Champorcher – Crest

This stage follows a particularly wild and remote route.
The Valle dell’Alleigne is a valley of great natural beauty with impressive length and development.
The upper section of the trail at Col Fricolla, both ascending and descending, is quite challenging.
The village of Crest Dessus, where the dortoir is located, sits on a pleasant hill overlooking the lower Champorcher valley. The village is worth a thorough visit to admire the architectural details of the various buildings.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left toward Aosta. At the roundabout, continue to the left, still heading toward Aosta.
Continue past Donnas and reach Bard. After the village, at the roundabout, turn left toward Champorcher. Pass through the village of Hône and enter the Val di Champorcher. Continue past Pontboset toward Champorcher. Near the end of the village, the car park is on the left.
From the Verrès motorway exit, turn right toward Turin, pass Arnad, and at the roundabout, turn right toward Champorcher.

From Château, retrace your steps until you cross the bridge, then continue on the left side. Shortly after, you reach a junction: the old route went straight ahead, but it is currently closed, so you must descend along the ravine itinerary.
Descend through the steep small valley, then follow the stream to reach the main road, which you follow to the right until almost reaching the chapel of Outre l’Ève. Turn right onto the beautiful mule track of the Valle dell’Alleigne, which climbs into the valley.
After about fifteen minutes, on the left side of the trail, you can see a monumental ash tree. Continue until the beginning of the Ourty plateau, where the path levels out. Cross the stream via two small footbridges, continue on the opposite side, and reach the Piano di Sant’Antonio.
Continue along the path, always on the left side of the stream, before beginning a climb. The trail becomes less marked and follows the steep valley leading to Col Fricolla.
From the pass, descend to the left, cross a rocky slope, and reach the ruins of Alpe Breuil, then continue descending steeply to the charming village of Brengole d’Arby, which is worth a short detour.
Continue high above the valley floor, passing under a tall rocky wall from which water often flows, and arrive at the junction leading to Crest Dessus, which can be reached in a few minutes.