A two part hike. First up the Doire de Valgrisenche, a steady slope offering a leafy, green landscape. From the refuge, the landscape becomes essentially mineral and the slope steeper all the way to Vuert's small perched lake. Stunning high mountain surroundings.
Description
Park on the side of the road at the place called Surier. Head for Valgrisenche a mountain village that you'll reach from Arvier in the Aoste valley. In Valgrisenche, take the road towards Bohne which then overlooks Beauregard Lake's left bank. At a junction at the end of the lake take a left down a windy lane leading to Surier, then Usselières.
(S/E) Take the large path heading south towards Refuge Mario Bezzi (sign). The path heads slightly uphill along the right bank of Doire de Valgrisenche (Dora di Valgrisenche on the Italian map). To the right hand side (so the river's left bank), the slope then becomes steeper, heading down with several torrents that supply Doire River crossing through it. After a while the path twists and turns before heading up the slopes along the right bank. The slope then gets easier. Keep heading south reaching the refuge.
(1) Go past the refuge heading down to ford the river which is in a south-north direction. Follow a trail leading to a torrent which heads due west-east.
(2) Ford the torrent. Start a steep hike uphill along the edge of the moraine, heading west. The terrain is mineral and the windy path sometimes demanding but without any real technical difficulty. Get to the ledge with Lac du Vuert behind it.
(3) Backtrack for the way down.
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,808 m
- 1 : km 4.31 - alt. 2,099 m
- 2 : km 5.49 - alt. 2,289 m - Refuge Mario Bezzi
- 3 : km 5.77 - alt. 2,286 m - Torrent
- 4 : km 6.85 - alt. 2,617 m - Lac du Vuert or Lago di Vuert
- S/E : km 13.71 - alt. 1,808 m
Useful Information
Allow for 3 and a half hours hike up to the lake (stops not included).
Hiking gear and shoes a must. Bring warm clothes and sun protection. Even though there is water at the refuge, it's a good idea to bring water supplies.
A map is a must: other than the one on this website, you can check out the 1/25000 scale Italian map n°102 Valsaranche/Val di Rhêmes/Valgrisenche.
Refuge Mario Bezzi is open in the summer: water, refreshments, food and accommodation available (book accommodation in advance).
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Lac du Vuert is a small altitude lake towered over by Pointe des Mines (3420m). Refuge Mario Bezzi is located at the moraines crossing and close enough to the glaciers to give you that high mountain atmosphere. The hike along Doire River is pleasant.
Val D'Aoste is a self-governing Region where French is the official language and Italian commonly used which explains the different spelt typonyms.
In Valgrisenche, you can get a hold of some excellent quality fontine (mildly cooked hard cheese) either in the village food shop or directly from the cheese cooperative on the outskirts of the village heading back towards the valley
