Description of the route

From the centre of La Balme, a hamlet in Pré-Saint-Didier which can be reached along the SS 26 state road going towards La Thuile, follow the signs for trail 4 which crosses a thick conifer wood, then reaches a private road for the Youlaz pastures near Arp Désot. The trail now follows a number of brief sections of the private road and first leads to the pastures of Arp Damon and Peson, then, continuing along the track, Mayen de la Youla, at the mouth of the valley of the same name. Here, trail 4 takes you into the little valley and, ignoring trails 3B on the right (to Plan Praz), then 4A on the left (towards Lake de la Plate), you come to Lake de la Youla, near which is the former Maggiore Reggiani shelter. Continue along a winding track then go up a slope to reach Col d’Arp.