This hike will allow you to explore the lower region of the Mont Avic Park, on the Champorcher side, encountering various wetlands and incredibly beautiful lakes. You will admire the crystal-clear waters of several lakes including: Lake Muffé, Lake Vernoille, Lake Raty/Raté, Lake Giasset, and various wetlands. The flora and fauna you may encounter are also quite diverse. You will traverse different alpine pastures, forests, and high-altitude clearings. The hike deviates from the more touristy paths to reveal a wilder part of the park. We offer two versions of the hike with different difficulty levels, both of which are magnificent from a scenic perspective. These locations, away from mass tourism, offer a unique experience with nature and the valley's territory. The places you will visit also have historical interest, representing the perfect depiction of alpine pastures where the Valdostan cows graze in the summer. During the hike, take a moment to reflect on the hard life of the past, when summer was dedicated to mountain farming.
First Segment: Remoran – Lake Raty (Trail n° 10/10C, 9C or VA)
After leaving the car, take Trail n° 10, which ascends through forests and clearings until you reach the area of Lake Muffé, where it is advisable to take a break at the Bar ristoro Lago Muffé. Then, find Trail n° 9C to the left of the Bar ristoro Lago Muffé (junction at about 2075 m a.s.l.) and follow it to Lake Vernoille (2145 m a.s.l.). This section traverses several alpine pastures at mid-altitude and passes near an abandoned ruin until reaching Lake Vernoille. From Lake Vernoille, continue on Trail n° 9C to a saddle at about 2274 m a.s.l., where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Champorcher Valley. Descend along the slope to a plain where the old Raty pastures are located. Pass by a small lake and near the newly constructed pasture. From here, descend along the slope in the valley (without climbing) until crossing a small stream at about 2240 m a.s.l. (avoid Trail n° 9A that descends to the left, which you will need to take later). Continue on Trail n° 9C to Lake Raty (2284 m a.s.l.), where it is advisable to take a break by the dark blue waters.
Second Segment: Lake Raty – Remoran (Trail n° 9A and 9B)
After a well-deserved break, retrace your steps to the junction between Trail 9C and Trail n° 9A near the stream (at about 2240 m a.s.l.). Take Trail n° 9A which descends towards Chapy and will lead you to the Dondena dirt road. This beautiful section of the trail descends gently into the valley through alpine pastures. The trail then crosses the Raty stream and passes by the Chapy pastures, making several switchbacks and traversing a sparse larch forest and a green clearing. From the pastures, find the dirt road and follow it to the Dondena dirt road, which will take you back to the parking lot.
