Punta de la Crosatie is a strangely shaped mountain, which shows a different look from every new viewpoint. It rises between Monte Paramont and Torre Tonda along a ridge composed of Torre Tonda
(2583m), Torre del Tighet
(2976m), Colle del Tighet
(2931m), Becca Taillà
(2983m), Colle de la Crosatie
(2838m), Punta de la Crosatie
(2933m), Colle delle Molette
(2774m), Monte Pit
(2914m), and Monte Paramont
(3301m).
From the summit of Punta de la Crosatie one enjoys an exceptional 360-degree view of all the mountains of Valle d'Aosta. At the foot of the peak, across its namesake col
(2838m), goes the new trail of "alta via numero 2", which leads to Alpeggio di Promoud
(2016m) and, via Colle des Usellettes (or Haut Pas) to Rifugio Alberto Deffeyes
(2494m).
First Ascent
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 Leverogne.
BY PLANE:
Route
From the city of Aosta
(583m) follow the Strada Statale n° 26 in the direction of Mont Blanc. Near the village of Leverogne
(780m) turn left on the regional road for Valgrisenche. Go past the villages of Rochefort, La Ravoire, and Chamencon; then turn right for the village of Planaval
(1557m), about 10 km from Leverogne. You can park here and continue on foot along the paved road in the direction of the village of La Clusaz
(1631m): once out of the village, turn left after two switchbacks. But, if you are lucky, you can also park your car just in front of the start of the trail, that is clearly visible and well-marked.
The ascent begins here: gain the initial, steep 500m of elevation and go past a water outlet at 2060 m to reach the first plateau. Continue along the bank of the stream that flows from the Château Blanc glacier. Past a small wooden bridge, the trail climbs steeply for another 100 m before reaching the second plateau, where another small bridge is located. Cross the bridge and aim straight for the Baracche (huts) of Fond (
2340m, 2 h). Keep right along the trail that leads to Lago di Fond (
2438m, 2 h 30 min). Cross the lake outlet and follow the trail, which is again very steep, until colle de la Crosatie
(2838m). From here follow the ridge for the last 100 m, paying special attention in case of snow or wind. The ridge leads to the summit of Punta de la Crosatie (
2933m, 4 h from Planaval).
