Alpe Leretta

This is a hike, mostly through the forest, well marked and almost always tracked.
The ascent takes place in a beautiful fir and larch forest, while the descent follows a country road, normally well packed and therefore very easy to walk. The lower section is in the shade of the forest, while the upper area is sunny with excellent panoramic views.
Optionally, it is possible to continue to Punta Leretta, where a steep traverse near the top must be approached with care. In some sections, the trail follows the cross-country ski track, so stay to the side to avoid damaging it.
Up-to-date snow conditions can sometimes be found at www.gulliver.it. At the Coumarial mountain hut, it is possible to rent snowshoes.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left in the direction of Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred metres, then take the Lys Valley road on the right and follow it to Fontainemore.
Pass through the village centre and continue for less than two kilometres, where you will find the signs for Coumarial on the right. Follow this road to its end at the large car park.

From the Coumarial car park, follow the country road, passing two hairpin bends until you reach a fork. Continue straight ahead (the other road will be used for the return).
At the first curve, leave the road and begin ascending through the forest. Follow the trail marked 2D, which climbs through sections of steep fir and larch woodland until emerging into the beautiful clearing of Alpe Creux.
From here, cross to the right to reach the farm road. Follow it to the right on level ground, then ascend to a fork. Cross the road and, with a gentle climb through the clearing, reach Alpe Leretta.
Optionally, you can continue beyond the alpine pasture, climbing through the forest. A final steep traverse, to be undertaken with care, leads to Punta Leretta (approximately 40 minutes of ascent).
Alternatively, a level route of about 15 minutes along the road leads to the Gouillas houses.
After a traditional lunch break near the alpine pasture, descend steeply along the ridge until you reach the road. Follow the road to the left, partly through the forest and partly across open slopes, until you reach the fork with the road travelled in the morning, and shortly after, the car park.