Gressoney-Saint-Jean - Crest

This stage takes us into the Ayas Valley, crossing Col Pinter.
On the ascent, we can admire the beautiful village of Alpenzu Grande with its refuge.
The climb, although long, offers wonderful views of the Monte Rosa range.
On the descent, a short detour allows reaching the Pinter lakes.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left towards Gressoney.
The road climbs a few hundred meters before turning right onto the Lys Valley road, passing through the villages of Lillianes, Fontainemore, Issime, and Gaby.
Continue until reaching Gressoney-Saint-Jean; just before crossing the bridge over the Lys stream, on the left, there is a square with several parking lots.

Cross the Lys stream via the small bridge, then head to the right, following the regional road for a short stretch before entering the square and crossing the Lys stream again.
Continue along a rural road, always following the stream, until reaching the hydroelectric plant.
Cross the bridge over the stream again and follow the regional road for a few hundred meters, then turn left onto the wide mule track that climbs on the right side of the waterfall.
Pass through an area with some monumental larches and, after a final stretch through the pastures, reach the stunning village of Alpenzù Grande, one of the most beautiful in the Aosta Valley.
After a short break at the refuge, continue through the pastures and quickly reach the Ondrò Montil huts.
The trail climbs a small valley with the last larches, then shifts to the right, from where the pass can be seen at the end, and enters the valley.
Reach the Pinter huts, and after a final climb through the steep small valley, arrive at Colle Pinter.
From the pass, descend the first small valley (a short detour to the Pinter lakes is possible).
Next comes a steeper section in the enclosed valley with large stone steps and a fixed rope for assistance, then cross the stream and, on a gentler path, reach the beautiful village of Cuneaz.
Continue through the valley, passing below the Crest cable car arrival station, and with a final traverse to the right, reach Rifugio Vieux Crest, the end of the stage.