Bocchetta di Eclou

A very steep and rarely traveled ascent that follows a small valley leading into Val d’Ayas.
Recommended for well-trained hikers accustomed to wild, rugged trails.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right toward Torino. At the second roundabout, turn left toward Gressoney.
After a few hundred meters, take the road on the right leading into the Lys Valley, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, Issime, and Gaby. Continue until reaching Gressoney-Saint-Jean, cross the bridge over the Lys stream, and immediately afterward, turn left to park near the Melié houses.

From the starting point, take the trail on the right that runs alongside the stream and leads to the Sentiero della Regina. Cross the stream on the small footbridge, then immediately turn left to begin the ascent.
The path climbs through a steep larch forest until reaching the Roncké hut, where it intersects with the Walser trail. The trail then enters a steep valley, passing the Staller alpine pasture on the left, before rising on the right along a branching path.
Follow this path to reach the Gruebe alpine pasture and continue through a very steep final section to the Bocchetta di Estoul, which overlooks the namesake valley and its lakes.
The descent follows the same route.