Col Mologna Piccola

This hike follows one of the most beautiful mule tracks in the Aosta Valley.
The trail has a consistent, gentle slope, making the ascent manageable with minimal effort. The builders skillfully navigated the steep and rugged terrain by creating numerous switchbacks that adapt to the landscape.
In the final section, they had to overcome a large stony area, constructing impressive retaining walls.
The col itself is a narrow notch descending into a steep ravine toward Piedicavallo in the Biella region, often shrouded in clouds during the summer.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin highway exit, turn right toward Torino. At the second roundabout, turn left toward Gressoney.
After a few hundred meters, take the road to the Lys Valley on the right, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, and Issime.
Arriving at the main village of Gaby, just before the bridge over the Niel stream, the road to Niel begins on the right.
Follow the streamside road, then cross the stream and ascend the mountainside via wide switchbacks up to Chanton.
The road then narrows, continuing to the charming village of Niel at the end of the route.

From the car park, follow the wide mule track leading to Gruba. At the junction, continue straight through the village, then descend slightly to cross the stream via a temporary bridge.
On the left begins a beautiful stone staircase, which goes up with several switchbacks to reach Alpe Pikeyra.
Continue along a forest traverse until you reach, on the left, the mule track that winds with numerous switchbacks up to the pastures above Alpe Piana.
Next, a right-hand traverse takes you across a large scree field, a section that certainly required considerable effort to construct.
Finally, tackle the steep valley where the trail has unfortunately been destroyed near the top, requiring careful passage along a narrow path.
Return along the same route.