Col Ranzola

This circular route takes you to Col Ranzola, which overlooks the Ayas Valley.
At the pass, a plaque commemorates the visit of the Russian writer Tolstoy.
The pass is popular both from the Gressoney side—often accessed via the Weissmatten chairlift—and from Brusson, starting above Estoul.
The descent begins on a lesser-known path, which is steep in some sections, and then returns along the historic Walser trail.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right toward Torino. At the second roundabout, take a left toward Gressoney.
After a few hundred meters, turn right onto the road of the Lys Valley, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, Issime, and Gaby.
Continue until you reach Valdobbia, then turn left toward Castel Savoia.
Pass the car park and continue along the steep wooded slope. Near the end, at a left-hand hairpin bend, park along the widened area.

From the hairpin bend, follow the trail that crosses the grassy side valley, then climb to the left, passing by two beautiful wooden chalets with views of Monte Rosa.
Continue along a rural track, cross the downhill ski slope, and enter the forest.
Climb for a short section to reach the ski run, then cross to the right to reach the top station of the Weissmatten lift, with its small artificial lake and the Mollino refuge, where it is possible to stop for lunch on the return.
Continue along the now wider and more frequented trail that leads to Col Ranzola. Reach the Alpe di Prà Bianco (or Wissomattò), turn sharply to the right, and follow a traverse to reach the ridge.
Follow the ridge for a stretch, then begin a steep right-hand traverse downhill. Although the path is wide, it crosses very steep slopes, with fixed ropes in some sections for added safety.
This leads to a small basin with a pond (sometimes dry), and after a final flat traverse, you reach Col Ranzola.
After a well-deserved break at the pass, descend toward the ruins of a small barracks, passing them on the left.
The trail continues with ups and downs across rocky terrain before a steep descent to Bojonel, where it meets the Walser trail.
Follow it to the right; the path descends, crosses the valley, then climbs under the Ondrò Ranzola hut.
Continue along the Walser trail with a gentle descent until reaching the main path that leads to Col Ranzola, which you follow downhill.
At the next junction, continue straight along the flat trail (the descending path leads to the village) through the forest until reconnecting with the morning route.
Following it for a few minutes brings you back to your car.