Dortoir Retempio, from Crest dessous
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
After 150 metres from the motorway junction exit at Pont-Saint-Martin, turn left and take the Strada Statale in the direction of Aosta. At the first roundabout, take the second exit to continue on the . Continue for 2.2 km, passing through Donnas, until the next roundabout. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the . Continue for about 3 km until you reach another roundabout near the Bard Fortress. Here, take the third exit and take the Strada Regionale in the direction of Valle di Champorcher. Continue for 6.7 km on , passing through Hône, until you reach Pontboset. Disregard the first fork on the left and take the next fork. Turn left and follow the little communal road for 2.9 km until you reach the car park 🅿️antistante the village of Crest dessous: few places available (about 15).
[0h27'] - [16.4km]
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The directions provided have been carefully checked as of the date the route was taken. However, it is highly recommended to check for any changes that may have occurred since then, especially regarding the route to the starting point. Before embarking on your journey, it is advisable to consult up-to-date navigation tools for accurate and up-to-date directions. We recommend the use of satellite navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, to ensure the most accurate and safe routing.
Introduction
The hike to Dortoir Retempio, starting from the picturesque village of Crest dessous, offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Champorcher Valley, amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient Alpine traditions. The route, which winds its way through chestnut forests and flower-filled glades, is an invitation to rediscover a way of experiencing the mountains that has the authentic flavour of simple, genuine things.
The itinerary begins in Crest dessous, a small village that seems suspended in time, with its stone houses and crosses carved into the portals. From here, the trail enters among the conifers, climbing gently towards the Retempio alpine pasture. The path is punctuated by the sound of water flowing in torrents, the cool shade of the woods and the view that suddenly opens up to wide, bright panoramas, with the Monte Rosa massif looming on the horizon. As you continue along the mule track, your mind is freed from everyday thoughts, letting itself be enveloped by the sounds of nature and the scents of the undergrowth. The arrival at the Dortoir Retempio, a simple and cosy refuge located next to the Retempio Sanctuary, marks the climax of this experience. Here, at an altitude of 1470 metres, one can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, immersed in the unspoilt beauty of the alpine environment.
The Dortoir, located opposite the Sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Visitation, offers the possibility of living in close contact with the life of the herdsman, savouring the genuineness of a holiday in which time seems to pass more slowly. It is an ideal place for families and for those who wish to rediscover a deep contact with nature and with the traditions of the Aosta Valley mountains.
The trail, well signposted and suitable for everyone, offers intense emotions and an authentic connection with an area rich in history, faith and extraordinary landscapes. The hiker, step by step, leaves the modern world behind to immerse himself in a timeless journey, among the deep roots of a mountain culture that continues to live and excite.
Description
0h00' 0.00km Leaving the car behind, walk a few metres along the asphalt road before turning onto the paved mule track that soon leads to the village of Crest dèsot (1096m) 💧 where the "La Louye su la Goumba" refreshment point is located. Turn left onto the beautiful mule track flanked by splendid stone walls; after passing a characteristic votive shrine, the route proceeds slightly uphill following a wooden railing until you come to a new signpost (1078m).
0h10' 0.37km Follow the signs for the sanctuary, signposted at 1h10'T2, turning left onto the Alta Via della Valle d'Aosta Proceed slightly downhill, encountering a new votive shrine before reaching a small wooden bridge with iron railings that makes it easy to cross the Torrent de Brenve (1150m). After crossing the bridge, you come to a beautiful flight of steps with stone treads, called the 'holy staircase' by the locals, which allows you to ascend the orographic right-hand side of the comba, quickly gaining altitude. One enters the larch forest, which gives a few glimpses of the village of Crest dessous below, while the path after a few turns skirts the ruins of an old hamlet nestling among the ferns (Pteridium aquilinum). We emerge from the forest and the panorama of the Monte Rosa massif opens up. The destination is now near and the sanctuary appears before the hiker. Climb a last steep ramp to reach the alpine pasture and the Dortoir Retempio (1470m) 1h15' 2.58km .
The return is along the same path as on the outward journey 0h45' 2.58km .
Point of Interest
Collections
- hikes departing from Crest dessous - on the map
- hiking in Pontboset - on the map
- hiking in Champorcher Valley - on the map
- hiking the dortoirs of the Aosta Valley - on the map
Galleria fotografica