Aided path Francesco and Giuditta Gatti

Introduction:

The Gatti Aided path at Mont de la Brenva is an aided path of medium difficulty in an alpine environment, wonderful from a landscape point of view. On the slopes of the Mont Blanc group, the path leads to a panoramic slabau - the Belvedere - which offers a breathtaking view.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is upstream of the La Palud cable car in the municipality of Courmayeur in the province of Aosta. Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

Descend to the first stop on the "La Palud - Punta Helbronner" cable car and follow the slightly uphill path alongside the Saussurea botanical garden. At the first junction, follow the well-marked path on the left that crosses the grassy slopes towards the moraine of the Toula glacier. Go up a short section aided with a chain to overcome some rocks and then reach a panoramic area with a bench from which the aided section begins (30 'from the top station of the cable car).

Via Ferrata:

The aided part of the path begins descending along the eastern slope of the Mont de la Brenva with some steep stretches where the rope gives security in progression. Go along a downhill stretch, grade III but not difficult with the support of the chain. Continue along the hillside with uphill stretches and others downhill with the chain that supports us on the right side. Cross a stony ground (yellow signs) at the end of which we take a path that climbs steeply towards the rocks of the Brenva. Then we come to the Belvedere (1h 30 'from the sign of the beginning of the ferrata) with a wonderful view in front of us: the Brenva glacier, the Mont Blanc, the Mont Blanc de Courmayeur, the Aiguille Blanche, the Aiguille Noir and the Dames Anglaises .

Descent:

The descent takes place on the ascent route (1h 30 'from the end of the ascent path - 3h 45' total).

Notes:

The view that can be enjoyed from the Belvedere is one of the most beautiful in the Western Alps and this is by itself an excellent reason to embark on this not difficult and not particularly long aided path.

Opportunities:

If undertaken early in the morning, this route could be connected to Via Ferrata Casimiro (1 hour drive from the valley station of the cable car). Alternatively in the adjacent days there are several trips with aided sections in the area that absolutely deserve: the Aided path to the Dalmazzi Hut, the Aided path to the Boccalatte Shelter and the Ferrata to the Monzino Hut to name a few.