This hike offers a unique panorama of the upper Champorcher valley. During the hike, which partly takes place in the Mont Avic Natural Park, you can admire the old hunting lodges of King Victor Emmanuel II, the Miserin Lake with its historic Sanctuary nearby, the Miserin Refuge, and the Dondena Refuge, which was once a royal hunting lodge of King Victor Emmanuel II. This route is perhaps one of the most famous hikes in the area because it allows for a total immersion in nature while also exploring the royal and Catholic history of the region, offering a deep understanding of this incredible municipality.
As for the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Nevi, it was initially built in 1658. The current building dates back to 1881, after reconstruction carried out on the initiative of the then parish priest Jean-Baptiste Danna and Abbé Pierre Chanoux. There were subsequent restorations, including one after the fire in 1947 and the last one in 2000. Every year, on August 5th, the feast of Madonna delle Nevi is celebrated here, attracting many pilgrims from Cogne, Val Soana, and Fénis. On August 5th, at three in the morning, the "great" bell of the parish church of San Nicola rings, and the pilgrims begin the procession on foot to the Sanctuary around four o'clock, where a Mass and a celebration are held.
The Miserin Refuge was initially built around the 17th century as a hospice to accommodate pilgrims visiting the Sanctuary.
After parking your car, ascend to the Dondena Refuge (2185 m a.s.l.) via the dirt road, an old royal road, which passes near several former hunting lodges. Once at the refuge, leave the dirt road that ascends to the right of the refuge and take the dirt road to the left (which heads towards Cimetta Rossa). Continue on the dirt road for a few hundred meters until you reach the junction on the right for trail no. 7 (at about 2230 m a.s.l.). Turn right and follow trail no. 7 to the Miserin Lake (avoiding the left turn for trail 6B/6C at about 2250 m a.s.l.). This section of the route gently ascends towards the Miserin Lake, crossing high-altitude alpine pastures that offer a beautiful view of the upper Champorcher valley and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the Miserin Lake, turn right towards the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Nevi and the Miserin Refuge (2582 m a.s.l.), where it is recommended to take a break after visiting the historic sanctuary. After a well-deserved lunch, descend via the dirt road (AV2), the old royal road dating back to 1862, which will take you to the Dondena Refuge and then to the parking area. This section gently descends into the valley, following the stream and crossing the Pian del Lago and Pian Enseta.
Technical notes: Suitable for families.
