Countless adventures await around Forte di Bard and throughout the Aosta Valley; from unique and adrenaline-pumping experiences to more tranquil and traditional ones, both in winter and summer, you can breathe in the mountain air and fragrances while living through a thousand different emotions.

• Hiking

The Aosta Valley is rich in trails, paths, and trekking routes, ranging from the simplest and most accessible to those for experts, where the common thread is the beauty of the landscape.

• • Arnad – Machaby Sanctuary (near Forte di Bard)
    The route to the Machaby Sanctuary is suitable for everyone and can be traveled in any season. The 30-minute path winds through chestnut woods along a historic mule track, a remnant of an ancient military road, leading to the “Notre Dame de la Neige” Sanctuary. Nearby, you can stop at the renovated Machaby Fort, which houses a restaurant offering local dishes. Those who wish to continue can reach Tête La Cou, where a magnificent view of the main valley awaits, and along the way, you can admire the characteristic village.
  • Le Tre Goye di Hône – Orridi Trail (near Forte di Bard)
    Le Tre Goye di Hône offers a fascinating hike of moderate difficulty with few elevation changes, making it suitable for families. This 2.5 km loop trail passes through a landscape characterized by towering rock formations and narrow gorges. The path is equipped with walkways and bridges that make crossing the gorges easier. During the hike, visitors can admire spectacular rock formations, waterfalls, and small natural pools created by water erosion over millennia.
  • Place Moulin Lake in Bionaz
    Place Moulin Lake is a must-see for nature lovers and mountain scenery enthusiasts. Located at about 2,000 meters above sea level, this artificial lake, created for hydroelectric power generation, is surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes. The hike to the lake offers a scenic route of about 1.5 hours, with views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trail, which starts from Torgnon, is suitable for hikers of all levels and allows you to enjoy a peaceful and picturesque natural environment. The lake, with its crystal-clear blue waters, is also an excellent spot for picnics and relaxation, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
  • Lillaz Waterfalls in Cogne
    The Lillaz Waterfalls are one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Aosta Valley and an ideal destination for a walk immersed in nature. Located in the village of Lillaz, these waterfalls cascade over three levels, offering a spectacular sight as water tumbles powerfully between the rocks. The well-marked and relatively easy trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The waterfalls are particularly impressive during the spring and summer months when the water flow is stronger, and the surrounding landscape is in full bloom, creating rainbows and light plays.
• Climbing

The Aosta Valley offers numerous rock gyms and via ferratas for climbing enthusiasts, with routes suitable for all levels of experience. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is highly recommended to contact an alpine guide. It is essential to thoroughly research the routes, the degree of difficulty, and your technical preparation before starting the activity.
Several mountain guides are available, divided into regional groups.

1. Rock gyms:

• • Climbing Park Balteo in Donnas (near Forte di Bard)
    This route includes the Peredrette via ferrata and three climbing crags. The routes are suitable for beginners and can be accessed year-round. During the activity, the use of safety and protective equipment is mandatory, and it is important to be accompanied by an experienced climber or alpine guide.
  • Peredrette Via Ferrata
    This route ascends the rocky ridges above the vineyards, offering a panoramic view of the entire valley as you climb. The route does not have any significant technical difficulties, but it is important to tackle it with adequate and appropriate equipment (harness, via ferrata safety kit, and helmet).
  • Falesia delle ciliegie
    Located at the top of the via ferrata, this crag is accessed by a short hike through the woods. The crag features 18 routes ranging from 15 to 22 meters in length, with difficulty levels ranging from 4b to 6a.
  • Pomerou Pyramid
    This small rock formation is located at the end of the first ridge of the Peredrette Via Ferrata, accessible via a short trail through the woods. There are 8 routes, ranging from 12 to 19 meters in length, with difficulty levels ranging from 4a to 5c.
  • Reisen Boulder
    This enormous rock block is located among the vineyards of Donnas, in the Reisen area. The various faces of the boulder offer different types of climbs with difficulty levels ranging from 5b/c to 7a. The height of the boulder is around 10/12 meters. The large area surrounding the boulder, nestled among the vineyards, is an excellent space for families.

2. Ferrate routes

• • Equipped trail to the Quintino Sella Refuge in Gressoney-La-Trinité (near Forte di Bard)
    Difficulty: Easy The Quintino Sella Refuge is a historic refuge in the Aosta Valley, used as a base for reaching the great 4,000-meter peaks. The scenic and panoramic route is well-marked up to the ridge, equipped with handrails to ease the path on the rocks, and features a charming wooden bridge. The recommended period for hiking this trail is from July to September.
  • Harry Potter ferrata route in Gressoney-La-Trinité (near Forte di Bard)
    Difficoltà: facile
    Difficulty: Easy This is a ferrata school boulder dedicated primarily to children, where they can climb and try their hand at via ferratas. There are several climbing routes for the ascent, while the descent is done using a zip line that leads to the meadow below. The recommended period is from March to November and is also accessible when there is little snow.

More information

• Cycling

For cycling enthusiasts and those who wish to explore the landscapes of the Aosta Valley by bike, the region offers numerous routes, both on the road and in the mountains. The routes range from the simplest, suitable for families, to more challenging ones, perfect for more experienced riders.

• • Cyclotour: Hône – Chardonney (Champorcher) (near Forte di Bard)
    This route passes through several villages: Hône, Pontboset, Champorcher, and Chardonney. The elevation gain is 1,092 meters, and the total distance is 16.3 km. As you ascend the Champorcher Valley, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the village of Hône and Forte di Bard.
  • Cyclotour: Pont-Saint-Martin – Stafal (Gressoney-La-Trinité) (near Forte di Bard)
    This route passes through all the villages of the Lys Valley, named after the stream that flows through it, which originates from Monte Rosa, visible during the ascent. The total distance is 38.2 km, and the elevation gain is 1,473 m. The route was part of the Giro d’Italia in 1995.

More information on cycling and mountain biking