Introduction:
Review of the ridge path ascending to Punta Valletta above Aosta. The itinerary offers a wonderful view of the Bianco group and, with modest technical difficulties, allows you to climb to an easy 3000. Ring route with departure and arrival by cable car.
Starting location:
The starting point of the itinerary is the Chamolè station upstream of the skilifts Aosta-Pila. Directions for Google Maps available here.
Approach:
From Chamolè station we proceed in a slight descent along the path 19C ignoring the detours that go in the direction of the Couis 1 chairlift. coming to the Col Tsa Setse (2815 m) helped also by some yellow marks on rocks along the way. In the days with nice weather magnificent panorama on the close Monte Bianco.
From the hill follow the signs to the left indicating Punta Valletta and the Panorama Aided path, a path that takes place with a constant wonderful view of the Gran Paradiso. Trail 19A takes place on a ridge which is initially easy until reaching the first rocky jump where the equipment marks the beginning of the Panorama Aided path (2h from the mountain station).
Via Ferrata:
The equipment initially helps a short descent and then climb a rocky pulpit. Go up the rocky ridge towards the antima. It goes around another rocky pulpit using the cable to proceed in adherence. Continue along the ridge coming to a vertical wall, quite short with good holds. Continue on a exposed traverse just below the ridge edge. Continue on a long stretch of not difficult ridge up to the last rocky ridge beyond which there is the summit cross. This last section requires a few short sections of climbing between the walls and the rocky jumps. You are near the summit. Go up the last rocks and reach the top of Punta Valletta (3090 m - 1h from the start of the via ferrata - 3h total). Conitnue on an exposed traverse little under on the ridge. You then along always in constant exposure on a long ridge with the cross already visible until the last step where the summit is. This last strech requires some short climbing section aided. We are close to the summit. We proceed on last rocks, meeting a crossroad and we reach the summit of Punta Valletta (3090 m - 1h from the start of the via ferrata - 3h total).
Descent:
Descend in a northerly direction along the normal route to Punta Valletta. Descend on debris and stones towards the grassy ridge overlooking the Arbolle valley, the lake and the hut. Proceed on a steep descent towards Tete Noire and then towards Col de Chamolè. From here you can go down to the Chamolè lake near the cable car for the return (2h from Punta Valletta - 5h total).
Notes:
The equipment is recent and the aided route has no significant technical difficulties at any point. The hike is at high altitude so it requires experience in hiking, especially in the steep downhill stretch towards the Colle di Chamolè. The view from Punta Valletta is magnificent with views of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, the Gran Paradiso, etc.
During the descent, pay attention to the trail not always easy to follow. In particular, ignore a yellow arrow suggesting to undertake a descent in a gully very steep and dangerous.
Opportunities:
To reach the Panorama Aided path you use the same cable car with which you undertake the most difficult and demanding Via Ferrata of Monte Emilius. This itinerary is of a high level of difficulty, both in terms of length and height and the characteristics of the road. However, the point of support of the Arbolle Hut can be useful to connect the two routes remaining at high altitude. From the Colle di Chamolè you can descend towards the Arbolle Hut.
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Filippo Rosi
24/04/2019 at 21:51The ride is undoubtedly very beautiful. With a bit of fog we didn't enjoy the view as we had hoped but it is still a beautiful ride. The via ferrata easy but not to be completely underestimated. Some exposed exposed parts serve a firm foot.