Hike the Ayas Valley - Follow the trails past vineyards and glaciers

Italy

Country

7 nights, 8 days

Duration

Moderate

Difficulty

Half board

Board

Yes

Luggage transfer

Trekking the Ayas Valley: An Unforgettable Alpine Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Alps, where the iconic Matterhorn and the majestic Monte Rosa massif create a breathtaking backdrop. This tour is your passport to one of the most beautiful and unforgettable landscapes in the world, promising memories to cherish for years to come.

Tour Highlights:

Scenic Splendor: Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Val d’Ayas. This trek offers an array of breathtaking vistas, picturesque villages, and diverse landscapes. From the Monte Rosa massif to the Matterhorn, every step will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Accessible Adventure: Designed as an “easy to moderate” tour, this journey is perfect for hikers who prefer less altitude variation and no major technical challenges. It’s an accessible option for individuals with an average to good level of fitness.

Mountain Hut Magic: Experience the warmth of mountain hospitality as you spend your nights in charming alpine huts. Revel in delicious food, the camaraderie of fellow trekkers, and the unique atmosphere that only the mountains can provide.

In the Val d’Ayas, the enchantment of this place isn’t solely derived from its natural beauty. It’s also a tapestry of cultures and languages, where Italian, Franco-Provencal, and Walser-Deutsch dialects intertwine. The influences of the Walser people, of Germanic origin, are evident in the architecture and traditions. As you trek through this stunning region, you’ll discover a living cultural mosaic and a rich heritage of stories and histories.

The journey begins by ascending the valley, culminating at the Verra Glacier, nestled at the foot of the towering Monte Rosa. As you stand in the shadow of this monumental peak, you’ll understand the allure of the mountains that has captivated generations. The return journey winds through pristine alpine landscapes adorned with wildflower meadows, azure lakes, and traditional Walser villages, painting an idyllic picture of mountain life.

With the option to choose between a six or eight-day tour, you can tailor your adventure to your preference. Whichever you choose, this trek along the Monterosa will allow you to explore the essence of the Val d’Ayas, touching the soul of the Alps and retracing the steps of an award-winning literary journey, as described in Paolo Cognetti’s “Le 8 montagne.”

Pack your gear, for this is your invitation to a unique Alpine experience in the heart of Italy and Switzerland, where mountains meet culture, nature meets tradition, and adventure knows no bounds.

Start

Flexible

Time of departure

Flexible

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Half-board with lunchpack

Luggage transfer

Welcome briefing in person

Printed maps

All towels and linen

Special food requirements

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Flight

Travel insurance

*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only services mentioned above are included in the price.

*Notes

Luggage transfer not available in Ferraro hut: guests must bring what needed for overnight and 1 change

Towel and linen: sheet bag liner + towel requested in Ferraro hut. if guests come without, Ferraro can supply disposable kit (5€ each kit). Ferraro strongly reccomend guests to come with their own equipment and avoid the use of disposables that makes garbage

Special food requirement: we ask client to warn us about their need with booking confirmation (allergies, intolerances, food preferences)

Accomodations: standard overnight is in double bed. guests are invited to specify with booking confirmation if they need separate beds (available in most facilities although not always)

Additional information

Month	August, July, June, September
Tour type	Self-guided
Accomodation	Hut to Hut

Ayas Valley

This tour at the foot of Monte Rosa massif will allow hikers to see and experience all the beauties of the Val d’Ayas. The first part of the trek goes up the valley until it reaches the Verra Glacier at the foot of Monte Rosa, the highest destination of the trek. The way back brings you through uncontaminated alpine landscapes full of flowered mountain meadows, deep blue lakes and Walser villages and leads you back to the starting point in Brusson.

Villages, panoramas and landscapes will remain impressed on your mind.
The variety and typicality of the places where sleeping and the restaurants will allow to fully enjoy the stay.

Data:

Total distance: 68.8 KM
H+: 3785
H-: 3657
Time: 4 hours

Day 1: Arrival in Abreny

Arrival with welcome, briefing and first overnight

Day 2: Abreny - Lavarets

First hiking day with the ascent from Brusson (1330 m) to arrive at high altitude through a forest of fir trees, the wood from which the typical wooden sabot shoes are made, once used habitually.
Hike with magnificent view of a series of Alpine peaks, including Montblanc, until the beautiful Barmasc plateau is reached where the cozy B&B Lavarets welcomes you.

Data:
Distance: 11 km
H+: 730

H-: 30

Time: 3:50 – 4:50 hours.

Chambre D’Hotes Lavarets

www.lavarets.it/rifugio-alpino-vieux-crest/

Day 3: Lavarets - Ferraro

Hike from pastures to a real alpine environment up to the very small glacial lake Lechien at 2276 m, from which you can enjoy a view of rare beauty on the mountain massifs of Monte Rosa and Cervino, then crossing the old trade route from Val d’Ayas to Zermatt and reach the Ferraro refuge in the panoramic village of Résy. wood.

Data:
Distance: 13.5 km
H+: 718

H-: 570

Time: 4:30 hours.

Rifugio Ferraro

https://www.rifugioferraro.it/

Day 4: Ferraro - Aroulla

A very beautiful stretch of the Monte Rosa Tour runs through expanses of rhododendrons, a ski slope, lakes and various mountain pastures until Cuneaz, Another typical and beautiful summer settlement of the mountaineers where you spend the night in a typical Walser house.

Data:
Distance: 10.3 km
H+: 620

H-: 630

Time: 4:10 hours.

L’Aroula

info@aroula.it
www.aroula.it

Day 5: L'Aroulla-Mascognaz:

This is a full day at high altitude and above the tree line, first on Alta Via and challenging climbs where the view is great both on the valley and on the Monte Rosa and the whole alpine chain including the Matterhorn.
Then, hiking on a rocky path and through pastures, you descend into the Mascognaz Valley to arrive in one of the most exclusive locations in the Alps.

Data:
Distance: 9 km
H+: 610

H-: 840

Time: 4 – 4:30 hours.

Hotellerie de Mascognaz

www.hotelleriedemascognaz.com

Day 6: Mascognaz-BarmaDrola

The hardest stage of the trek is worth the effort and will remain in your eyes and heart due to the many beautiful mountain lakes and beautiful views. From Mascognaz you go up through a beautiful glacial basin to the Palasinaz pass at 2668 m before descending towards the south with one splendid panorama after another. Pass the beautiful lakes Coliou and Pocia to arrive at the natural “amphitheater” of Estoul at 1879m where a beautifully restored B&B awaits you.

Data:
Distance: 13 km
H+: 860

H-: 862

Time: 5.30 hours.

A Barma Drola

www.abarmadrola.it

Day 7: Barma Drola-L'Abreny

The landscape changes during the last walk of the trek and will allow you to live other experiences: traditional villages, the castle of Graines before crossing the valley floor of the River Evancon. These are all scenarios from “Le Otto montagne”, the award-winning book by Paolo Cognetti.
Then go up up to Brusson where, above the beautiful lake, the trek ends with a last overnight stay in Brusson at B&B L’Abreny.

Data:
Distance: 12 km
H+: 247

H-: 725

Time: 3:15 – 4 hours.

L’Abrény

www.labreny.com

Day 8: Departure from Abreny

Breakfast and departure.

Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.

Need to have:

Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)