• In snowshoes up to Col de Joux

In snowshoes up to Col de Joux

Resorts: Saint-Vincent

Easy snowshoe route through the woods that cover the gentle slopes along the divide between Val d’Ayas and the central valley.

Technical Information

Route

Opposite the car park you can find the start to a snow-covered track that climbs above the small park surrounding the Chapel of the Partisans. Once past the no-entry sign, you follow a short, almost flat section of the path until you reach a junction a few minutes later: here you ignore the left fork and continue going gently uphill towards Monte Zerbion. Along this section, you can enjoy some interesting panoramic views over the central valley and, in particular, across to the unmistakable silhouette of Mont Emilius. You slowly make your way into the larch wood which gradually gives way to some stunning examples of red spruce until you reach a second and less evident junction than the previous one: you ignore the right-hand fork and continue straight on, going gently upwards. The path proceeds in pleasant fashion beneath the unusual peaks that make up the southern ridge round Zerbion, until it reaches the junction point with route 107: here you make a sharp, right-hand turn almost making a U-turn. You go briefly uphill again and then start downwards once more until you meet another signpost, where you turn left and go past a covered tank, before climbing upwards again along a short section. As you walk through the woods, some small openings in the thick vegetation allow you to enjoy some interesting views over the central valley. You go downhill again once more and approach Fromy, a small village nestling in a beautiful clearing. The path starts to climb again and leads you once more into the thick, red spruce wood where the sunlight creates some interesting light and shade effects. You are almost at the destination when the ups and downs come to an end. You continue to follow the wide, well-beaten track, going through the wood until you meet another signpost and, soon after the charge basins for the Ru Courtaud waters: here you turn slightly to the right, taking a path which leads you downhill and finally to Col de Joux.

Duration going there

1h45

Duration coming back

1h30

Recommended times

January - March

Difficulties

E - Excursionist

Difference in level

152 mt.

Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.