Little Alpenzu

A short itinerary that allows you to visit the village of Alpenzu Piccolo, with its beautiful buildings and a monumental service tree.
The ascent is steep but brief, followed by a pleasant hike with views of Monte Rosa, and a descent that is less steep.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left following the signs for Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred metres before turning right into the Lys Valley, 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 proceed across the large plain, then tackle two hairpin turns.
Continue a little further until you reach, on the left, the junction for Castel, and shortly afterwards a widened area where you can leave your car.

From the car, take the trail leading to Balmetò, continuing with a steep ascent through the larch forest until you reach the Walser Trail.
Follow the Walser Trail to the right along a mostly flat section until reaching the village of Alpenzu Piccolo. After a pause to explore the village, return about fifty metres, then take the left-hand trail that descends along a contour through the pasture, eventually entering the forest and rejoining the outward route, from which it is a short distance back to the car.