Aosta / Aoste walks
Lacs de Fenêtre
Departure from Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses (Aosta Valley)
A superb circular walk crossing three cols and the border into Italy and back. There are amazing and changing views throughout. Recently upgraded with signage as a locally important route and marked as 210 on the Swiss side of the border, 103 or 13a on the Italian side.
Described here in a clockwise direction as the Col du Bastillon is better in ascent than descent.
Planaval - Rifugio chalet de l'Epée
Departure from Arvier (Aosta Valley)
A Trek through Valgrisenche with a view over the large village dam.
Refuge Vittorio Sella - Valnontey
Departure from Cogne (Aosta Valley)
Spectacular view over Gran Paradiso.
Eaux Rousses - Refuge Vittorio Sella
Departure from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley)
From Valsavaranche to Val de Cogne in the middle of a herd of chamois.
The Matterhorn Tour
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
Undertaken over 10 days, this circuit around the Matterhorn is outstanding. Each day it takes you over the 4000 m peaks of this alpine range. As it is located in 2 countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also brings you into contact with three European languages: Italian, German and also French in Valais in Switzerland.
The Matterhorn Tour Day 1: The Léchère - Prarayer Refuge
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
Warm-up walk to reach the Prarayer refuge along the right bank of the lake.
Malatrá Desot to La Fouly - Tour Mont Blanc
Departure from Courmayeur (Aosta Valley)
This 6th stage of the TMB continues to follow the stream Dora di Ferret from high up before dropping into the valley, for a while. From below the Pré de Bard Damon and all the way up to the Grand Col Ferret the ascent is almost 500m. Here the route enters Switzerland and it's pretty much downhill, around La Dotse to follow the stream Dranse de Ferret into La Fouly. The Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France. Let's do it!
Petit and Grand Cols Ferret
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A lovely circular walk taking in both of the Col Ferrets. Done the way described means that you will ascend the steeper sections and enjoy the easy descent following the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) path.
Bruil - Eaux Rousses
Departure from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (Aosta Valley)
Another valley trek, the aim of today is Valsavarenche.
Chemin de Bouquetins / des Bergers
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
This walk is a mixture of the Chemin de Bouquetins which coincides with the Sentier des Bergers in places. It takes advantage of the ski-lift in Fouly to save on the ascent but you can always walk uphill if you choose. These walks are both publicized by the tourist office and are well signposted.
La Fouly to Champex-Lac - Tour Mont Blanc
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
This 7th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) begins in La Fouly and gently descends alongside the Dranse de Ferret to Praz-de-Fort and Les Arlaches. It then leaves the valley to climb up to Lac de Champex. Let's do it! The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Follow the TMB signposts.
Refuge de l'Epée - Bruil
Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)
Fourth stage between Valgisenche and Val de Rheme.
The Matterhorn Tour Day 2: Prarayer Refuge - Perrucco Vuillermoz Refuge
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
Stage starting in pasture which quickly heads into the high mountains passing through the Valcornera pass.
Saint-Grat Lake and Refuge Adami
Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)
Nestled at the foot of Tête du Ruitor and its glaciers, within a beautiful setting, Saint-Grat Lake is the highlight of any hike in its own right. Through the final twists and turns before the lake, the slope is smooth and the route straightforward. The next climb much steeper, leading to Refuge Adami gives you a stunning view point.
The Matterhorn Tour D3: Perrucco Vuillermoz Refuge - Gandeg Cabin
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
Discover the giant that resides here, the splendid Matterhorn itself, before getting a closer look in the evening at the Gandeg cabin.
Lac du Vuert
Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)
A two part hike. First up the Doire de Valgrisenche, a steady slope offering a leafy, green landscape. From the refuge, the landscape becomes essentially mineral and the slope steeper all the way to Vuert's small perched lake. Stunning high mountain surroundings.
Plan Monnay
Departure from Liddes (Valais)
A lovely circular walk for a half day out which is good if the weather is forecast to deteriorate in the afternoon. It can also be extended if you want a longer walk. Amazing views from the top of Plan Monnay.
Raccard du Blé
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A circular walk in the lower part of the Swiss Val Ferret. One of the walks publicized by the tourist office and well signposted. There are information boards (in French) about the construction of traditional barns made from local stone and timber. Easy walking, navigation and some interesting information. The first section is on a quiet road.