The best hiking trails in Avise

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Avise for those who love walking in nature?

Avise offers many walking paths immersed in the authentic nature of the Aosta Valley, ideal for both families and experienced hikers. Among the most famous are the Comba di Vertosan, the Frenay waterfall, and the panoramic trails among the local vineyards. These paths allow you to discover alpine landscapes, observe flora and fauna, and reach unique viewpoints.

How to get there and where to park for Comba di Vertosan?

The Comba di Vertosan can be reached by car ascending from Avise towards the village of Vedun, following the signs for Vertosan. There is a large parking area next to the road at the Plan di Vere locality, close to the start of the trail. In summer, the road is usually open and paved up to the parking lot; from there, you continue on foot into the Comba through pastures and woods. For those who wish, it is possible to walk down from Avise, following a cobbled path that crosses meadows and small hamlets, adding about 1 hour to the journey.

What type of itinerary does Comba di Vertosan offer?

Is it suitable for families?

The main route in Comba di Vertosan is a simple loop suitable for families with children. You start from Plan di Vere (1,700 m) and cross the flat valley, passing between wooden huts and pastures, with views of the peaks of Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc. The short loop (3 km round trip) ends near the Vertosan pasture. Along the way, it is common to spot grazing cows, marmots, mountain butterflies, and, with a bit of luck, raptors flying above the valley. More prepared hikers can continue towards the Mont Ros pass or proceed to the alpine lakes in the area, with travel times of up to 4 hours and greater elevation changes.

How to reach the Frenay waterfall from Avise?

Where to park?

The Frenay waterfall is easily accessible both by car and on foot. From the center of Avise, follow the signs for the Frenay hamlet, climbing about 2 km on paved road. Just before entering the village, there is a space to park for free. From there, you continue on foot on a well-marked and flat path (about 15 minutes on foot) to the base of the waterfall. This itinerary is suitable for everyone, even small children. The area is ideal for a picnic, relaxing while listening to the water, and taking photographs of the waterfall immersed in alpine vegetation.

What views and observation points does the path to the Frenay waterfall offer?

Walking along the path, you gradually gain altitude, surrounded by shrubs and wildflowers that change depending on the season: anemones, gentians, rhododendrons, and alpine lilies. Upon reaching the waterfall, you enjoy a splendid view of the underlying valley and the Mont Blanc massif. On clear days, it is possible to glimpse the snow-capped peaks in the distance and enjoy the freshness of the water. Often, at dawn or dusk, you can spot deer and squirrels among the surrounding rocks and trees.

How to organize a hike among the vineyards of Avise?

The trails among the vineyards of Avise are easy, accessible to everyone, and well-marked. The ideal is to start from the main square of Avise, where you can park a short distance from the town hall or in small spaces along the main road. From here, you walk towards the Runaz hamlet or the hills surrounding the village. The "Vineyard Trail" is about 2.5 km long and crosses historic terraces cultivated with Petit Rouge and other native grape varieties. Along the trail, there are information boards that tell the story of Aosta Valley wines and shaded spots to stop and admire the underlying valley. Walking in late spring and early summer, you can observe the changing colors in the rows, and in September, the ongoing grape harvest.

What alpine flora and animals can be encountered on these hikes?

During walks in the Comba di Vertosan, among the vineyards, or towards the Frenay waterfall, you can observe a surprising variety of alpine flora: alpine stars, rhododendrons, ancient ferns, aromatic herbs, and tall conifers. Encounters with wildlife are frequent: marmots, deer, mountain hares, and various species of birds of prey. In meadows and along streams, you can also find alpine frogs and, sometimes, rare and colorful butterflies. A pair of binoculars can make the walk even more exciting for birdwatching and nature lovers.

What trails do you recommend for families and which for experienced hikers?

For families, the loop of Comba di Vertosan (with departure and arrival at Plan di Vere), the trail at the foot of the Frenay waterfall, and the Vineyard Trail are all perfect, characterized by gentle slopes and little technical difficulty. For more experienced hikers, the ascent to the Mont Ros pass from Comba di Vertosan is suggested, or the extension beyond the Frenay waterfall towards the higher hamlets of Avise (Itinerary Frenay-Vedun), longer and more panoramic trails with greater elevation gain and breathtaking views of the entire Aosta Valley.

What other services or attractions are found near the recommended trails?

Around the trails, there are equipped picnic areas, fountains, nature tables, and agritourisms offering tastings of typical products, such as cheeses and local wines. After the hikes, it is possible to visit the historic center of Avise, with its castles and the famous Via delle Gallie. In the warm seasons, guided tours, wild herb collections, and creative workshops for children are organized. In summer, several refuges and alpine pastures are open for refreshments and the purchase of fresh products.