The best walks and hikes around Valtournenche

The Ascent to Rifugio Oriondé – Circular Tour is a difficult hike in the Pennine Alps, offering a significant alpine experience. This challenging route covers 7.7 miles (12.4 km) with a substantial elevation gain of 2556 feet (779 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete. As you hike, you'll immerse yourself in an alpine landscape, with options for a wide dirt road or steeper shortcuts. A key part of the journey is the narrow ridge trail leading to the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi all'Oriondé. From the refuge, you can see the iconic Matterhorn from its south side, the surrounding valleys, and the vast Plateau Rosà. Along the way, you will also pass the charming Chiesa degli Alpini and a picturesque waterfall.

This hard hike demands good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy shoes. You should have prior alpine experience, as some sections may involve technical or hazardous terrain, potentially requiring specialist equipment. The ascent to the refuge from Breuil-Cervinia involves about 800 to 900 meters of climbing, typically taking two and a half hours. Remember to prepare for a substantial elevation gain and ensure you are well-equipped for alpine conditions.

The Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi all'Oriondé is a historic mountain hut, built in 1929, perched at 2,802 meters. It serves as a vital base for mountaineers and is a well-known starting point for the Matterhorn's Italian normal route. For hikers, it offers comfortable accommodation with 22 beds, modern amenities, and a restaurant serving traditional Aosta Valley cuisine. A further 30-minute walk from the refuge leads to the Carrel Cross, providing an even wider view of the surrounding peaks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as mountain goats, during your hike.

Prepare for a challenging hike on the Trail to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi (via Route 13), a difficult route that climbs 2785 feet (849 metres) over 5.7 miles (9.2 km). As you ascend, you'll leave behind village streets for rugged mountain paths, with the sound of cascading water from Torrente Porteiller waterfalls accompanying your climb. The trail offers increasingly dramatic views of the Matterhorn, culminating in a spectacular panorama from the rifugio.

This route typically takes around 4 hours and 38 minutes to complete, so plan your day accordingly. You can begin your journey from Cervinia's center, following the yellow trail markers for Route 13. If you are driving, parking is available on side streets off Via Circonvallazione in Cervinia, making for convenient access to the trailhead. Always check local conditions before you set out, especially for a hike of this difficulty.

This trail is often called the "gateway to the Matterhorn," offering a unique perspective on the iconic peak. Along the way, you'll pass the small Alpini Chapel, a memorial with excellent views of the Matterhorn. Once you reach Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, you can enjoy homemade tiramisu and coffee, or continue further to Croce Carrel, a memorial and viewpoint honoring the legendary guide Jean Antoine Carrel.

Embark on the Plan Maison and Goillet dam lake – Loop tour, a moderate hike that takes about 4 hours and 7 minutes to complete. This route covers 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with an elevation gain of 2021 feet (616 metres), offering diverse terrain from accessible paths to rocky slopes. You will experience breathtaking alpine scenery, with granite peaks and vibrant mountain flowers in summer, and the iconic Matterhorn often reflected in the clear waters of Lake Goillet.

To plan your visit, note that the recommended period for hiking is from July to September. The trail starts from Plan Maison, which you can reach by cable car from Breuil-Cervinia. While the full loop is moderate, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, there are also shorter, easier options available, such as a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) walk to Lake Goillet, suitable for families. Be aware that direct passage over the dam crest is not possible, so you might need to descend a rocky slope and climb the opposite side.

This loop is notable for its exceptional close-up views of the Matterhorn, especially its reflection in the man-made Lake Goillet. This artificial reservoir, created between 1939 and 1948 for hydroelectric power, holds 12 million cubic meters of water. You can also see the impressive dam structure, 48.60 meters high and 368 meters long, with old railway tracks from its construction still visible. The trail traverses a beautiful alpine environment, including lush larch woods, providing a quintessential mountain hiking experience in the Aosta Valley.

The Climb to Rifugio Teodulo is a difficult hike, demanding very good fitness and alpine experience for its 10.6 miles (17.0 km) and significant 4139 feet (1261 metres) of elevation gain. You should expect to spend around 6 hours and 35 minutes on the trail. As you ascend, you will be treated to spectacular panoramic views, including close-up vistas of the iconic Matterhorn and the impressive Grandes Murailles chain, culminating at the historic Theodul Pass.

This challenging route often involves alpine and rocky sections. If you plan to hike early in the season or extend your journey towards Zermatt, be aware that some parts may require a guide and specialized gear like crampons and ropes due to unmarked glacier crossings. While some sections are accessible, others demand sure-footedness and sturdy shoes, so prepare accordingly for the varied terrain.

Rifugio Teodulo and the pass hold rich historical significance, having served as a vital inter-valley passage between Italy and Switzerland for centuries. The refuge itself sits directly on the international border, marked by both Italian and Swiss flags. It is also a key point along the long-distance Tour Monte Rosa trail and offers a warm resting place, embodying the unique "rifugio culture" with food, drink, and a panoramic lounge overlooking the Matterhorn.