Chardonney - Rifugio Dondena

From Chardonney (1450 m), in the municipality of Champorcher, this hiking route (E) climbs to the Dondena refuge (2196 m) with about 770 metres of ascent in just over 6 kilometres. It is a progressive, steady climb through woods and alpine pastures to the broad Dondena basin, a historic high-altitude plateau dotted with huts and a base for the cols and peaks at the head of Champorcher. The moderate gradient and mostly easy surface make it a goal suited even to hikers of moderate fitness, and a good introduction to the high-mountain environment. Recommended from summer to early autumn; always check the refuge's seasonal opening.