Dondena Refuge– Champorcher

This is a very short, all-downhill stage.
In the second part of the route, the trail called “La Scaletta” may sometimes be closed. In this case, follow the main road on the opposite side, which will easily lead to Chardonney, where the trail rejoins the normal itinerary.

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 town, at the roundabout, turn left toward Champorcher. Pass through the village of Hône and enter the Val di Champorcher. Continue past Pontboset until you reach Champorcher.
At the end of the village, turn right toward Dondena. Follow the mountain slope, passing the car park of the Barbustel Refuge, and continue on the unpaved, rough road until reaching Dondena, where vehicle access is prohibited.
From the Verrès motorway exit, turn right toward Turin, pass Arnad, and at the roundabout, turn right toward Champorcher.

From the refuge, descend steeply through the pasture to reach the road below, which you follow to cross the bridge. Just after the bridge, leave the road and continue to the right along the stream until you reach the beautiful trail.
Continue across wide pastures until you reach the trail called “Scaletta”, which enters a gorge and leads to Chardonney. After passing the houses, enter the picnic area and cross the bridge over the Ayasse stream.
Follow the stream’s bank and cross it again when you are in sight of the main village. Following the sidewalk, you will soon reach pazzia di Château.