Excursion to the Big Bench of Motta de Plété

After parking the car, the Valtournenche–Salette gondola lift quickly gains altitude and takes you to the starting point of the hike, at the top station. From here, follow the service road that gently climbs through the pastures, following the signs for trail no. 21 – Motta de Plété (2h15, difficulty E).

The route alternates between steeper stretches and gentler sections, offering wonderful views of the Grandes Murailles and Cervino (Matterhorn). After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach an alpine pasture with the La Motta restaurant. Continue uphill along the well-marked path, following the orange waymarks. After a few minutes, you’ll come to another fork: the trail to the right (no. 20) leads to Cime Bianche, while the left path continues on trail no. 21. The landscape becomes increasingly open and breathtaking, with Cime Bianche and Monte Roisetta rising ahead.

The final stretch requires a bit of caution, especially if hiking with children, but in just a few more minutes you’ll reach the summit of Motta de Plété Ovest. Here, in absolute silence and surrounded by a 360° panorama, the giant blue bench awaits - a truly unforgettable reward.