Brusson

Situated at an altitude of 1338 metres and surrounded by high peaks, woods and pastures, Brusson is characterised by a good sun exposure of the territory and a varied landscape that makes it an appreciated destination in all seasons, especially for families. Worth mentioning are the ancient gold mines, active until the end of the 1980s, now open to visitors thanks to the important restoration works. From Brusson you can follow the road leading to the scenic Col di Joux, a pass which connects the Ayas Valley with Saint-Vincent.

WHAT TO SEE
● The Chamousira gold mines: a modern facility located in a panoramic area overlooking the Ayas Valley allows its visitors to discover the evocative underground world of the old gold mines.
● The Castle of Graines: built in the 11th century on a rocky spur overlooking the village, its purpose was to control the valley. Over the centuries, it became a true symbol of the important role of the Challant family over these lands.
● The Parish Church of Saint Maurice: located in the upper side of the village, it was rebuilt in 1870. The church preserves interesting 19th century altars and a series of sacred art objects.
● La Fromagerie Haut Val d'Ayas: in this cheese factory, you will find areas showing scenes of rural life, as well as some panels illustrating milk processing.

NATURE AND SPORT
In winter, Brusson is a paradise for cross-country skiers, with over 30 km of tracks reaching 2000 metres in the hamlet of Estoul, where we can also find the alpine skiing pistes running through larch forests and gentle slopes, excellent destinations for ski mountaineering lovers.
In summer, people find here several paths, from the easiest and most relaxing ones to those reaching the highest peaks, as well as some mountain bike trails. For rock-climbers, in the hamlet of Extrepieraz there’s a climbing wall, with a rope of 45 metres.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● Ski instructors’ torchlight procession: to celebrate the end of the year, the ski instructors descend the “Gigante” red slope of Estoul with torches, creating a long luminous procession on the snow.
● Bataille des Reines: every two years, in the beautiful hamlet of Estoul surrounded by high peaks, a bloodless battle between cows takes place, in order to determine the hierarchy within the herd and to elect the “queen” of the group.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Brusson is an ideal destination for family holidays and offers an environment rich in water springs and lakes, which can be reached following nice and easy paths. Children can, for example, walk with their parents along the old irrigation channels or climb to the Alpe Salomon. The little guests can also meet ponies and horses in the summer riding school and stable. Near the centre, there’s a beautiful small lake, surrounded by a well-equipped playground and a large meadow to play under the sun.
In winter, children can play in the baby snowpark in Estoul or experience the thrill of ice skating.

IDENTIKIT
● Altitude: 1338 m
● Inhabitants: 870
● How to get there by public transport: Brusson is reachable by bus with the line “Verrès – Saint-Jacques”. For timetables and further information, please visit the website of the VITA Group company.

USEFUL LINKS
● Download the map of the village