Tour of Monte Aver

A superb hike on the Italian side of the Col de la Lombarde, revealing magnificent high-mountain landscapes and stunning emerald-green lakes. Abundant wildlife (ibex, chamois, marmots) and flora.
Please note that the ascent to the Col d’Aver includes exposed and vertiginous sections. This is why I have classified it as difficult, even though there is no real danger.
This hike is therefore not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.81 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,461 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,451 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,458 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,991 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Italy
  • ⚐
    Area: Alps
  • ⚐ City: Vinadio 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 44.215111° / E 7.139119°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3640ET
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts from the SP255 road, approximately 2.5 km from the Col de la Lombarde on the Italian side. There are several parking spaces at the side of the road near the small lake of Orgials Infériore.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the road north-west until you reach a hairpin bend (parking is also available at this point).

(1) Take the path that climbs to the right towards Passo Aver. The path climbs towards Rocca San Giovanni.

(2) Turn right towards the north-east after passing the small, unnamed pass at the foot of Rocca San Giovanni. There are two possible paths. A narrow , balcony-like path lined with rhododendrons, which is sometimes a little dizzying but remains level (the one shown on the map), and another, wider path that runs below it. Both lead to the foot of the couloir that climbs up to Colle Aver.

(3) At the foot of the couloir, where the two paths mentioned above meet, look out for the red markings painted on the rocks, which indicate a route up to the right to rejoin a path leading up to the pass.

(4) After the pass, follow a path that quickly disappears into a scree slope. Make your way as you go, using the numerous cairns as guides, heading east towards Lago d’Aver Soprano, which you will skirt to the left.

(5) When you reach a signpost, follow the direction of Lago d’Aver Sottano, visible below.

(6) At another signpost by the lake, follow the signs for Colle Dei Morti after making a 360° turn to the west.

(7) From Colle Dei Morti, descend easily south-westwards along an old military track to join the SP255 road.

(8) Turn right and follow the road to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7,362 ft - Laghi d’Orgials Inferiore car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.54 - alt. 7,251 ft - Junction
  3. 2 : mi 1.59 - alt. 8,028 ft - Intermediate pass
  4. 3 : mi 1.77 - alt. 8,120 ft - Couloir
  5. 4 : mi 1.87 - alt. 8,451 ft - Colle d’Aver – 2,572 m
  6. 5 : mi 2.63 - alt. 7,703 ft - Lago d’Aver Soprano
  7. 6 : mi 3.18 - alt. 7,001 ft - Lago d’Aver Sottano
  8. 7 : mi 4.53 - alt. 8,123 ft - Colle Dei Morti – 2,477 m - cime d'Orgials (2647m)
  9. 8 : mi 5.44 - alt. 7,451 ft - Senterio Italia - Stage E12
  10. S/E : mi 5.81 - alt. 7,362 ft - Laghi d’Orgials Inferiore car park

Notes

This is a high-mountain hike. You should therefore be properly equipped to cope with changeable weather conditions.

Sturdy footwear is essential and walking poles are recommended.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
yelena.grj
yelena.grj

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike – the scenery is incredible and we absolutely loved it! However, I wouldn’t recommend it for ‘beginners’ or children, or anyone who isn’t used to hiking. The section before Colle Aver may be tricky for those who are afraid of heights.
Above all, don’t lose your way on the path leading from marker 2 to 3: we missed the red markings (I still don’t know how we managed it, haha) and had to climb (literally, yes) all the way up to Colle Aver (very dangerous – I wouldn’t recommend it at all, unless you’re used to hanging over the edge with nothing to hold on to!!). We also came across a chamois, which must have been wondering what we were doing there instead of on the path; we spotted it once we’d reached the top of the pass.
It’s a bit of a long walk if you want to stop for lunch or take photos. There’s no shade along the way.
But the scenery is absolutely stunning!

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Kiwi06
Kiwi06

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for the description of this lovely walk. The two lakes are magnificent and the surrounding landscape is very pleasant (although some sections are quite rocky). We spotted a few chamois.
At point 2, we followed the lowest and widest path, which presents no difficulty. However, the gully described at point 3 is somewhat tricky as it climbs very steeply in places. In the final section, the stones come loose easily. This section requires you not to be afraid of heights. Furthermore, as the signposting is inconspicuous and the GPS coordinates aren’t precise enough, it’s easy to stray from the gully.
The rest of the walk presents no difficulties.

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