Many high-altitude trails in the Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta mountqains are served by the Monterosa Ski lifts which is open.until September.
Access to the mountain range is from three Italian valleys
Access to the mountain range is possible from three Italian valleys: the Val d'Ayas and Valle di Gressoney in Valle d'Aosta, and the Valsesia, in Piedmont, offering beginners, outdoor sports enthusiasts and experienced trekkers routes suitable for all levels.
Half-price weekly passes for the ski lifts
Happy Trekking Monterosa is the half-price weekly pass that allows those who stay for a minimum of 6 nights at one of the affiliated accommodation facilities in the Ayas and Gressoney valleys to take advantage of a 50% discount on the purchase of the weekly pass for the ski lifts in the area. The offer is valid until 14 September and is equivalent to: € 60.00 for the weekly Monterosa Ski pass, without access to the Indren lift, and € 88.00 for the weekly Monterosa Ski pass with the Indren lift included.
The trail is particularly picturesque in summer
The Corno del Camoscio Botanical Trail is an easy 2.3-kilometre trail with an uphill difference in altitude of 53 metres and a duration of two hours. The start is from the Passo dei Salati, at an altitude of 2,936 metres, which can be reached via the ski lifts of Alagna and Gressoney-La-Trinité. The initial part of the route takes you to the summit of the Corno del Camoscio (3,026 metres), while continuing towards the Col d'Olen you come to the Angelo Mosso Research Institute, where there are free guided tours. Along the way, from the end of June to the end of August, one can admire the flowering of numerous species, which can be identified with the help of the cards placed along the path.
A historical valley with the Savoy Castle
The Valley of the Princes is a 7.8-kilometre route of intermediate difficulty starting from an altitude of 1401 meters and with an ascent of 766 metres that takes about 4 hours.The Gressoney valley was one of the favourite destinations of the Italian Royal Household between the 19th and 20th centuries and in particular of Queen Margherita, who had her summer residence, the Savoy Castle, built here, which can be visited today.
An intermediate route for trained trekkers
The Lakes and Colle Pinter is another intermediate route. With an altitude difference of 788 metres and a length of 9.3 kilometres for a 4-hour trek, the trail requires a minimum of training, as there are some steep sections and a short passage equipped with steps and ropes. Starting from the arrival point of the Champoluc-Crest cable car (1,935 metres), the route climbs up the Vallone di Cunéaz to the Piano dei Laghi to the Colle Pinter at 2,777 metres. The descent can continue towards the Gressoney Valley, arriving at the Alpenzu Grande refuge, one of the refuges that is part of the Tour des Six circuit.
Magnificent views from the summit
The ascent to Mount Zerbion is a route suitable for experienced trekkers. It is some 9 kilometres long and can be covered in about 5 hours, with an altitude difference of 824 metres to reach an altitude of 2772 metres. The Zerbion is the peak that separates Saint-Vincent and Ayas. There are several ascent routes, but the most common is the one that starts from Barmasc. At the summit the mountain's privileged position allows a 360° view that includes all the great massifs of the region, from Mount Rosa to Mount Cervino and Mont Blanc. For information: www.visitmonterosa.com
