Dondena Refuge

This is a long outing that follows almost the entire way along a dirt road. The route ends in the wide Dondena basin, surrounded by beautiful slopes.
The trail is exposed to full sunlight from early in the morning. Please note that the itinerary crosses several gullies and should therefore be avoided on days when there is an avalanche risk.
For up-to-date snow conditions, you can sometimes find information on the website www.gulliver.it.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left towards Aosta. At the roundabout, keep to the left, continuing in the direction of Aosta.
Drive past Donnas and reach Bard. After the village, at the roundabout, turn left towards Champorcher. Pass through the village of Hône and enter the Champorcher Valley.
Continue past Pontboset and follow the road until you reach Champorcher. At the far end of the village, turn right towards Dondena. The road climbs past Grand and Petit Mont Blanc, eventually leading to a large car park, where the road is usually covered with snow.
Alternatively, from the Verrès motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. Continue past Arnad until you reach the roundabout, where you turn right following the signs for Champorcher.

From the car park, follow the country road towards the starting point of the Barbustel Refuge trail (at certain times of the year, this section may still be accessible by car). Continue along the gently sloping road until you reach Dondena.
From here, descend to cross the stream, then climb up the opposite slope. Without a set path to follow, continue until you arrive at the Dondena Refuge.