Pila

This loop trail starts right from the center of Pila and takes you to some of the resort’s most iconic viewpoints. Along the way, you can admire Lake Chamolé, Lake Arbolle with its stunning view of Mount Emilius, the city of Aosta, the Comboè valley, and some of the highest peaks and glaciers in Europe.

Regulations:

The information provided here is for guidance only. All routes have been described and checked, but conditions may change; fallen trees or minor disruptions may increase the difficulty of the route, and in such cases it is advisable not to continue. It is always important to check in advance whether the routes are passable.

The downloadable GPS tracks available on the portal, whilst having been created with the utmost care, are merely one of the many tools that technology provides for viewing the suggested routes online; under no circumstances do they replace the local knowledge and navigational skills required to undertake the hike.
The decision to use the GPS tracks provided on the website and available on the portal is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the user. Under no circumstances shall we be held liable for the accuracy of the GPS tracks available for download on the website, nor for any damage that may be caused to users and/or third parties as a result of using them. Should you identify any errors, please report them to us.

Hiking is an activity that involves inherent risks. In accordance with Law 131/2025, responsibility for safety lies with the user, who is required to assess their own physical and technical abilities, as well as the suitability of their equipment in relation to weather and terrain conditions. The website operator accepts no liability for any damage or accidents arising from the use of the routes described.

Before setting off, always consult the regulations at the following link: https://pila.it/en/trekking-regulations/

Description:

To skip the initial steep climb and save your legs, take the Chamolé chairlift, which brings you straight up to an altitude of 2,300 meters. From the top station, follow the Sentiero delle Marmotte (Marmot Trail), a rocky path protected by wooden railings. It starts a bit steep but soon levels out, featuring a few benches where you can rest and take in the scenery.

In about 15 minutes, you’ll reach the first highlight of this itinerary: Lake Chamolé.

A small hill on the left offers the perfect vantage point to admire the lake from above. From here, turn right at the only intersection to join trail 102. The path becomes steeper but presents no technical difficulties, offering beautiful aerial views of the lake all along the way. Roughly halfway up, a prominent rock makes for the perfect spot to take a quick breather if you’re starting to feel tired.

Reaching the top of the climb takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. As soon as you crest the ridge, the landscape opens up beautifully to Lake Arbolle, with Mount Emilius towering right behind it—a must-stop photo opportunity. The route then continues down a steep descent, where it is essential to use the specially installed safety ropes for support. You will quickly arrive at the Arbolle Refuge (Rifugio Arbolle). Here, you can use the facilities, refill your water bottle at the outdoor fountain, stay overnight, or simply refuel with a traditional mountain lunch.

Heading back along the same route, pay close attention to the steep section with the safety ropes, which you’ll now be tackling uphill. Once over the ridge, head back down to the Lake Chamolé intersection and turn right to rejoin the final stretch of the Marmotte Trail. The path follows a partly wooded ridge, offering views of the city of Aosta on one side and the Comboè valley on the other. Keeping left off the ridge path, you’ll soon reach Col Replan at 2,458 meters. Here, an orientation panel names all the iconic peaks visible from this viewpoint, stretching from Mont Blanc to Monte Rosa and, further in the distance, the Matterhorn.

From here, a gentler descent leads to Plan Fenêtre. After about 2 km with a 100-meter elevation loss, you will reach a final viewpoint overlooking Mont Blanc on one side and the Comboè valley on the other. Two oversized benches make this the perfect place for one last break before heading back to Pila. From this point, the path runs mostly through the woods before opening up near the Chamolé alpine pasture (at 2,150 meters), where you might spot grazing cattle if your timing is right. There is also a fountain near the stable for hikers to refresh. As you approach the end of the loop, you will cross a few bike park trails—please watch out for passing mountain bikes.

The itinerary ends right where it began, after about 3 hours of walking, covering 12.2 km with 600 meters of total elevation gain.

We recommend enjoying this itinerary with the support of experienced local guides, who can enrich your visit with stories, practical information, and fascinating insights that will make your experience truly unforgettable. For information and bookings:

NATURALISTIC HIKING GUIDES