In the heart of the Alpine valleys of northern Italy, between flower-filled meadows and vertiginous peaks, three hikes offer mountain lovers a rare immersion in local culture, striking landscapes and thrilling sensations. Whether you're going as a family, with friends or on your own, these itineraries invite you to slow down, contemplate and experience the mountains in a different way.
From Vetan to Mont Fallère: the most poetic of hikes
In Vetan, a small, peaceful hamlet perched high above Aosta, the path leading up to Mont Fallère (2,385 m) offers a whimsical backdrop.
With a two-hour walk (613 m elevation gain), this family hike has a special feature that sets it apart from the rest: more than 400 wooden sculptures scattered along the way surprise walkers at every turn.
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Life-size wild animals, figures in action, pastoral scenes... This dreamlike bestiary is the work of Siro Vierin, a self-taught sculptor and builder of the Mont Fallère refuge at the top of the walk.
Arrival is greeted by a generous mountain breakfast: salsiccia, fontina polenta and other Valle d'Aostan delights are served on the sunny terrace. The simple but welcoming refuge also has dormitories to extend the experience until dawn, when the peaks of Gran Paradiso are ablaze.
Practical info : Refuge open from June to September - Overnight half-board from €70.
From Rey to Champillon: the most pastoral
More physically demanding, this hike from the hamlet of Rey (Ollomont) takes four hours and 1,000 metres of ascent to the Champillon Adolphe-Letey hut (2,465 m).
As you make your way along the path, you'll come across a succession of atmospheres: coniferous forests, lush green mountain pastures, isolated chapels and open views of the Grand Combin massif and neighbouring valleys.
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Arriving at the refuge is a reward in itself: a warm welcome, local produce, a sauna with views of the peaks, and even a yurt dedicated to yoga and massages.
At sunrise, the most motivated continue on to the Col de Champillon (2,708 m) for a spectacular panorama of the 4,000-metre peaks: Mont Blanc, Mont Rose, Matterhorn...
Practical info : Refuge open from mid-June to the end of October - Overnight half-board from €60.
From Courmayeur to the Torino refuge: the highest, but the most accessible
You don't need crampons to sleep at an altitude of 3,375 m. From Courmayeur, the Skyway Monte Bianco - a state-of-the-art rotating cable car - takes you to the Helbronner peak (3,466 m) in less than 20 minutes.
From here, two lifts and a tunnel cut into the rock lead to the Torino refuge, perched on the edge of the sky.
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Here, the high mountains are available to as many people as possible. Breathtaking views of the Italian slopes of Mont Blanc, rooms with a view (including the famous number 31), an alpine atmosphere and sunrise over the glaciers: the experience is unforgettable, even without crampons.
For the more experienced, a traverse to the Aiguille du Midi is available with a guide.
Practical info : Refuge open from 29 May - Night in dormitory from €65 / Double room: €250. Skyway access Monte Bianco: €58 return.
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