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Stage

101

Rifugio Cuney > Oyace

Lenght
14.1
Km
difficulty*
E
Altitude gain*
+
486
m
-
1742
m
*Cosa vuol dire?

Il simbolo + indica il dislivello positivo (cioè in salita) complessivo della tappa; il simbolo - quello negativo (cioè in discesa).

* What does it mean ?DOWNLOAD GPX TRACK

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50854600
Punto di partenza
Punto d'arrivo
Punto acqua
Struttura ricettiva
Punto interesse

Quite a short stage, mostly characterized by the long descent from Col de Vessonaz.

From the pass, the view over Mont Gelè (3,518 m) and the Grand Combin (4,314m) is magnificent.

Special Notes

The first part of the descent from Col de Vessonaz is steep (but without being exposed) and slippery due to the gravelly ground: be careful.

Beauty
when to go
June - September
Suitable for
Scenery
how to get there
description of the route

We resume the Alta Via 1, we barely lose altitude and continue on a well-trodden path, with a panoramic view, overlooking the Saint-Barthélemy valley. A fast ramp (approximately 100 m height difference) takes us to the Col de Chaleby, from which a second, sliding cross path starts. We spot a small lake, on whose banks stands the Bivacco Rosaire et Clermont.

We face the usual final small climb and we are at Col de Vessonaz (2.794 m). Beyond the wild valley below (Comba de Vessonaz), we admire the Grand Combin massif (4,314 m) and the pyramid of Mont Gelé (3,518 m).

A long descent (approximately 1,400 m drop) awaits us. The first part, up to the head of the valley, is quite steep and on a gravel surface, you must be careful not to slip. We cross the beautiful valley on a slight slope and then descend again into the woods along the Buthier stream, on an easy path. With a short ascent, we overcome the Betenda Ravine and, shortly after, we are in the village of Oyace.


What to know

Oyace is located in Val Bionaz, a side of Val Pelline, renowned for its harsh climate, so much so that it is called the “cold valley”.

 

During the descent to Oyace, we touch several mountain pastures.

The mountain pasture season begins with the monticazione (inarpain, in patois), ie the ascent to the alp, which takes place between the end of May and mid-June and it ends with the demonticazione (desarpa), the return to the plain which takes place at the end of September. Life in the pastures has not changed much over the centuries as it is linked to the immutable laws that regulate the relationships between man, nature, and animals.


What to see

Just above the village of Oyace, you can admire an octagonal tower called Tornalla. Its construction is estimated around the year 1000, which would therefore make it the oldest castle in the Aosta Valley.

A popular legend tells that the tower was built by a group of Saracens who took refuge in Valpelline.


what to eat

The brossa is the result of the production of the residual whey of the Fontina processing. It is a soft and buttery dairy product and is traditionally eaten with polenta; a precious butter is also obtained from it, less caloric than the one produced with cream.


where to sleep

Camping Lac Lexert, in the hamlet of Chentre, about 2 km from Oyace. Tel. +39 0165 730109


How to Reach

Starting point NOT reachable by car.

The nearest location reachable by car is Venoz.

 

Departure point NOT reachable by bus.

The nearest town reachable by bus is Ville Sur Nus, starting from the city of Aosta.

Here the LINK to check the timetables.

 

Starting point NOT reachable by train.


“The threat of bad weather gives us wings: we complete the stage in a time equal to that of the Tor des Geants champions”

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