Alpe Simulettu

A beautiful hike in the San Grato valley, divided into two sections: the first on a very popular trail, the second ascending to Alpe Simulettu, where hikers are rarely found.
At Stubbi, you can admire the remains of the oven and mill, excellent examples of Walser culture.
The final ascent is steep, but it leads to the upper basin, where a lovely small lake is found (which may dry up at the end of the season) and a small alpine pasture surrounded by greenery.
The return follows the valley floor, along another lesser-known path.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left towards Gressoney.
The road climbs a few hundred meters before turning right into the Lys Valley road, passing through the villages of Lillianes and Fontainemore.
Continue to the center of Issime, then take the road on the left that climbs to San Grato.
Follow it along steep hairpin bends until reaching the no-entry sign (the next section is accessible only with a permit); on the left, a small clearing offers a place to park.

From the car, continue along the rural road to the ridge, where the trail begins to climb on the right.
Ascend the steep ridge, passing by several beautiful stone houses, until exiting the forest.
The San Grato Chapel now comes into view, reached by a final stretch across the meadows (note on the right the finely carved white stone windows of the Holscher house).
From the chapel, the slope eases as you climb the center of the valley, passing near the old oven-spring and some charming buildings.
Continue through the forest, and after crossing a small stream on two stone slabs, you will see just below the trail the remains of the mill.
A short distance further, the remains of the oven can also be seen below the trail.
After visiting the oven, backtrack a little, leave the main trail, and descend along a faint path passing near the mill until reaching the stream.
Cross the small bridge and ascend to the beautiful Undre Buadma house.
Pass to the right of the house, then climb steeply through the forest to reach the Pian huts.
Continue steeply until exiting the forest, where a small pond is located on the left, slightly below the trail. Follow it on the right and take a small path through the scree leading to the Simulettu hut.
After a break, climb briefly along a faint trail, then traverse high to the right above the large scree slope and descend along an almost invisible path to the pond area, or, after the hut, cross the flat section and descend a little further (this section requires good hiking skills).
If the grass is tall, it is recommended to return via the same route.
Descend now along the ascent trail to the Undre Buadma house.
Take the trail on the right that leads down to the valley floor.
At one point, looking left, you can see the remains of another mill near a small bridge, reachable via a short detour.
Return to the trail and continue descending until reaching a bridge that crosses the stream, then climb along the hillside to reach the houses of Bech, where the rural road is found again, following it back to the car.