IT
FR
EN
Lakeside treasures
On foot, by bike or by car, there are several itineraries that lead to Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo past the stunning Lake Verney. At 200 metres wide, Lake Verney is the largest lake in the Aosta Valley. Originating from the Valine glacial basin, Lake Verney is locate at an altitude of 2,088 m between Bec des Rousses, the Piccolo San Bernardo promontory, and the Chaz Dura mountain. The area surrounding Lake Verney is characterised by water-loving plants, including rare species of carnivorous plants, carex and rushes, as well as the sphagnum mosses typical of boggy land.
On the banks of the lake, the wondrous machinations of nature have left moraine deposits and karst springs—the perfect habitat for primulas and saxifrages. Verney is also a fishing reserve, and a popular destination for many tourists. It takes about 45 minutes to walk around the lake, and there is another half-hour walk up to the Upper Verney if you feel like stretching your legs. Going on towards Colle di Punta Rousse, along a trail surrounded by numerous pools and peaceful Alpine meadows, you can reach Lake Tormotta (2,486 m). This lake is situated in a pleasant little valley at the left foot of Mount Tormotta, beneath the Arguerey glacier. The lake offers stunning views across the Breuil valley and many of the peaks in the Mont Blanc range. The waters of Lake Tormotta are blue-green in colour, and on clear days reflect Petit Mont Blanc.An easy walk, suitable for all, from Colle San Carlo leads to the enchanting Lake Arpy (2,066 m). Situated in a splendid natural basin, the lake is surrounded by Monte Charvel and the Becca Poignenta, to the left of Monte Colmet. It is fed by a channel from Pietra Rossa. On the right you will see Monte della Croce (whose peak offers beautiful views over La Thuile), and if you walk around the banks you will get an amazing view of Grandes Jorasses—peaks in the Mont Blanc range. The colour of the lake alternates between green, blue and brown, and its waters are teeming with trout.
There is also a rare species of amphibian—the alpine newt (Triturus alpestris). The upper and lower Bellacomba lakes are situated, respectively, at altitudes of 2,374 m and 2,378 m, between Grand Assaly, Punta Tachuy and Monte Charve (to the left) and Monte Freduaz (to the right). The panorama on the left opens out towards the Colmet, Lusse, and Monchette mountains, while to the right of the lakes there is a great view of the Mont Blanc group. These lakes are of glacial origin, and are edged in scree; the waters are greenish blue. To get to them depart from La Joux towards the Deffeyes Refuge. The walk passes by the Rutor waterfalls, and the path turns right immediately afterwards. This trail is of moderate difficulty.
Once you get to the Deffeyes Refuge, there is a natural plateau among the rocky outcrops that lead to the Rutor glacier; here you will find the Lake Verde (2,539 m) and Lake Grigio (2,532 m). Separated by a narrow strip of land, the highest lake is intense green in colour, while the lower is a slightly paler green. From this viewpoint you can admire a 360° panorama, taking in Mont Colmet, the Mont Blanc range, the Les Suches plain (and the entire La Thuile ski-park), the Bella Comba valley and the French peaks, not to mention the Grand Assaly and Rutor. In the valley beneath, towards the Deffeyes refuge, you can see the d’En Bas and Rutor lakes. Walking from the Deffeyes refuge towards the high pass, at 2.757 m, at the foot of the Passo Alto glacial moraine, you can marvel at the beautiful Ussellettes lakes. Their colour varies with the season, from an icy blue to a rosy blush.
This pathway is also suitable for excursions.
Hiking routes to discover the lakes.
