Where to sleep: Bionaz

The camping ground is located amongst lush larch and fir trees surrounding Lexert Lake,
In summer tents and campers are located on the banks of the lake, around which the children can play with the water or search for blueberries, currants, mushrooms, while parents sunbathe or play bowls, breathing in the clean air.
In winter the cross-country ski track passes right in front of the camping ground: you can go out and put on your skis in a moment.
On our table we offer traditional dishes prepared with real mountain pasture fontina-cheese!!

A typical mountain building with wonderful panoramic views overlooking the immaculate peaks of the Petites and Grandes Murailles mountain range and dominated by the Dent d’Hérens peak, the hotel is near the charming Lake of Lexert and the resort’s cross-country slopes. Simple yet comfortable rooms.

The Alessandro Nacamuli, or Col Collon refuge was built at the start of the nineties.
There are numerous opportunities for trips and crossings in the area, ranging from two-day trips to long distance alpine skiing lasting from three to six days or more, with cross country routes or crossing routes, which are all magnificent both from the point of view of the skiing and the landscapes.
Even in summer there are numerous activities possible in the surrounding areas: from simple excursions along the paths of the high routes lasting several days, to mountain climbing routes.
The "Tour du Cervin" or "Giro del Cervino", goes past the refuge (a tour of 7-8 days which makes it possible to admire every side of one of the most representative mountains of the Alps), as well as the "Tour des Grands Barrages".

The Capanna Aosta Refuge situated on a ridge east of the end section of the Tza de Tzan glacier, on the summit of the Valpelline, is owned by the C.A.I. (Italian Alpine Club) of Aosta and is a very interesting destination for all those wishing to savour the temptations of the Alps from close range, passing close to imposing glaciers which are now shrinking. It is the starting point for numerous mountain itineraries.

How to get there in summer

On foot:   Starting from the dam at Place Moulin (1,980 m), follow trail 9 to Prarayer. Then take trail 10/10A to the refuge.  Please note: the final section is classified as EEA – a hike for experienced hikers with equipment.
Difficulty: E + EEA – hiking +  for experienced hikers with equipment
Elevation gain: 800 m
Duration: 4h15 

How to get there in winter / Spring

Please note the road closure order from Bionaz to the dam 
Check the avalanche bulletin;  a rescue kit (Avalanche Transceiver, shovel and probe) is mandatory.

Ski mountaineering: from the Place Moulin dam, head to Prarayer following the summer path (possibly by bike, if the road is clear), or walk 5–6 km on flat ground.  Just past the Prarayer refuge, ascend along the right-hand side of the valley following the summer path, or along the left-hand side crossing the small bridge and leaving the obvious hill blocking the valley on your left. Under no circumstances (whether ascending or descending) should you enter the gorge!
Elevation gain: 800 m.
Exposure: variable

The Crête Sèche Mountain Hut is situated at an altitude of 2,410 m, in a panoramic location overlooking the Bionaz valley. Surrounded by the Costiera dell’Aroletta and the Mont Crête Sèche range, it is set against a spectacular alpine backdrop of jagged ridges, spires and rocky towers.

Built in 1982 near the historic Berio del Governo, an ancient guard post dating back to the French Revolution, the refuge is now a landmark for mountain enthusiasts: an ideal base for climbing and mountaineering in summer and a renowned destination for ski mountaineering in winter.

Thanks to the modest elevation gain and the accessible route, which takes around two hours to walk, the refuge is also suitable for hikers and families with children, who can enjoy the wide surrounding meadows and the peaceful atmosphere of the upper valley.

From the refuge, there is a breathtaking view of the main peaks of the Aosta Valley: from Luseney to Becca di Nona, all the way to Grivola and Rutor.

How to get there in summer

On foot:

• from the car park in the hamlet of Les Crêtes (1720 m), head up the farm track to reach the Berrier mountain pasture (path 4a, then 4). From there, continue towards the refuge via path 2.
  Difficulty: E excurtion route 
  Elevation gain: approx. 690 m
  Duration: approx. 2 hours
  
  
• from the car park in the hamlet of Les Rus (1685 m), take trail 3/2 to the Berrier mountain pasture. From here, take trail 2 to the refuge.
  Difficulty: E excurtion route 
  Elevation gain: 700 m
  Duration: approx. 2 hours

How to get there in winter/spring

Ski mountaineering/snowshoeing: from the car park just before Ruz, climb past the houses, following the initial farm track towards Alpe Berrier and the refuge. Depending on snow conditions, it may be necessary to leave the track and climb up the steep slope above it.
Elevation gain: approx. 700 m
Exposure: south-east

The Prarayer Mountain Hut 2005 m is situated in the upper Bionaz Valley, amidst towering mountains, glaciers, forests, streams and lakes.
It is a stop on the Matterhorn Tour, in the heart of the 4,000-metre peaks of the Pennine Alps. It is the ideal starting point for climbing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking in summer; and for ski touring in winter and spring.

The refuge also offers comfortable accommodation in dormitories and private rooms, a sauna, a bar and a restaurant serving traditional Aosta Valley cuisine.
At the refuge, you can request the assistance of mountain guides from the Valpelline Society for ski mountaineering, hiking and mountaineering.

How to get there in summer

On foot: starting from the Place Moulin dam  (1.980 m), follow trail 9 to Prarayer. The path to the refuge is a track accessible to everyone (including mothers with pushchairs).
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: approx. 25 m
Duration: 1h15 

Alternative: a lovely option is the mountain bike ride. The route follows the lakeside for about 5 km  along a path dotted with streams and small waterfalls, leading to the refuge .

 

How to get there in winter/spring

note the road closure order from Bionaz to the dam during the winter

Ski touring/snowshoeing: from the Place Moulin dam (1980 m) reach the refuge by following the summer path.
Elevation gain: approx. 25 m.
Exposure: varies

A little bit of paradise where you can enjoy Alpine beauty and find peace and quiet that only the silence of a mountain that is still unspoiled can offer. The B&B Clé du Paradis, located in the Valpelline, with its personalized rooms represents a safe haven for those who appreciate nature and the seasons in all their beauty. The family that has owned this ancient mansion for generations, welcomes their guests with the typical Valle d’Aosta grace and careful hospitality. Tradition and culture have characterized the restoration of Clé du Paradis, which overlooks the Bionaz valley, offering a breathtaking panorama. Easy to reach, it offers a holiday that combines with every need/preference: winter activities and sports in the cold season, long and peaceful walks in the woods, high altitude refuges and demanding trekking excursions in the summer. An absolute must, near the B&B, is the captivating beauty of one of the most spectacular dams in the Alps, the Place Moulin dam, with its waters of tropical colors.

The Locanda Lac Place Moulin is located close to one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe.<br>In the surrounding area there are a number of routes for trekking: lakes, mountain refuges, summer pastures and picturesque landscapes providing total peace and quiet.<br>Lovers of flora and fauna are sure to see a wide variety of flowers and plants and various species of animals.

Located amidst a rustic village in the hamlet of Bionaz, La Maison d’Antan is ideal for passers of the Alta Via n°1 laying just a few metres from Closé (shuttle service available upon request).

Upon awakening, a buffet of sweet and savoury flavours will be waiting to be eaten by you. Dinner revives the traditional cuisine, prepared with care and using local products. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and evokes the atmosphere of the past, all in a familiar context. Guests have access to a sunny terrace and free private parking. Bionaz is the ideal destination for those who love a peaceful and unspoiled nature and for mountain lovers who can take advantage of the countless walking routes; from the simplest to the most demanding. A small outside Spa will be soon available featuring a Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna.

The Maison Constance is located in a sunny and scenic area, facing a Biathlon shooting range, cross-country ski runs, and a pit stop for alpine skiers and snowshoe riders, respecting the mountains in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bionaz is the third largest Valle d’Aosta municipality with 142 sq km. This allows it to host most of the region’s attractions: evocative peaks that go up as high as 4,000 meters, scenic views of unspoilt nature with dazzling colours, old-time traditional cuisine featuring flavourful discoveries, traditional arts and crafts, agriculture and animal husbandry passed down from father to son.
Bionaz means nature most of all. It has the tallest mountains in the Valpelline valley, the most spectacular glaciers, one of Europe’s largest dams, plants and wildlife worthy of a national park.

Our apartments are situated in a particularly quiet and sunny position, just a few metres from the small natural lake of Lexert, from the picnic area and from the surrounding conifer forest. In the summer the area has wonderful itineraries offering full-immersion in nature, of a suitable level for those not wishing to undertake difficult mountain itineraries; while in the winter, the area is transformed into a magnificent and long cross-country piste.

The Baita is located in the center of the Les Dzovennoz resort in Bionaz, near the Biathlon stadium; in the past, it was a holiday home that hosted summer camps for teenagers. Bionaz is the ideal place for those who come from the city in search of relaxation, away from smog, traffic and confusion. Excellent starting point for trekking at all levels, it allows you to reach refuges that welcome mountain enthusiasts with professionalism and competence.
In summer, the nearby Lake Lexert, in addition to offering a spectacular panorama of the Murailles mountain chain, is the place to indulge in the sun, use the picnic area, attend and participate in events and stroll in the nearby pine forest.
The Baita is made up of 6 cozy apartments, recently completed, bright, spacious, equipped with Wi-Fi and all the comforts. They have a common laundry room, a large garden equipped with tables, deck chairs, umbrellas for relaxation and for enjoying the balsamic scent of the nearby pine forest. 

The Auberge “La Bâtise” opened for business on 1 July 2000. The hotel, an old stone building, dating back to around 1795 was restored by its owner, the municipality of Bionaz, using its own funds and a state contribution issued for the Great Jubilee in 2000.