Valgrisenche: Trails, mountain nature and culture

Valgrisenche offers plenty of ways to plan a trip that combines mountain scenery, outdoor activities and local culture. You can include hiking trails and winter activities in your plans, as well as natural sites and historical landmarks.

Mountain lakes, meadows and peaks

Lago di San Grato is the largest natural lake in the Valgrisenche Valley. It lies in the mountains at the foot of the Rutor. The valley’s scenery also includes waterfalls, alpine lakes, expansive meadows and rugged peaks. Cascata di Chatelet is set amid high-altitude green meadows near Usellières. These places showcase a range of natural landscapes, from a mountain lake to a waterfall among the meadows.

The Diga di Beauregard also shapes the landscape. Built in 1954, it was given a new form after work to lower the water level, blending well with its surroundings. If you are interested in the history of the reservoir, consider the Percorso Beauregard: it connects Mondanges and Usellières along the reservoir and offers views of the remains of some flooded villages.

Trails and activities in the valley

The “sentier d’antan” No. 22 trail network runs along the valley floor and connects the hamlets of the municipality of Valgrisenche. Another route starts in Planaval on the valley floor and leads to Capoluogo, then climbs to the Rifugio Chalet de l’Epée and crosses the Col Fenêtre into the Val di Rhemes. These two descriptions offer different perspectives on hiking: one trail between hamlets, and another route that climbs from the valley floor to higher ground and crosses a mountain pass.

For climbers, Valgrisenche has more than 15 climbing areas, with over 250 equipped routes of all difficulty levels stretching from the entrance at Arvier to the end of the valley. Ski mountaineering options include tours for experienced ski mountaineers, as well as easier outings for those who want to try the sport in a safe setting. The most popular snowshoe trails lead to Verconey and Arp Vieille. Equipment can be rented at the ski-lift base station or in the shop in Capoluogo; check current conditions before heading out on a winter tour.

Winter scenery and seasonal activities

The cross-country ski trails run between Darbelley and Mondanges, follow the Dora and pass east of Capoluogo through a natural landscape of larch and fir trees. Valgrisenche’s snow park is located at the foot of the slopes. One slope is reserved exclusively for beginner skiers and snowboarders; another is also open to sleds, bobsleds and monoski bikes. Winter sports activities may vary by season.

Crafts, history and local traditions

Weaving “Drap” is a traditional Valgrisenche craft. Sheep’s wool is processed on old maple-wood looms. At the cooperative’s headquarters in the Capoluogo hamlet, you can learn about the history of this textile and visit the exhibition “Lo drap – L’anima tessile di una comunità.” Confirm visiting arrangements in advance. The Fontina cheese aging cellar, carved into the rock, is also located above Capoluogo.

The Centro di documentazione sulla Resistenza features a multimedia exhibition of photographs and documents exploring the historical significance of the Col du Mont as a pass between Valgrisenche and the French Tarentaise. The annual gatherings at Col du Mont also celebrate this cross-border connection: every July, the Valgrisenche community and the French community of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise meet there at 2,639 m to celebrate their centuries-old friendship. Every year on August 5, the Festa della Madonna delle Nevi features a procession to Lago di San Grato.

If you are traveling by bus, Valgrisenche can be reached from Villeneuve on the “Villeneuve-Valgrisenche” route. Check the current timetable before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Saint Jacques, Avise, Bionaz, Verrand, Arvier, Valpelline, Gaby, La Thuile.

For the regional travel overview: Aosta Valley.