This loop trail covers two beautiful valleys between the municipalities of Champorcher (Valley of the Legna) and Pontboset (Valley of the Manda), traversing unique and varied environments from larch forests to alpine pastures, and from wetlands to alpine meadows. This route offers a unique hiking experience in a very wild place, little frequented by mass tourism.
First Section: Outre l’Ève – Alpeggio Ourty (Trail n° 4)
The hike begins from the small hamlet of Outre l’Ève, located on the right bank of the Ayasse stream. After leaving your car in the parking area before Outre l’Ève, find the stone road near the information boards. You will first encounter a small shrine, and shortly after, the road ends and the mule path begins, indicating the authenticity of the valley. Follow the main mule path to the Alpeggio Ourty (1526 m a.s.l.). In this first section, you can enjoy the beauty of this unique and charming place by admiring the old houses and abandoned chalets (with a monumental tree nearby), the Bois stream, and the mule path that gently climbs through the forest, small cleared areas, and large boulders used today for sport climbing. Stay on the old mule path until the start of a large alpine pasture, where you should continue left (avoiding the trail on the right that climbs into the Vercoche valley). At the end of the large pasture, you will find the Alpeggio Ourty on the right.
Second Section: Alpeggio Ourty – Saint Antoine/Maisons-vieilles (Trail n° 4)
Cross the Bois stream using a two-span wooden bridge, moving to the right bank of the valley. Continue ascending on Trail n° 4 to the area of Saint Antoine/Maisons-vieilles (1827 m a.s.l.). In this second section, the trail first climbs near a large pasture and then through dense forest, before becoming a mule path again. You will pass several clearings with rhododendrons until you reach a large plateau with large rocks, where you follow the stream with crystal-clear waters. At the end of the plateau, climb for another ten minutes on the trail/mule path to reach the hamlet of Saint Antoine, characterized by some ruins and a shrine at the beginning of a flat valley with wide pastures.
Third Section: Saint Antoine/Maisons-vieilles – Colle della Fricolla (Trail n° AV2)
From Saint Antoine, continue on the trail on the right bank of the valley. Cross the large alpine pastures, always staying on the right bank. Ignore the wooden bridge at the start of a large plateau (noting the abandoned Alpeggio di Chavanne on the left bank at about 1900 m a.s.l.). Then cross the last pasture and climb the right bank, which features sparse trees. After a brief, less steep section, ascend the stony slope to reach Colle della Fricolla (2550 m a.s.l.). The trail is in excellent condition and easy to follow, as it is part of the AV2.
Fourth Section: Colle della Fricolla – Lago Cornouy (Trail n° AV2 and 4A/3)
From Colle della Fricolla, descend to about 2420 m a.s.l. Then find the trail that ascends to Col de Breuil (1448 m a.s.l.). In this section, be careful to find the trail leading to the pass and avoid venturing onto too steep slopes, paying attention to the most logical routes leading to the pass. From Col de Breuil, descend to Lago Cornouy on an easy trail. Here, it is recommended to take a break and admire the beautiful lake nestled between the surrounding rocks.
Fifth Section: Lago Cornouy – Col Bozet (Trail n° 4A/3)
From Lago Cornouy (2322 m a.s.l.), descend on the evident trail passing several wetlands (ignore the detour leading to Lago Chenessey). After crossing the stream descending from Lago Cornouy, you will reach a notable cairn. Then descend a few meters to a fork. Do not descend into the Manda valley but climb for a hundred meters towards the left bank of the valley. From there, take the trail that traverses steep alpine meadows, leading you to the abandoned Alpeggio di Detraz (2240 m a.s.l.) and then to Col Bozet (2072 m a.s.l.). This section of the route is very scenic, offering a 360° view of the Manda valley and the surrounding pastures.
Sixth Section: Col Bozet - Outre l’Ève (Trail n° 3)
From Col Bozet, descend through the steep forest on an evident trail with many switchbacks. Upon reaching a clearing with dense undergrowth, continue on the trail that leads right (ignore the trail to the left towards Alpe Borrion at about 1680 m a.s.l.). Follow the trail that descends with several switchbacks through the dense forest (ignore the trail to the right to Trome at about 1480 m a.s.l.). Descend to the Torrente du Bois and cross it using the wooden bridge. After a short ascent of about twenty meters, you will find the mule path descending back to Outre l’Ève.
Technical Notes: This route is recommended for experienced hikers in good physical condition. It is not suitable for families. Pay attention when finding the trail that ascends from below Colle della Fricolla to Col de Breuil, as this section can be less evident.
Variants:
- Colle della Fricolla (with ascent and descent from Outre l’Ève)
- Markers: 4 - AV2
- Elevation Gain: 1340 m
- Distance: 7.5 km (one way)
- Ascent Time: 3h30-4h
- Return Time: 2h30-3h
- Difficulty: E/EE
- Lago Cornuto (with departure from Outre l’Ève and descent to Outre l’Ève or Boretta, Pontboset)
- Markers: 4 – 3C – 4A
- Elevation Gain: 1310 m
- Distance: 7.5 km (one way)
- Ascent Time: 3h30-4h
- Return Time: 2h30-3h (if descending to Boretta, add 30 minutes due to less evident trail)
- Difficulty: E
