Saint-Jacques - Col de Nannaz

From Saint-Jacques, the highest village of Val d'Ayas at 1,700 metres, the path climbs the hillside to Col de Nannaz, at 2,770 metres, a pass on the ridge dividing Ayas from the adjoining valleys. It runs 6.6 km with more than a thousand metres of ascent: a hike, but a demanding one, crossing woods, alps and high pastures before the grassy and stony slopes below the col. Along the climb and from the pass the view opens onto the head of the valley and, behind, onto the Aosta Valley face of Monte Rosa. A classic outing for those seeking height and panorama in a day, for fit walkers and with an eye on the afternoon weather. Best in summer.