Rifugio Bonatti loop

From the car park at Lavachey, in the wild heart of Val Ferret, the loop climbs to Rifugio Bonatti (2025 m) along a section of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc. It is perhaps the most spectacular panoramic balcony on the Italian side of the massif: as you gain height, the north faces of the Grandes Jorasses (4208 m), the Dent du Géant, the Aiguille de Rochefort and, further south, Mont Dolent — where the borders of Italy, France and Switzerland meet — line up across the valley. The trail crosses high pastures still grazed in summer, with dry-stone tabià and herds of Valdostana cattle, offering constant views of the hanging glaciers that spill from Mont Blanc. The refuge, named after Walter Bonatti, who made Val Ferret his alpine home, has a terrace looking straight onto the massif and is a classic TMB stopover. The return can close the loop by descending to Pra Sec or by retracing the outward path. The modest ascent (620 m) and consistently good footing make it suitable for families with children used to walking; in high season it is worth booking lunch at the refuge.

Along the route: from Lavachey (1642 m), the path passes Rifugio Walter Bonatti (2025 m) — Viewpoint over Mont Blanc and Grandes Jorasses, to Lavachey (1642 m). Along the way you reach the Bonatti refuge, a useful base. The skyline is dominated by Monte Bianco (4808 m), Grandes Jorasses (4208 m).