Barbustel Refuge

Although located in the municipality of Champdepraz, Barbustel Refuge is one of the classic routes starting from Champorcher.
Halfway up the trail, you’ll reach Lake Muffé, near which the refuge offers a refreshment point—perfect for a coffee break. Just a few meters away is the “Garden of Sky and Time,” a fascinating spot worth visiting.
From the White Lake Pass, the trail enters the upper part of the valley, offering distant views of the entire Monte Rosa range. Below the refuge, you’ll find four lakes—Vallette, Bianco, Nero, and Cornuto—evoking a Canadian-like landscape with stunning scenery.
A stop at the refuge is recommended to enjoy their traditional polenta.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left toward Aosta. At the roundabout, continue left, still heading for Aosta.
Pass through Donnas and reach Bard. After the town, at the roundabout, turn left toward Champorcher. Drive through Hône and enter the Champorcher Valley. Continue past Pontboset toward Champorcher.
At the end of the town, turn right toward Dondena and follow the road uphill along the mountain slopes until reaching Grand Mont Blanc and then Petit Mont Blanc. Pass the first car park and continue to the main car park from which the trail to Barbustel Refuge begins.

From the car park, follow the steep mule track leading toward Alpe Cort. Cross the stream and continue alongside it until you reach a beautiful basin, which you bypass on the left to arrive at the Muffé Lake and refreshment point (a short walk to the left brings you to the "Garden of Sky and Time").
The route then becomes gentler, with a final slightly steeper section leading to the Colle del Lago Bianco. From the pass, descend a stony small valley; at one point, the entire Monte Rosa range unfolds against the sky. Shortly after, you reach the Barbustel Refuge.
From the refuge, descend to the small bridge between Lago Bianco and Lago Nero, then ascend slightly to get a clear view of Lago Cornuto from above. The return follows the same route.