Bike and Trek 

Day one

Arrival to Champoluc and check-in at cosy Hotel Castor. We gather for a welcome drink with program presentation before dinner at the hotel.

Day two

Our bike guide joins us for breakfast. We go together to try out and pick up our bikes. The first bike tour goes along the medieval irrigation canal Ru Cortoud on narrow trails and smaller gravel roads. We stop for lunch at an agriturismo, a farmstead, where the menu features authentic local dishes made with seasonal products from the own farm. Don’t miss the creamy gelato, made out of fresh milk from the cows pasturing, literally, around the corner.

In the afternoon we suggest you spend a couple of hours relaxing at the Monterosa Spa, nestled in the green Pian Villy with a stunning view of the glaciers. Here oswood-lined saunas, a Turkish aromatherapy steam room and a Hamman with salt scrub await you. Not to mention a circular hot tub with a domed ceiling, monsoon showers and hot and cold therapy pools.

We meet up at the hotel for dinner.

Day three

We take the local bus to Saint-Jacques, the last village in the valley to enjoy a classic walk up to Lago Blu (2228 m)  Following the rushing waters of the glacial melt, we ascent towards the first plateau, Pian di Verra Inferiore (2000 m). The sound of the rushing water and the jingle of the cowbells transport your mind as if on a mediation exercise. Further up the mountain we encounter a different landscape. The open glacial basin greets us, providing great views of the glacier and towards the valley behind. A slight drop in temperature gives a cool breeze, resting the muscles from your climb and bringing a sense of calm to the area. The water of the lake is, as the name indicates, totally blue and you have the high mountain terrain and the proximity of the glacier. Do you dare to take a dip in the crystal clear water? <

Few things are better than a lake side pic-nic. Coffee will be on the way down, in the little walser village Resy. Valerie and Julienne at the Ferarro mountain hut (2066 m) are happy to tell us more about the village, the Walser people, their special architecture and way of life.

Back in town and time for an aperitivo. This italian pre-dinner habit is a great way to experience local culture, to people-watch and to unwind with a drink after a long day. We choose a nice restaurant in the village for dinner.

Day four

Today we’re heading for a lovely long bike ride to the Palazinas valley with the its glittering lakes. We follow the same paths as the shepherds and their herds always have done up to the 2661-meter high pass. From the lakes, we go down to the Refuge Arp (2446 m). The stone house rests on an open grass field, often in the sun and always with a breathtaking view. After lunch at the refuge we’re going down hill! Don’t be fooled though, just because you’re going down, doesn’t mean there isn’t skill and technique involved! Your guide shows you how to take advantage of the gravity.

Late afternoon wine tasting with labels from this the smallest wine region in Italy. Dinner at the hotel.