The Gressoney Valley, at the foot of the majestic Monte Rosa, offers an extraordinary variety of routes for everyone: from experienced hikers to families looking for relaxing walks surrounded by nature. Here is a selection of 10 must-do routes, including alpine landscapes, Walser history and breathtaking views.
Here are our 10 suggestions:
1. Vallone di Loo - A plunge into rural history (Trail 12)
Starting from the hamlet of Loomatto in the municipality of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, one of the most authentic corners of the valley, the trail enters a cool forest and then opens into a wide valley dotted with old huts. The destination is Upper Loo, home to the Bléckéné farmhouse, perfect for a genuine break. Here you can meet Simone, a local cheese producer, who is also present at the “Samstag Mart” orchard of zer mièle on the road to Castel Savoia in Gressoney-Saint-Jean (a market of local products held every Saturday and Sunday at the 'orchard of zer mièle on the road to Castel Savoia). An excursion among nature, history and flavors.
2. Valley of the Princes - Magic between water and meadow (Trail 11B)
The route starts from Valdobbia locality, the trail leads to an enchanted clearing crossed by a crystal clear stream. The Valley of the Princes is the perfect place to relax, play or even soak in the cool pools of water during the summer. A little piece of paradise to be experienced quietly.
3. Walk along the Lys - 7 kilometers of wonder (Trail 14/15)
Connects the towns of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité through flower-filled meadows and Walser architecture. Along the way you will encounter the Ecko Chapel, Villa Loubeno (set of the film House of Gucci) and numerous picturesque views along the Lys. A long but gentle itinerary, also perfect for families.
4. Alpenzù Piccolo and Alpenzù Grande - On the Trails of the Walser (Trail W)
The trail starts from the locality of Tache in the center of Gressoney-La-Trinité and leads to the villages of Alpenzù Piccolo and Alpenzù Grande, true jewels of Walser architecture, with splendid views of Monte Rosa. At Alpenzù Grande, Valentina and Francesco, managers of a characteristic mountain hut, await you; from here you can decide to descend to Gressoney-Saint-Jean via trail No. 6, which ends in the hamlet of Tschemenoal. A hike rich in history, culture and extraordinary landscapes.
5. Oreste Hut - Walking among the ski slopes (Trail 6b)
In summer, Staffal's slopes turn into easily walkable green meadows. After Lake Gabiet, the trail continues to the Oreste Hut, which offers fine vegan cuisine. An ideal hike for those seeking high altitude without great elevation gain.
6. Queen's Walk - In the footsteps of Queen Margaret (Trail 15)
An easy and relaxing route, just 3.3 km long with minimal elevation gain, which starts from the hamlet of Tschemenoal and runs through the woods to the magnificent Savoy Castle.
The trail is entirely linked to the figure of Queen Margherita, who loved Gressoney deeply and had her summer residence built there in the early 1900s.
The castle can be visited year-round and retains period furnishings. The surrounding park is home to a lovely alpine botanical garden, which is particularly impressive during the summer flowering season. A perfect itinerary for those who wish to combine nature, history and art.
7. The Springs of the Lys - Where the River Rises (Trail 7).
A short but spectacular hike that takes us to the foot of Monte Rosa. The trail starts in Staffal and climbs gradually, passing through flowering environments that benefit from the abundant water of the Lys. At one point the trail veers onto a moraine flanked by beautiful, dense forests.
In the final part, a short section equipped with a rope allows you to climb over some small rocks, adding a dash of adventure, especially for the younger ones. Reaching the headwaters at 2417 meters, majestic scenery opens up among the high peaks and glacial lakes.
8. Salero Pass and Lakes - A Balcony on Monte Rosa (Trail 8A)
Starting from the Sitten Hut, easily reached by lifts from Stafal, the trail climbs gently up the Rothorn valley to the Salero Lakes and the Pass of the same name (2687 m).
Short and accessible, it affords splendid views of Monte Rosa from the first ramps. Before returning, the nearby St. Anne's Chapel is also worth a stop. A hike suitable for everyone, allowing you to enjoy the high altitude mountains without fatigue and with plenty of shelters available.
9. Gabiet Refuge - Panoramic hike at high altitude (Trail 5B)
Starting from the arrival of the Punta Jolanda chairlift, this almost flat route leads in less than an hour to the Gabiet Refuge, nestled on the shores of the lake of the same name.
Lake Gabiet is an ancient natural lake barred by a dam in 1921, now an ideal destination for picnics, relaxation and family days out. Numerous huts in the surrounding area offer refreshments and overnight accommodations, making the entire area perfect for an effortless day at altitude.
10. Ranzola Pass - On the path of ancient migrants (Trail 3)
Starting from the hamlet of Biel, above Savoy Castle, the trail climbs through larch forests and pastures to Colle Ranzola (2171 m), an ancient pass that connected Gressoney with Brusson.
The trail is simple and well marked, but it offers spectacular views. Once at the pass, it is possible to continue with variants to Punta della Regina or Lake Gombetta for those who want to lengthen the hike. If, on the other hand, you want to reach your destination in a short time, just arrive upstream of the Weissmatten chairlift and then take trail 3B, which leads to the col in about an hour.
A path laden with history: even the young Leo Tolstoy passed through here in 1857.
