Pila

A stunning, must-see loop perfect for mountain lovers looking to explore pristine landscapes. It is highly recommended for families with older children (ages 10 and up).

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/

Trail difficulty: EE

Trails used: 14 – 16 – 19 – 19A – 20 – 102

Hiking time: 4 hours

Description:

The hike sets off from Pila Gorraz along trail 19A at an altitude of 1,869 meters. The trail begins on a sunny, grassy path for about 500 meters before gradually weaving into the woods. Emerging from this first forested section, you’ll cross open terrain before entering a second, charming woodland path that climbs gently for about 15 minutes.

At the edge of the forest, follow trail 16 to the Chamolé Alpine pasture (Alpe di Chamolé). From here, press on toward Lake Chamolé (2,329 meters) along a more demanding, grassy path bordered by trees. The trek from Pila to the lake takes about 2.5 hours.

From the lake, continue up to the Chamolé Pass (Colle di Chamolé, 2,641 meters) along trail 14-102. This sunny stretch features a steady, progressive climb, reaching the pass in about 2 hours from the lake.

From the pass, a 45-minute descent brings you down to the pristine lake and the Arbolle Refuge (Rifugio Arbolle). After a well-deserved break at the refuge—where you can sample a traditional Aosta Valley casse-croûte (a hearty local platter)—head toward Comboé along trail 14. This section crosses one of the wildest and most captivating valleys in the region: a vast, lush green plateau that absolutely begs for a photo stop.

Once you reach the Comboé Alpine pasture, climb trail 20 for about 30 minutes to the Plan Fenêtre Pass (Colle di Plan Fenêtre, 2,245 meters). Then, follow the main trail back to the Chamolé pasture, once again immersing yourself in vibrant, green surroundings.

From the pasture, head down along trail 16 and then trail 19 to return to Pila in about 50 minutes, bringing a beautifully complete, scenic, and diverse high-mountain itinerary to a close.

Points of Interest: Pila, Comboé Alpine pasture, Chamolé Pass and Lake, Arbolle Lake and Refuge.

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