Intermediate Aosta Trail

Leaving the high pastures around the refuge behind, this stage passes through several wild basins. It then rises towards the head of the Grauson Valley, where rocky ridges and small tarns lie beneath the long ridge surrounding Punta Tersiva (3,512 m). After crossing a high, windswept pass, the landscape changes completely. Ahead lies a broad glacial bowl, sparkling with Lago Miserin in a hollow of pale rock and grass where tonight's mountain hut awaits.

The narrow path then descends briefly, offering wide views, before gradually ascending upstream alongside the Torrent Grauson. From the Pralognan area, you hike through gently rising meadows, passing scattered stone barns. Soon, the trail steepens over rougher terrain and enters a hanging valley guarded by cliffs. A series of terraces leads past the Laghi Doreire, a series of small alpine lakes, towards the Passo dell'Invergneux (2,902 m). This rocky pass briefly takes you onto a broken plateau, which offers wide views of ridges and distant glaciers. Just beautiful! From the top, the route drops into a basin via steep gravel paths scattered with boulders, followed by gentler slopes.

Not far from Lago di Ponton, you ascend briefly to reach the Fenêtre de Champorcher (2,827 m) pass, where you can admire the Gran Paradiso while enjoying a well-deserved rest. The final downhill section begins towards the Miserin basin, where the ground softens underfoot. Once you reach the small Lago Nero, the path curves along the shoreline towards Lago del Miserin, where a small chapel and a cluster of buildings appear. The refuge is located just above, and its terrace offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. Well done, time to relax!

After tackling the major passes, this stage from the peaceful shores of Lago Miserin feels like a gentle release of breath. As the trail winds out of the basin, the small chapel and surrounding peaks gradually disappear from view. After a short ascent, you reach a wide balcony overlooking the valley. The rest of the day involves a relaxed wander downhill through open pastures and quiet side valleys, with Monte Rascias (2,783 m) and Monte Dondena (2,543 m) providing a picturesque backdrop.

First, the path circles above the lake, then it rises gently across grassy slopes towards a broad shoulder dotted with boulders next to Lago Pontonnet, passing between Lago Nero and Lago Bianco. From here, you follow old shepherd paths down in a series of zigzags, passing ruins, water channels and small streams sparkling in the sun. The descent gradually steepens, but the trail remains clear as it traverses meadows and rocky outcrops. With each bend, new views of the Champorcher Valley open up.

Lower down, the route eases into wider pastures where cows graze around weathered barns. A final contour brings you to the grassy terrace of Rifugio Dondena, which is nestled above the valley floor. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a drink, and recharge your batteries for the next day.

This stage leaves the wide pastures around the hut behind and takes you close to the area surrounding Mont Avic (3,007 m). After an easy start alongside tracks and streams, the route steepens, leading you along paths high above the valley. The higher you climb, the better the views become, with Bec Barmasse (2,302 m) and the distant Gran Paradiso group coming into view. Later in the day, the terrain softens again, leading you to your refuge on a hanging plateau dotted with dark lakes and towering peaks.

From the Dondena Hut, follow the track across the meadows and cross the stream near the majestic Chapel of Notre Dame de la Neige. The path then climbs steadily across open hillsides, passing Lago di Giasset and viewpoints overlooking the valley below, until you reach the highest point of the day at 2,378 m. Following the Giro dei Laghi track, you descend undulating terrain, passing multiple lakes, old stone ruins, and mountain torrents. Lago di Vernouille marks the beginning of a flat stretch until Lago Muffé, next to the Giardino del Cielo e del Tempo. This is the perfect place to relax and learn more about the Parco Naturale del Mont Avic.

The trail towards Barbustel steepens higher up, zigzagging as it gains altitude towards Colle del Lac Blanc (2,280 m), a rocky ridge with expansive vistas. Beyond the high point, the route descends briefly across gentle ridges with scattered boulders and isolated pines to a hut surrounded by a chain of alpine lakes, where pools of pale and dark water lie between granite slabs. Perched on a rise above the lakes, you can watch the evening light drift over Monte Avic.

This stage takes you out of the tranquil lakeside basin of the Mont Avic highlands and back down into the valley. The day begins amid larches, dark water and pale granite, gradually swapping rock for forest and pasture. As you descend, the wild ridges recede behind you, revealing the Aosta Valley below. By the time you reach the road, peaks and passes will have been replaced by church towers and vineyards.

From the hut, the path first contours Lago Vallette before turning into a steady descent. It drops through larch and spruce forests, passing viewpoints overlooking Lago diReader and a wooden walkway crossing a marshy area. Further down, you wind your way between clearings, crossing small streams and passing through deep woods, leaving Monte Avic behind you. A series of zigzags then leads you down to the lower forest and the first stone houses of the valley.

Near the bottom, the trail joins a quiet lane passing barns, chapels, and clusters of houses. As you approach the main road, the sound of traffic replaces the sound of rushing water. A short walk will bring you to the bus stop, where you can rest and admire the view of the high ridges until the bus arrives. Time to plan your next adventure?