BY PLANE:
Route
Go right starting from the car park of Gimillan: after few meters the indications for Lussert Lakes, St. Marcel Pass, etc. are found. The pathway is indicated by the yellow circle 9A and by yellow strips marked on stones along the route. The path begins going immediately uphill, then the slope decreases as we go beyond a little chapel dedicated to the Virgin
(1836m). Soon the path resumes to go up and splits in two, before it begins to penetrate into the Grauson Valley: it's possible to continue following the right one that goes down as far as the Ecloseur Bridge
(1904m), but in such a case we must go up again; it's better to follow the left one that, in practice without losing height, arrives at the bridge under the Alpeggio Pila
(2025m), cross it and, following the stepped pathway, overcome the rocky bastion with a fine waterfall aside. At this point the path turns right markedly entering, high on the torrent, into a small valley; by an alternation of steep and slight slopes, it reaches a panoramic cross, on the edge of a pleasant plateau ( superb view of the far Grivola!). The path goes through the meadows, slightly descendind: after the Alpi di Grauson Vecchie
(2271m), cross the torrent on the Pikacił Bridge and begin again to go up, reaching the wide upper part of the Grauson Valley. For the first time the Tersiva put it in appearance, while, looking into the distance, the end of the valley appears, close by the Passo d'Invergneux
(2905m) and the Serra Madł, WSW ridge of the Tersiva. Shortly afterwards one meets the signs indicating the ways on the left to Laures Pass
(3035m) and St. Marcel Pass
(2916m). On the contrary go straight ahead along the pathway n°4, few meters later you can see on the right the Alpeggio Pralognan
(2418m). Continue as far as the ruins of the Alpeggio Ervillieres
(2519m).
After the pastures follow toward East along the path leading to Doreire Lower Lake
(2731m), board it on the right side and, on tracks, get the Upper Lake
(2844m).
On toward South and in about 20' tyou get the Invergneux Pass
(2905m).
Now along the ridge that, westward, leads to the Testa del Vallonet
(3135m) keeping the northern side of the aerial ridge where some walk ups are followed by some short rock easy climbing passages and in less than one hour you get the Summit East.
Rope can be useful.
Difficulties
The route can be rated for Expert Hikers with some climbing experience.
Equipment
Hikers gear, a rope can be useful on the final ridge.
Campings
Remember that free camping is forbidden (except for emergency reasons, over 2.500 mt., from darkness until dawn).
Mountain Condition
- You can get weather forecasts at the official site of the Regione Valle d'Aosta:
Valle d'Aosta Meteo
Webcam
- WEBCAM on Aosta Valley:
Webcam
Books and Maps
BOOKS:
- "Guida delle Alpi Occidentali" di Giovanni Bobba e Luigi Vaccarone C.A.I. Sezione di Torino Volume II (parte II), 25 Maggio 1896.
- "Guida dei Monti d'Italia Emilius Rosa dei Banchi Parco del Mont Avic" di Giulio Berutto e Lino Fornelli - Club Alpino Italiano/Touring Club Italiano, Marzo 2005.
- "Diari Alpinistici" di Osvaldo Cardellina e Indice Generale accompagnato da Schedario Relazioni Ascensioni 1964-2007 (unpublished).
