La valle di Cogne – giro ad anello

Existing route taken. However, several paths along the river were eroded from the original route in 2024.

Departing from Cogne, we take the flat and picturesque Lillaz pedestrian path, entirely on a farm road and on the left bank of the Urtier stream, which passes through forests of spruce and larch. Just after the village of Champlong, the trail crosses the Geosite, an area devastated by a massive landslide during the flood of 2000. The walk reaches the picnic area, equipped with tables, benches, barbecue pits, fountains, and restrooms, located just before the village of Lillaz. We reach Lillaz, and proceeding with our bikes in hand due to the excessive number of tourists, we reach the first waterfall. The others are not accessible by mountain bike, but we intend to visit them on foot. We then head towards the Sylvenoire plateau, crossing the enchanting forest; along the path there is also a refreshment bar, although today it was closed for weekly rest. We continue towards Valnontey in search of a café for our usual afternoon ☕️, then follow the trail marked with the Alta Via n. 2 signpost, which heads towards Fietzelin. The route alternates between the right and left bank, always following the Valnontey stream. The first stretch up to the bridge just above the Prà su Piá mountain pasture is easily accessible to everyone, both by bike and on foot. We return to Cogne, still passing through the Sylvenoire forest, embarking, for the first time, on a short, easy downhill stretch. A successful experiment without falling! 💪🏽

I imagined I'd be happy with today's Val Valnontey route, which leads from the Park to the foot of Gran Paradiso. Its breathtaking views enchanted me. It's a shame that since the devastating flood of June 2024, some routes are impassable, as they run alongside the stream of the same name. On my way back to Cogne, I scouted out tomorrow's routes, passing through the hamlets of Lillaz, Moline, and Cretaz.