The best walks and hikes in the Aosta Valley

Embark on an easy hike to Lake d’Arpy, a rewarding journey through silent woods and alpine meadows in Italy's Aosta Valley. This 3.6-mile (5.9 km) route, with a gentle 404 feet (123 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. Much of the path winds through a cool, shady coniferous forest, offering a pleasant experience even on warmer days. When you reach Lake d’Arpy, you'll be greeted by a spectacular panoramic view, with the lake's clear waters reflecting the majestic Grandes Jorasses, part of the Mont Blanc massif.

To start your hike, head to Colle San Carlo, typically near the Hotel Genzianella, which is easily accessible by car from towns like Morgex and Courmayeur. The trail is suitable for families and offers a pleasant outing in any season. For the best photographic opportunities of the mountain reflections, consider an early morning start when the lake waters are calm. While beautiful year-round, autumn brings vibrant foliage, and winter transforms the area into a popular spot for snowshoeing. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during summer months, as you are in an alpine environment.

Lake d’Arpy is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 2,066 meters (6,778 feet), nestled between peaks such as Mont Charvet and Mont Cormet. Its unique colors, ranging from brown to light blue to green, are home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. A small wooden bridge allows you to walk around the entire lake, and a small waterfall can be found further along the trail. This destination is also a popular picnic spot and can serve as a starting point for more challenging hikes to locations like Colle della Croce, offering even more expansive views.

Embark on the difficult Climb to Lake Loie passing through Lillaz Waterfalls - Ring tour, a challenging 7.6-mile (12.3 km) hike in Gran Paradiso National Park. This loop typically takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete, involving a significant 2539 feet (774 metres) of elevation gain. You will traverse varied terrain, starting with an easy walk near a river before ascending through beautiful larch and pine forests, rocky sections, and open alpine meadows. The route offers impressive views of the three-tiered Lillaz Waterfalls, plunging 150 meters, and the tranquil, crystal-clear Lake Loie. Expect magnificent panoramic vistas of the Bardoney and Cogne Valleys, and even the majestic Mont Blanc and Mount Nery.

This demanding footpath requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and some alpine experience. The ascent is long, and descents can be steep and potentially slippery after rain. For a gentler climb and better sun exposure, consider hiking the loop clockwise. However, undertaking the tour counterclockwise is recommended to avoid a particularly challenging downhill section through the woods leading to the waterfall.

Located within the renowned Gran Paradiso National Park, this trail showcases diverse ecosystems, from coniferous forests to high-altitude alpine pastures. The park is famous for its wildlife, and you have a good chance of spotting marmots, chamois, and ibexes, especially in the Bardoney Valley and near Lake Loie. In early summer, the alpine pastures near Alpe Bardoney burst with vibrant alpine flora. The route also passes by the ruins of Alpe Loie, adding a touch of historical interest to your journey.

The Lago Arpy and Punta della Croce trail offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with an elevation gain of 1651 feet (503 metres), typically taking about 4 hours and 13 minutes. Your journey begins on a wide dirt track through a dense fir and larch forest, providing a shaded and tranquil path to Lago Arpy. This beautiful lake, nestled at 2,066 meters, reflects surrounding peaks like Mont Colmet and even the Grandes Jorasses. Beyond the lake, the path becomes more challenging, traversing alpine meadows dotted with bilberry and rhododendron bushes as you ascend towards Punta della Croce.

While the initial segment to Lago Arpy is considered easy and suitable for families, the full route to Punta della Croce requires good fitness and sure-footedness. The trail is accessible and recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Aosta Valley. You can enjoy the cool forest shade in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, or even snowshoeing in winter, making it a year-round destination. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the diverse scenery and panoramic views.

This trail is notable for its spectacular panoramas from Punta della Croce, offering expansive views of the Mont Blanc Massif, including its summit and the Grand Jorasses. You will also find historical elements, such as old trenches, adding another layer to the natural landscape. Lago Arpy itself is ecologically significant, home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. The accessibility of the lake makes it a great option for a leisurely family walk, even if you choose not to complete the full ascent to Punta della Croce.

Embark on the Trail to Montcorvé Lakes, a moderate hike covering 4.8 miles (7.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1632 feet (497 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The path winds through beautiful larch forests, offering scenic views of the Aosta Valley within Gran Paradiso National Park. Eventually, the trail opens into a wide green glade where you will find the historic Rifugio Tètras Lyre, a long stone hut situated at about 2000 meters above sea level. Informative signposts guide your way, and benches provide spots to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

To begin your hike, the trailhead is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from Pont Valsavarenche square. You will likely find parking available in this area. The Rifugio Tètras Lyre serves as a popular hub for climbers exploring Gran Paradiso and offers amenities, including a restaurant known for its risotto and other local specialties. Consider planning your visit to enjoy a meal or a break at the rifugio.

This route offers a rewarding experience within the stunning Gran Paradiso National Park. The historic Rifugio Tètras Lyre is not just a landmark; it is a vibrant gathering point for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Aosta Valley, combining forest paths with open glades and mountain views.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Col de la Croix historic trail, a 6.9-mile (11.0 km) route that winds through the stunning alpine landscapes of the Aosta Valley. This journey involves an elevation gain of 1368 feet (417 metres) and typically takes about 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete. You'll traverse a varied terrain of alpine paths and natural ground, leading you steadily upwards. As you hike, you'll be treated to captivating views, including glimpses of the emerald Lago d'Arpy sparkling in the valley below. The experience combines the tranquility of mountain scenery with a tangible sense of the past.

To begin your adventure, head to Col Saint Charles, located on the road connecting Morgex to La Thuile. You can find parking near Hotel Genzianella, which is a convenient starting point for the route. The trail is well-marked with yellow CAI symbols, ensuring clear navigation throughout your hike. Always check local conditions before you go, especially regarding weather and potential seasonal access changes in this alpine region.

This route is more than just a scenic walk; it's a journey through Alpine military history. As you ascend towards Col de la Croix, you'll encounter interesting ruins and a long defensive wall that once protected against French invasions centuries ago. These fortifications and trenches were built during the 17th-18th centuries and were even used again during the Second World War. The trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with the historical significance of the Aosta Valley.

Embark on the Aosta Valley High Route 2 - Stage 9, a challenging hike that takes you deep into the Gran Paradiso National Park. This difficult route covers 9.6 miles (15.4 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 3257 feet (993 metres), requiring about 6 hours and 47 minutes to complete. As you traverse diverse terrain, from marked alpine paths to grassy areas and rocky sections, you'll be treated to picturesque views of larch forests and glacial cirques, offering a true immersion in nature.

To prepare for this demanding stage, ensure you have good physical fitness and sure-footedness, as the varied terrain includes descents from the refuge to the valley. While the paths are mostly accessible, the overall difficulty means you should plan your start time carefully to allow ample daylight. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially concerning weather and trail accessibility in alpine environments.

This stage is particularly notable for its rich wildlife; keep an eye out for chamois and ibex, especially around the areas highlighted for their presence within Gran Paradiso National Park. The route provides a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Aosta Valley's high alpine landscape, making it a memorable part of the Alta Via 2.

Embark on a moderate hike to Rifugio Elisabetta in Val Veny, a journey spanning 8.1 miles (13.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1891 feet (576 metres), typically completed in 4 hours and 25 minutes. The trail begins on a paved road, transitioning to a wide path before becoming stony as you ascend. You will traverse varied surfaces, including asphalt, gravel, and alpine terrain, passing through ancient moraine and expansive meadows. Along the way, enjoy panoramic vistas of majestic mountains and glaciers, including Mont Blanc, Aiguille des Glaciers, and Tré-la-Tête, with Lake Combal as a notable feature.

This moderate climb requires a good level of fitness and sure-footedness. The initial part of the hike can be relatively flat for about an hour and a half before the main ascent begins. While there are options for shortcuts on some hairpin bends, these may not be suitable if you have mobility issues. Prepare for a diverse landscape that shifts from green valleys dotted with alpine wildflowers to jagged peaks and ice.

The route is a key segment of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and the Alta Via 2 of the Aosta Valley. Rifugio Elisabetta itself is a typical Italian mountain refuge nestled at the base of the Mont Blanc glacier, offering exceptional views down Val Veny. Keep an eye out for alpine wildlife like ibex and unique geological formations such as the Pyramides Calcaires as you experience the dramatic changes in scenery, from lush valleys to impressive glaciers like the Miage Glacier.

Embark on the Rifugio Bonatti Loop from Lavachey, a moderate hiking route that takes you through fragrant larch and pine forests before opening up to vibrant high alpine meadows. You will gain 1328 feet (405 metres) in elevation over 4.1 miles (6.6 km), with continuous, sweeping vistas of the Mont Blanc massif, including the impressive Grandes Jorasses. This rewarding alpine adventure typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, note that starting points for routes to Rifugio Walter Bonatti, including this loop, are generally accessible. You can often reach the trailheads by public transport or find nearby parking areas. This moderate hike requires good fitness and sure-footedness, so come prepared for the terrain.

The iconic Walter Bonatti Hut itself sits on a balcony, offering unparalleled panoramas over the Val Ferret. As you hike, you will enjoy picturesque views of the valley, with tranquil mountain streams flowing along the way. This loop provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Italian Mont Blanc massif.