Lake Afframont, from the Albaron Village

Introduction

Easy and short hike to one of the most pleasant lakes in the Val d'Ala, an example of a moraine dam basin: at the sides of the basin, the detrital remains of the glacier are clearly visible.

Description

At the height of a ski lift, take a track that, having passed a spring at which water can be refilled, continues until it meets a dense forest.
At the end of the vegetation, you enter the Vallone di Afframont: having passed a stream, you catch a glimpse of the Alpe Roc Piat (1635m, 0h40'). In this section, the route becomes slightly more strenuous and you gain height over a carpet of rhododendrons, shortly reaching the sagna (a wetland area previously occupied by a lake and characterised by distinctive vegetation) of Alpe Pian Ciavanna (1787m, 1h00').
From the plateau, continue to the left to cross a rocky crag: skirting a raging torrent, you reach a col from which you enter into view of Alpe Pian del Lago (1976m): a grassy promontory connects with the basin of the lake dominated by the wild spurs of Bec del Fausset and Forte.
It is possible to go around the lake by means of an easy path that runs along the shore: along the way it is easy to spot numerous chamois and roe deer among the rocks and pioneer larches that have survived the lightning strikes.
The descent follows the ascent route.