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Giro di Bionaz - 50Km Trek
Located deep in the Aosta Valley, near the border between Italy and Switzerland, the small village of Bionaz invites us to enjoy hundreds of mountain trails with the typical landscapes of the Alps.
The Giro di Bionaz is a fascinating 50-kilometer journey that starts from the small village of Bionaz. To reach this point by vehicle, it is recommended to take the E-35 route that leads to the charming town of Aosta. From there, continue along route SS27 north to Varney Chez Roncoz, where you will take the detour northeast towards Valpelline.
Following this picturesque road, you will immerse yourself in landscapes of indescribable beauty until you reach the enormous dam with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Here is where you can park your vehicle and embark on the exciting hike.
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| Place Moulin Dam |
There is also the option to access the location by public transport, taking a bus from the Aosta bus station to the charming village of Bionaz. Although the bus does not go beyond this point, you can start your hike right here, along the route, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes offered by the picturesque villages of the Italian Alps until you reach the dam and spend the night at the Parayer shelter.
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| Route from Bionaz to Place Moulin Dam |
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| Col Valcoumera view |
In winter conditions, it is essential to have the appropriate equipment and knowledge of its use in snowy terrain, especially due to the steep slope of the mountainside. If the snow is very compact, progress can become dangerous, so it is recommended to take extra precautions.
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| Safety elements for progression on snowy terrain |
Upon reaching the top of Col Valcoumera, the impressive view of the Perucca Vuillermoz shelter will unfold before you. Most of the shelters along this route offer free access and are equipped with beds, tables, kitchen utensils, gas, and stoves. However, during the summer season, they are often crowded with travelers, so it is always advisable to be self-sufficient.
Although it is possible to spend the night at the Perucca Vuillermoz shelter, if you still have energy, it is recommended to continue along the trail to a smaller shelter known as Bivacco Rivolta, located on the edge of Col Fort, between the majestic mountains of Becca de Salé and Pointe du Tzan. Despite its smaller size, this shelter offers the same amenities as the one mentioned above, and the views from here are truly breathtaking. From this point, to the north, you can admire the imposing south face of the Matterhorn.
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| Bivacco Rivolta |
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| View of the south face of Mount Matterhorn |
At dawn the next day, it is crucial to start our hike early. We will follow the trail heading south and pass a set of abandoned cabins known as Grand Raye - Grand Drayre. From here, we will turn west, leaving a small glacial lake called Lac de Tzan to our left. South of the lake, we will find the Tzan shelter, where we can spend the night if we feel too tired. However, I recommend continuing to the Luca Reboulaz shelter, which will allow us to make the most of the day and cover a greater distance.
Making the most of daylight will give us the opportunity to explore this beautiful region more deeply and fully enjoy the experience.
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| Grand Raye - Grand Drayre |
From the Luca Reboulaz shelter, our path unfolds to the south, leading us to cross the Terray Col. During this stretch, we will have the opportunity to visit the Oratory di Cuney shelter, where there is a small Christian chapel that deserves to be admired for its beauty and historical significance.
Continuing our route to the south and then to the west, we will face the Chaleby Col. Once we have overcome this obstacle, we will continue west, maintaining an altitude of around 2600 meters, skirting the slope of Mont Pisonet. Finally, we will arrive at the Rosaire et Clermont shelter, where we can spend the last night of this journey and rest after a challenging day.
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| Chaleby Col milestone |
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| Rosaire et Clermont shelter |
Once again, at dawn the next day, we will head north, following the trail that will take us through the Vessonas Col. Here we will begin the descent to the picturesque village of Oyace, where we will have the option to stay in a cozy inn or take the bus back to Aosta along the route.
This 10-kilometer stretch involves a descent of 1500 meters in negative elevation. The trail is in excellent condition, which will facilitate our journey, and the landscapes that will accompany us along the way are simply wonderful.
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| Oyance Village view |
Recommendations:
To ensure our safety and success on this journey, it is crucial to consider certain factors. The choice of season will determine the technical equipment we need to carry. In summer, we can do without gear for snowy terrain, but it will be essential to have a tent and be self-sufficient with food, as we cannot guarantee a place in the shelters during this time.
In winter, it is essential to carry and know how to use the appropriate equipment for snowy terrain. Although there is minimal attendance in this season, we cannot guarantee the opening of the shelters, as Mountain Clubs may close them for safety reasons. Nor can we be sure that the gas cylinders in the shelters are full. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the Italian Alpine Club to verify this information before the trip.
Contact Italian Alpine Club:
Transport:
Some parking areas near the dam are free of charge, allowing for unlimited parking time. However, there are other parking lots where a daily fee is required. It is recommended to verify this information to avoid surprises.
Public transportation along the route to Bionaz operates regularly on weekdays but has limited service on weekends and holidays.
Public transport schedule
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