Hike to Rifugio Champillon

The route starts from the parking area of Plan Détruit (Plan du Débat), a wide plateau above the village of Doues. Here, a commemorative cross recalls a historic battle fought against the Valais troops, bearing witness to the past of this Alpine territory.

From the parking area, the route initially follows a dirt road, reaching a wooden footbridge on the left with signposts for trail no. 9 – Alta Via 1 (AV1) leading to Champillon mountain hut.

The first part of the itinerary is pleasant and gentle: the trail runs parallel to the Ru de By, the water channel that carries water toward Doues and Allein, crossing pastures and open meadows. Shortly afterwards, you pass the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, at the edge of the forest.

Continuing on, you reach the service dirt road for the mountain pastures, which you follow for a few hundred metres until reaching Alpe Pessinoille (2,150 m). From here, the trail resumes on the left, entering a larch forest before tackling a short but steeper section.

After this climb, the route returns to open terrain in the clearing where the large Tsa de Champillon alpine pasture (2,297 m) is located, often animated by grazing cows during the summer months.

The mountain hut is now clearly visible: set on a panoramic grassy knoll, it is reached by following the wide dirt track. The arrival at Rifugio Champillon (2,465 m) is rewarding; a fountain is also located near the building.

The refuge, dedicated to Adolfo Letey, stands in a dominant position and offers wide views over the Grand Combin valleys. It is an ideal destination for a break, a mountain lunch, or as a stopping point along Alta Via 1 and the Tour des Combins.

More experienced hikers can continue beyond the refuge toward the Col Champillon, an important Alpine pass linking the Valpelline with the Gran San Bernardo Valley.