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Valpelline has almost Himalayan proportions and character. Nestled among the high peaks of Valais, the Matterhorn, and the Grandes Murailles, its deep and long valley opens into a network of valleys and glaciers reaching significant summits, both geomorphologically and from a ski mountaineering perspective. The environment is therefore severe and typically alpine, softened only by Lake Place Moulin, which we skirt on the first day to access Rifugio Prarayer. The routes presented 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 panorama spans from the nearby Matterhorn to the glaciers and peaks surrounding the not-so-distant Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt.
Guidance is provided by Cristian Bredy, a UIAGM Alpine Guide, born and raised in these very valleys, who will lead us to discover their secrets thanks to his experience as a local.
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 our backpacks of spare gear and anything unnecessary 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 "Valpelline Universe," 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, with an elevation gain of about 1,500 meters, leading us to one of the most beautiful and prestigious summits in the area. Return to Rifugio Prarayer, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: From the refuge, we climb to the summit of Château des Dames, following the Château Glacier and reaching the renowned peak via a technical route (concluding with a short final stretch on foot)—where ringing the bell at the summit 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 (around 800 meters of elevation gain), dedicated to climbing to the beautiful 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 truly 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
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Guaranteed departure
Minimum 5 partecipants
Documents
Trip Overview
The participation fee includes
- Guiding by a UIAGM mountain guide
- Half-board service in Alpine Refuges for the entire duration
Price per person
from € 890
Deposit of € 223
Payment Methods and Cancellation PolicyDeparture
- 21 - 25 April 2027 Proceed with registration
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