Lake Malinvern and Lake Paur

The route starts from the Chalet Marano hotel, at the top of the Isola 2000 resort.

(S/E) Head towards the Lacs de Terre Rouge, pass marker 91 whilst crossing a ski run, and continue along the scree slope opposite (red and white markings). Reach marker 92.

(1) Continue following the signs for the Lacs de Terre Rouge, which you’ll reach shortly.

(2) Carry on towards the Baisse de Druos, following the path that overlooks the largest of the Lacs de Terre Rouge.

(3) Descend on the Italian side towards the Valscura Lakes. Pass an old military barracks on your left at the Upper Lakes, then continue down towards the Lower Lake, which the path skirts, leaving it on your right.

(4) At the far end of the Lower Lake of Valscura, turn left to follow the signposted route to Coletto di Valscura. The climb is very steep. The path is marked in white.

(5) At Coletto di Valscura, head down towards Lake Malinvern, one end of which is visible. The first part of the descent is along a stony path and the slope is very steep all the way down to the lake.

(6) When you reach Lake Malinvern, continue to follow the path, which climbs slightly.

(7) You’ll reach a promontory with views over the lake and the Rio Freddo valley; then head north-east to climb towards the Paur Lakes (a cairn marks the start of the path, which is barely visible). Follow the red markings and the cairns to the lakes.

Please note: the start of the descent is less obvious than the ascent; it is easy to lose the trail, so do take care.

(8) Walk past a small lake and then reach the largest of the Lacs de la Paur. The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey (S/E).

The walk presents no technical difficulties but is very long and therefore particularly physically demanding; do not attempt it unless you are in good physical condition.

The Malinvern and Paur Lakes can also be reached more quickly from Italy (via the Vinadio road).

You could consider a two-day circular route, descending to the Malinvern Refuge and then climbing back up via Colle Orgials until you reach the Col de la Lombarde, before descending to Isola 2000, or taking the Pas du Loup to return to the Terre Rouge Lakes.