Champoluc - Testa Grigia
Warnings
- EEA: glacial equipment required in the final section (crampons/ice axe depending on season).
- Pre-dawn start needed to return before afternoon thunderstorms.
- July–September only. Persistent snow outside season.
Map & route
GPX track — verify on the ground before hiking
Fitness level
The ascent from Champoluc to Testa Grigia is the most ambitious hiking itinerary in the Val d'Ayas: 8.2 km and 1814 m of elevation gain lead from 1569 m in the village to 3315 m at the glacial boundary between the Italian and Swiss flanks. The EEA classification — experienced hikers with equipment — indicates that the final section requires ability on glacial or semi-glacial terrain: crampons or microspikes may be needed depending on season. The route follows the Pinter valley on the Alta Via no. 1, with the environment progressively changing from larch woodland to rock and ice. The summit panorama takes in all the Monte Rosa four-thousanders and the Matterhorn in the foreground. July–September only; a very early start is essential.
Getting there
Parking
Photo gallery
Photos are published immediately. JPG/PNG/WebP, max 6 MB.
Flora along the trail
Wildlife to spot
ACurated and verified by Andrea Rama
Data source: Catasto Sentieri Regione Autonoma VdA · Open data — DGR 899/2014
Last verified:
Val d'Ayas
Related trails
Same valley or similar routes — more hikes to explore.
Val d'Ayas
Amponey - Becca Trecare
A demanding EE ascent from Amponey to Becca Trecare at 3032m — nearly 1500m of gain on varied terrain with sweeping summit views.
Val d'Ayas
Amponey - Alpe Mascognaz
1.8 km · +309 m · E — from Amponey to Alpe Mascognaz (Central Valley).
Val d'Ayas
Amponey - Bec de Nannaz
In the Val d'Ayas, Ayas: an E-rated climb toward a high-altitude objective through pastures and rock with views of Monte Rosa.
Val d'Ayas
Amponey - Mont Facebelle
In the Val d'Ayas, Ayas: an E/EE-rated climb toward a high-altitude objective in the alpine landscape.