English
Italian
Valpelline has proportions and an appearance almost reminiscent of the Himalayas! Nestled between the towering peaks of Valais, the Matterhorn, and the Grandes Murailles, its deep and long valley branches into a network of valleys and glaciers reaching significant summits, both geomorphologically and for ski mountaineering. The environment is therefore rugged and truly alpine, slightly softened by Place Moulin Lake, which is followed on the first day to access Rifugio Prarayer. The itineraries in this program lead to prestigious peaks and passes: Becca d’Oren, Château des Dames, and the Shoulder of Dent d’Hérens, from which the panoramic views extend from the nearby Matterhorn to the glaciers and peaks framing the renowned Haute Route Chamonix–Zermatt. The expedition is led by Cristian Bredy, a UIAGM Alpine Guide, born and raised in these valleys, who will guide us in discovering their secrets thanks to his deep local expertise.
Travel program
Day 1: Early morning meeting in Bionaz (exact time will be communicated in the group chat before departure) and ascent to Rifugio Prarayer in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A good coffee break allows us to pause briefly while we unload unnecessary gear for the day. We then set off on our first excursion to Colle di Bellatza (3,064 m) with an elevation gain of about 1,050 meters. This trip introduces us to The Universe of Valpelline, rewarding us with a beautiful ski descent along the Bellatza Glacier.
Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Prarayer.
Day 2: Ascent to Becca d’Oren, a stunning and prestigious summit with an elevation gain of 1,500 meters. Return to Rifugio Prarayer, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: From the refuge, we climb to Château des Dames, following the Château Glacier. The ascent includes a technical route, concluding with a short final stretch on foot to the renowned summit—where ringing the bell at the peak is a must! A spectacular ski descent follows, retracing the ascent route or exploring some local variations, leading back to Rifugio Prarayer.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: A relaxed day with around 800 meters of elevation gain, dedicated to climbing Rifugio Aosta, perched among the rocky ledges beneath Tête de Valpelline and Dent d’Hérens. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation in the sun and admiring the stunning alpine surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 5: The final day is focused on reaching a stunning 4,000-meter peak: the shoulder of Dent d’Hérens, offering spectacular panoramic views before we dive into the final exhilarating ski descent, featuring vast glacial bumps and endless slopes. In the afternoon, we return to Rifugio Prarayer and then descend to Bionaz, concluding the adventure.
Is it for me?
Adventure
Freeride/ski touring
Commitment
Landscapes
Travel factor
Gastronomy
Culture and folklore
LEGEND: based on our personal experience, the evaluations give a subjective, measured and highly reliable value of the elements that make up the travel experience.
Other informations
Departure and return
Bionaz/Aosta (Italy)
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Guaranteed departure
Minimum 5 partecipants
Documents
Identity Card
The participation fee includes
- Guidance provided by a UIAGM Alpine Guide
- Half-board service in Alpine Refuges for the entire duration
Price per person
from € 890
Deposit of € 223
Payment Methods and Cancellation PolicyDeparture
- 22 - 26 April 2026 Proceed with registration
Other destinations
La Thuile Bike Park with a scenic pedaled tour at the foot of Mont Blanc
- 19 - 20 July 2025
