This easy hike allows you to explore the Mont Avic Natural Park, both from the side of the Champorcher municipality and from the side of the Champdepraz municipality, encountering wetlands and lakes of incredible beauty. You will admire the characteristic flora and fauna on a route suitable for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. You will pass through various alpine pastures, woods, and high-altitude clearings until you reach the enchanting area of the Barbustel Refuge. After leaving your car, find trail no. 10, which ascends through the woods. The trees will gradually thin out until you emerge onto a grassy plateau, where you will find the Muffé Lake Bar and Restaurant, an ideal place for a comfortable break. Then continue on the trail, which will gently lead you to the Col du Lac Blanc (2309 m a.s.l.), where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Champorcher Valley. From here, descend along trail no. 5, passing by several wetlands until you reach the Barbustel Refuge (2200 m a.s.l.). After a well-deserved break, you can extend the hike by about 30-40 minutes to visit the lake area. From the Barbustel Refuge, descending to the left and following trail no. 5C/102, you can easily reach and admire the crystal-clear waters of several lakes, including Lake Blanc, Lake Noir, Lake Cornu, and Lake Vallette. From the refuge, you can enjoy a splendid panorama of Mont Avic and the Pennine Alps sector, including Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and Dent d'Herin. The refuge can accommodate about forty people in rooms with bunk beds. Technical notes: Suitable for families.
Valle di Champorcher
Champorcher
Refuge Barbustel
By: Visit Champorcher
Route category: Trekking
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Length: 3400 m
Difficulty: Medium
