Highlight • Lake
Lake Arpy
Hiking
5.0
(680)
Mountain biking
5.0
(24)
Running
5.0
(2)
Nordic walking
5.0
(2)
Alpine skiing
5.0
(1)
Snowshoeing
5.0
(1)
Tips
May 28, 2024
Hiking
•
August 4, 2022
Hiking
•
July 14, 2019
Hiking
In summer it stays cool thanks to the shade of the forest.
There may be wind at the lake.
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lake Arpy
4.7
(337)
2,198
hikers
5.87km
01:39
120m
120m
Embark on an easy hike to Lake d’Arpy, a rewarding journey through silent woods and alpine meadows in Italy's Aosta Valley. This 3.6-mile (5.9 km) route, with a gentle 404 feet (123 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. Much of the path winds through a cool, shady coniferous forest, offering a pleasant experience even on warmer days. When you reach Lake d’Arpy, you'll be greeted by a spectacular panoramic view, with the lake's clear waters reflecting the majestic Grandes Jorasses, part of the Mont Blanc massif.
To start your hike, head to Colle San Carlo, typically near the Hotel Genzianella, which is easily accessible by car from towns like Morgex and Courmayeur. The trail is suitable for families and offers a pleasant outing in any season. For the best photographic opportunities of the mountain reflections, consider an early morning start when the lake waters are calm. While beautiful year-round, autumn brings vibrant foliage, and winter transforms the area into a popular spot for snowshoeing. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during summer months, as you are in an alpine environment.
Lake d’Arpy is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 2,066 meters (6,778 feet), nestled between peaks such as Mont Charvet and Mont Cormet. Its unique colors, ranging from brown to light blue to green, are home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. A small wooden bridge allows you to walk around the entire lake, and a small waterfall can be found further along the trail. This destination is also a popular picnic spot and can serve as a starting point for more challenging hikes to locations like Colle della Croce, offering even more expansive views.
4.8
(289)
1,215
hikers
11.6km
04:13
500m
500m
The Lago Arpy and Punta della Croce trail offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with an elevation gain of 1651 feet (503 metres), typically taking about 4 hours and 13 minutes. Your journey begins on a wide dirt track through a dense fir and larch forest, providing a shaded and tranquil path to Lago Arpy. This beautiful lake, nestled at 2,066 meters, reflects surrounding peaks like Mont Colmet and even the Grandes Jorasses. Beyond the lake, the path becomes more challenging, traversing alpine meadows dotted with bilberry and rhododendron bushes as you ascend towards Punta della Croce.
While the initial segment to Lago Arpy is considered easy and suitable for families, the full route to Punta della Croce requires good fitness and sure-footedness. The trail is accessible and recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Aosta Valley. You can enjoy the cool forest shade in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, or even snowshoeing in winter, making it a year-round destination. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the diverse scenery and panoramic views.
This trail is notable for its spectacular panoramas from Punta della Croce, offering expansive views of the Mont Blanc Massif, including its summit and the Grand Jorasses. You will also find historical elements, such as old trenches, adding another layer to the natural landscape. Lago Arpy itself is ecologically significant, home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. The accessibility of the lake makes it a great option for a leisurely family walk, even if you choose not to complete the full ascent to Punta della Croce.
4.8
(258)
1,064
hikers
10.3km
03:43
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,070 m
Weather
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Thursday 7 May
12°C
1°C
29 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h
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