Pennine Alps
Overview
Punta di Leissé (2771m) is nothing but the central part of the long ridge that connects Mont Fallère (3061m) to Punta dell'Aouillette (2616m). Starting in the SSE direction it goes through Colle Finestra (2729m), Monte Vertosan (2821m), Monte Rosso (2943m), Punta Paletta (2812m), Passo Paletta (2707m), Punta di Leissé (2771m), the unnamed point (2748m), and finally reaches Punta dell'Aouillette (2616m) at its southern end.
The southern and eastern slopes of Punta di Leissé are graced in summer by beautiful flowers, while the west side is covered by scree. The winter ascent, with either snowshoes or skis, is quite enjoyable. From the summit the views are exceptional and extend to almost all the summits of Valle d'Aosta.
From the Aosta Ovest (Aymavilles) exit of the motorway, take state highway n° 26 Toward Courmayeur. After about 5 km, you'll reach the Village of Saint Pierre (731m). Turn right on the road for the small Village of Saint Nicolas (1200m). Past the village, you'll reach a fork. The left branch leads to Colle di Joux (1898m). Take instead the right branch in the direction of Vetan (1671m). At the center of the small village turn left and proceed for about 150m on paved road.
Elevation gain: about 1100m.
Time required for the ascent: 3h'30-4h'00.
L'itinerario è classificato E.
Da escursionismo.
The southern and eastern slopes of Punta di Leissé are graced in summer by beautiful flowers, while the west side is covered by scree. The winter ascent, with either snowshoes or skis, is quite enjoyable. From the summit the views are exceptional and extend to almost all the summits of Valle d'Aosta.
First Ascents
- First on the summit: Unknown.
- In Winter: Unknown.
Getting There
BY CAR:- From Torino, Milano, etc: Motorway A5. Exit at Aosta Ovest.
- From Switzerland: through the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel or the namesake pass.
- From France, through the Mont Blanc Tunnel or Petit Saint Bernard Pass: It is not necessary to take Motorway A5: you can drive on SS.26, in the direction of Aosta.
- Aeroporto Internazionale "Corrado Gex" Saint Christophe (Aosta).
From the Aosta Ovest (Aymavilles) exit of the motorway, take state highway n° 26 Toward Courmayeur. After about 5 km, you'll reach the Village of Saint Pierre (731m). Turn right on the road for the small Village of Saint Nicolas (1200m). Past the village, you'll reach a fork. The left branch leads to Colle di Joux (1898m). Take instead the right branch in the direction of Vetan (1671m). At the center of the small village turn left and proceed for about 150m on paved road.
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Route
The trail for Punta di Leissé starts from the road sign that bars further access to cars. Reach Alpeggio di Grand Arpilles (2120m) (1h'20 from the car) and from there aim straight for the easy Southeast ridge. From the Eastern False Summit (1h'40 from Alpeggio di Grand Arpilles) reach the summit, marked by a large cross dedicated to the Fallen Mountaineer (0h'20 min from the False Summit). Continue then in the southwest direction on the easy and fun ridge. Once past the western False Summit at (2748m), you'll soon reach Punta dell'Aouillette (2616m) and its great views.Elevation gain: about 1100m.
Time required for the ascent: 3h'30-4h'00.
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Difficulties
This route can be considered E.L'itinerario è classificato E.
Equipment
Normal hiking gear.Da escursionismo.
Campings
Remember that free camping is forbidden (except for emergency reasons, over 2500m, from darkness until dawn). |  |  |  |
Mountain Condition
- Meteo: you can find all the needed informations at the official site of the Valle d'Aosta Region:
Valle d'Aosta Meteo
Webcam
- WEBCAM on Aosta Valley:
Webcam
Books and Maps
BOOKS:"Guida dei Monti d'Italia-Alpi Pennine" (Vol. I°) di Gino Buscaini-Club Alpino Italiano/Turing Club Italiano, Luglio 1971 (in Italian). - "80 itinerari di Escursionismo Alpinismo e Sci Alpinismo in Valle d'Aosta", di Osvaldo Cardellina, Ed. Musumeci, Giugno 1977 (in Italian); seconda Ed. Luglio 1981; terza Ed. Luglio 1984; (in French), prima Ed. Febbraio 1978; seconda Ed. Marzo 1980.
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- Kompass "Monte Bianco Valle d'Aosta Sentieri e Rifugi" Carta turistica 1:50.000.
- Ediz. Bottega D'Arte Alpina Coumayeur "Carta Turistica della Valle d'Aosta" di Alessio Nebbia 1:100.000.
- I.G.M. Istituto Geografico Militare 1:25.000.
Important Information
- REGIONE AUTONOMA VALLE D'AOSTA Ufficial Site
- FONDAZIONE MONTAGNA SICURA Villa Cameron, località Villard de la Palud 1 Courmayeur (AO) Tel: 39 0165 897602 - Fax: 39 0165 897647.
- A.I.NE.VA. (Associazione Interregionale Neve e Valanghe).
Useful numbers
- Protezione Civile Valdostana località Aeroporto 7/A Saint Christophe (Ao) Tel. 0165-238222.
- Bollettino Valanghe Tel. 0165-776300.
- Bollettino Meteo Tel. 0165-44113.
- Unità Operativa di Soccorso Sanitario Tel. 118.
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Acknowledgements
I want to thank Fabio (Brenta) for the translation of the text from Italian and also Livioz who provided the coordinates of the summit and helped with the edit.External Links
- Ski mountaneering route to Punta Leissè
The text is in Italian, but the enclosed photographic documentation is self-explanatory
