Fontainemore walks

This walk, starting from Plan de Coumarial, takes in five superb lakes in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve: the Vargno reservoir, the upper and lower Lounc lakes, and the Barma lakes. The suggested route follows the signposted paths No. 2D and 2C and the Via Alta No. 1. Path 2C, which overlooks Lake Vargno, is rated EE and is reserved for walkers accustomed to mountain walking. It is fully equipped with rope descents and via ferrata-style fixings at sections deemed difficult.

This circular route, starting from Plan de Coumarial, above the village of Fontainemore, offers the chance to explore the varied mid- and high-mountain landscapes of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve and the lakes of Gaudin, Montagnet and Carisey. The section along the ridge between the Sella and Carisey passes, which marks the border between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, is well worth a detour. This very well-signposted route follows, in turn, path no. 3A, the Via Alta no. 1 and then path no. 3. The ascent to the Sella Pass has been well maintained and presents no particular difficulty for a walker accustomed to mountain walking.

Walk to the Basilica of Oropa, dotted with numerous chapels. A pleasant route, mostly shaded. The descent follows an old tram track.

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.

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.

The walk begins with a strenuous climb to a mountain hut (Alpenzu). Afterwards, it slopes gently downhill past various Walser houses. Along the way, you can enjoy the amazing views of the valley. The return is partly through the forest.

The beginning of the route is easy enough (follow route 4 to Lake Gabiet), but it's more than a 600-meter climb! The lake is beautiful, and you can see the snow on top of the Monte Rosa in the distance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A superb hike to the summit of Monte Tantané. The ascent along the ridge is quite challenging, but once you reach the summit you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view, particularly of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif.

A magnificent hike starting from Chamois. The route is very varied, offering superb panoramic views of the Gran Paradiso massif at the Col du Pilaz. You’ll appreciate the beauty of Lakes Charey and Champlong. From time to time, you’ll catch glimpses of the Matterhorn, which plays hide-and-seek for a good half of the journey. The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is accessible only on foot, by bike or by cable car.

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.

This circular walk above Chamois passes by Monte Charvaz, a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the western part of the Valtournenche valley. You’ll recognise the mountain range above Torgnon, stretching from Becca d’Aver to Cima Bianca. The return to Chamois follows the course of the stream of the same name.

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.

High-altitude trail between 2,400 and 2,700 metres. Stop at the Oratorio di Cunei mountain hut to refuel before the final climb to the bivouac. Very well equipped with beds, gas, pots and pans, etc. There is a small lake and the view across the entire mountain range is magnificent.