How to get here

Aosta West highway exit. Take SS26 to Val di Rhêmes SR24. Climb the valley to Pellaud: from here, the road is normally not cleared so park your car in the lot in front of the village.

Description of the route

From Pellaud, continue along the road that leads to Thumel coasting the Doire de Rhêmes after a couple of minutes. After walking for about 20 minutes you reach the summer parking lot before entering Thumel. Continue to Thumel and then take path 13. You’ll reach the park ranger’s hut after ascending for several minutes. Pass under some rocks until to reach a wide ledge: from here, continue on the flat route that then drops towards the Torrent de Barmaverain river bed. After the river bed, continue along the summer path that climbs the ridge to the Barmaverain buildings. After enjoying the magnificent view of the Granta Parei, head towards the short snow-covered peak that coasts the gorges carved by the Doire di Rhêmes (be careful). After the peak, cross an almost flat segment that quickly leads near the Thumel hydro-electric foundations.
The route continues slightly upwards while the refuge slowly appears. Cross the Doire de Rhêmes and continue on the right-hand side crossing to the plains under the refuge. You’re near the end: after following a long straightaway you’ll enter a small valley that quickly leads to the Benevolo refuge.