High Route 1 — Stage 11: Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney → Oyace

Stage eleven brings the Alta Via 1 down from the high central section — Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney at 2652 m — to the Valpelline valley floor at Oyace, crossing exposed ridges and solitary pastures in a long descent losing nearly 1400 metres. Despite a modest positive gain of just 504 m, the stage earns its EE rating from short sections of scrambling on exposed rock and from the cumulative physical demand added to already-tired legs. The route tackles Col Chaleby (2653 m) and Col de Vessonaz (2793 m) — the stage's highest point — before the lengthy descent to Oyace unwinds on mixed terrain through sustained switchbacks. The Valpelline is one of the least visited and most untouched valleys in the Aosta region: no ski resorts, minimal tourist infrastructure, many active summer farms. Oyace (1397 m) is a small village with basic services and a regional bus connection to Aosta. An early departure before 7 AM is advised to reach Oyace in early afternoon and tackle the scramble sections with fresh energy.

Along the route: from Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney (2652 m), the path passes Col de Vessonaz (2793 m) — Stage high point, short equipped sections, to Oyace (1397 m). Along the way you reach the Oratorio Di Cuney refuge, a useful base. The skyline is dominated by Mont Vélan (3734 m), Grand Combin (4314 m).