Alpenzu and Col Pinter

A very popular route, as it follows part of the Alta Via No. 1 and the Tor des Géants.
In less than an hour, you reach the village of Alpenzu Grande, one of the most beautiful in the Aosta Valley. Its position overlooking the central valley and the quality of its buildings make it truly unique.
The second part of the route crosses pastures, offering a splendid view of Monte Rosa.
The first section up to the refuge is certainly the most frequented.
Near the col, in addition to meeting hikers coming from the Val d’Ayas, it is often possible to spot ibex.
If you start early, it is possible to have lunch at the refuge on the return.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left following the signs for Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred metres before turning right into the Lys Valley, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, Issime, and Gaby.
Continue until you reach Gressoney-Saint-Jean. Cross the bridge over the Lys stream and continue across the large plain until reaching the hamlet of Schmettò, where the car park is on the left.

From the car park, take the wide mule track that leads to Alpenzu Grande.
The slope is very steep, but the mule track ascends it with broad switchbacks. Along the way, you pass some monumental larches and, with a right-hand traverse, reach the stunning village of Alpenzu Grande, its chapel standing prominently against the sky.
From the village, continue across wide pastures until you reach the huts of Montil, where the steep ascent of a gully begins.
Emerging from the forest, follow a right-hand hike, from where the broad valley leading to Col Pinter is clearly visible.
Climb the valley to reach the Pinter hut and, with the final strenuous section, the Col Pinter.
It is also possible to descend in around ten minutes to the Pinter lakes.
The return is along the same route.