Small Lakes

Certainly the most classic hike in Issime, allowing you to explore the beautiful valley and reach the two lakes nestled in a rocky basin below Mont Crabun.
The valley offers a glimpse into Walser life, with charming traditional buildings along the way.
The lovely Madonna della Neve Chapel is worth a pause before the final climb leading to the lakes.
After returning to the Madonna delle Nevi Chapel, take the high trail that brings you back just before San Grato.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Aosta Valley.

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 and Fontainemore.
Continue to the center of Issime, then take the road on the left that climbs to San Grato.
Follow it along steep hairpin bends until reaching the no-entry sign (the next section is accessible only with a permit); on the left, a small clearing offers a place to park.

Continue along the rural road to the ridge, where the trail begins to climb on the right.
Ascend the steep ridge, passing several beautiful stone houses until exiting the forest.
The San Grato Chapel now comes into view, reached by a final stretch across the meadows (note on the right the finely carved white stone windows of the Holscher house).
From the chapel, the slope eases as you climb the center of the valley, passing near the oven-spring and several charming buildings.
Continue through the forest, and after crossing a small stream on two stone slabs, you will see just below the trail the remains of the mill.
A short distance further, the remains of the oven can also be seen below the trail.
The beautiful mule track continues gently, passing some alpine pastures. Cross a small stream and reach the area above Reich (about ten meters to the right of the trail is a large boulder, beneath which there is usually a small pond).
Now begins a steeper section (looking down to the left, you can see the characteristic Reich peat bog) leading to the beautiful Madonna delle Nevi Chapel.
From the chapel, turn sharply left to reach a lovely plateau, which you cross on the right to overcome the final section that leads to the lakes.
On the return, after reaching the Madonna delle Nevi Chapel, continue along a flat section (the trail is not always clearly visible) for a few hundred meters, then turn right and descend into the forest where the trail becomes easier to follow.
Upon reaching the Mundschuvet plateau, leave the main trail and cross the small stream, then climb the opposite slope to reconnect with the trail in the forest.
Reach the houses of Vlueckji, then descend to the left, pass by a tiny pond, and reach the large clearing of the Ivanh house.
Continue almost to the Méttelti houses, then descend steeply and rejoin the trail used in the morning.