few minutes reaches the magnificent Lac Chamen.On the way back, our route goes around Lac Chamen to the east and becomes steeper, even very steep at times, to reach Colletto Valnera at 2,681m. Then follow the trail heading north-east (i.e. to the right) to the summit of Punta Valnera (2,754 m). This short route to the summit is not difficult, apart from the steepness of the slope. In good weather, this beautiful peak, which is relatively easy to reach, offers a vast panorama. The return journey follows the same route.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Markings: sentieri N°1, N°2 then N°3. Aerial route from Alpe de la Tsa to Combe de Grand Chamin (equipped passages). Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

Today, discover the giant of the area, the splendid Matterhorn, before seeing it up close in the evening at the Gandeg Cabin.

This 10-day tour of the Matterhorn is remarkable. It allows you to walk alongside the 4,000-metre peaks of this Alpine range every day. Located in two countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also allows you to familiarise yourself with three European languages: Italian, German and French in the Valais region of Switzerland. Important note: Two stages of this route take place partly on glaciers. It is highly advisable to bring crampons and a rope for maximum safety. Crampons will make it easier to walk, and the rope can be used to form a rope team to secure the participants.

A warm-up walk along the right bank of the lake to reach the Prarayer refuge.

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.

This last stage takes place in an alpine setting. It justifies the choice of this alternative to the classic Tour des Combins. Unfortunately, the consequences of climate change are evident. The glaciers mentioned on the map no longer exist. Only rock piles remain. From the Col du Mont Gelé, the highest point of this trek, you must pay close attention to the path marked by cairns to follow on the descent. The position of these cairns is sometimes erratic. The end of this stage ends with a long and very steep descent, which can be avoided by staying on the pastoral road.

This stage passes through the Col d'Olen, on the border between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

We leave the "TDC" to follow Alta Via No. 1 in the Aosta Valley until it crosses the road leading to Bionaz. In the old village, above the church and near a fountain, the trail marked Col de Breuson (Brison) begins. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

A route to discover the typical villages that line the famous Col du Grand Saint-Bernard road. On the way there, you will follow the Via Francigena to climb up to the village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, renowned for its cured ham. You will also pass through the villages of Étroubles, Saint-Oyen, Cerisey and Les Bosses, characterised by stone chalets with slate roofs.

Head towards the Alagna Valley, passing the Col d'Alen and the Lac del Corno. The final descent via Alpe Balma through wild countryside takes you directly to the Refuge Pastore, nestled in a magnificent mountain pasture at the foot of the north face of Monte Rosa.

Another change of valley to reach the large village of Macugnaga at the foot of Monte Rosa via the Col Turlo. The wide path used is absolutely remarkable as it was built by the Italian army to hoist cannons for the defence of the area and for firing exercises.

This stage takes us along an ancient paved Roman road. Macugnaga is the last village stop in Italy. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.