Col Valfredda

The first part of the trail, up to Alpenzu Grande, is well frequented, but afterward it enters a steep and rugged valley.
In some sections, the path is faint and requires careful attention to follow the correct route, though using a GPS track or an app eliminates any difficulties.
For those wishing to continue further, it is possible to follow an EE (Expert Hiker) route to Corno Vitello via the Valle d’Ayas side.
This itinerary is suitable only for experienced hikers accustomed to wild and challenging terrain.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right toward Torino. At the second roundabout, turn left toward Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred meters before taking a right onto the Lys Valley road, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, Issime, and Gaby.
Continue until you reach Gressoney-Saint-Jean, cross the bridge over the Lys stream, and follow the main plain until reaching the Schmettò hamlet, where the car park is located on the left.

From the car park, take the wide mule track leading up to Alpenzu Grande. The slope is very steep, but the track climbs it with broad switchbacks, passing by some monumental larches before reaching the stunning village of Alpenzu Grande, with its chapel framed against the sky.
Pass between the two buildings of the refuge, following the Walser trail for a short stretch, then leave it and take the 5A trail to the right, which ascends the pastures, first reaching the Alpe di Mehr and then the Mehrschalpò pastures.
The trail then turns sharply to the left and climbs through the forest with a long traverse to enter the valley. Continue steeply through the centre of the valley until reaching Alpe Valfredda. The route continues along the valley floor on a less visible trail until reaching the Valfredda Pass.
The descent is along the same trail.