Pilaz Pass

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.

Details

90408591
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  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.12 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,024 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,021 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,614 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,873 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

From the Aosta-Turin motorway (A5), exit at Châtillon. Take the SR46 towards Valtournenche/Breuil Cervinia. In the hamlet of Buisson, stop at the cable car car park. Take the Buisson-Chamois cable car.
The start and finish of this hike are located in the town square of Chamois

(S/E). From the town hall, take the Chamois-La Magdeleine trail. Cross the village, pass in front of the restaurant "Chez Pierina" and head towards the Torrente Chamois.

(1) Cross the torrent and take the track on the right. Continue until you reach a fork

(2) Ignore the path on the right that descends towards the hamlet of "Suisse" and Chamois aerodrome. Keep left on the track towards La Magdeleine.

(3) At the signpost, take the left-hand track which climbs quite steeply towards Col Pilaz. Continue to the Souverou barn.

(4) Pass the Souverou building and follow this track until you reach Col Pilaz.

(5) Stay on the track, which quickly leads to Col Pilaz.

(6) Take a break to admire the Matterhorn to the north and the Gran Paradiso range to the south.

(5) Return to the trail by cutting across the snowfield near Lago Pilaz. Return to Chamois by following the same route you took on the way there (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,935 ft - Municipality of Chamois
  2. 1 : mi 0.23 - alt. 6,099 ft - Bridge over Torrente Chamois
  3. 2 : mi 0.48 - alt. 6,066 ft - Turn-off towards Chamois Aerodrome
  4. 3 : mi 0.96 - alt. 5,873 ft - Directions to Col Pilaz
  5. 4 : mi 1.47 - alt. 6,204 ft - Souverou Farm
  6. 5 : mi 1.88 - alt. 6,585 ft - Track junction.
  7. 6 : mi 2.08 - alt. 6,614 ft - Pilaz Pass
  8. S/E : mi 4.12 - alt. 5,938 ft - Municipality of Chamois

Notes

  • Buisson cable car car park: €3 per day (2026)
  • Buisson-Chamois cable car: €5.50 return (2026)
  • Hotel: Maison Cly

Hike completed by the author on 15 January 2026

Worth a visit

  • Chamois.
  • Pilaz Pass.
  • The Matterhorn.
  • The Gran Paradiso mountain range.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.