Gressoney, Colle Ranzola e Colle di Valnera

I had already done this route three years ago to climb Valfredda Peak. This time I avoided the summit (there was still snow) and used the "loafing" mode using an E-Bike. Since I think it is one of the most beautiful rides in the area, I am including it again in this new version of Training Camp.

Start from Gressoney Saint Jean towards Castel Savoia and Cialvrina. You follow the asphalt road that climbs tediously (like all asphalt roads) but with regular gradient allows you to warm up nicely. At the end of the road near a clearing with beautiful huts you cross the meadow on a track that leads first to a small road coming from other huts and then to the ski slope coming down from Weissmatten. The gradient now becomes fierce, but with the motor you pedal serenely to the chairlift arrival station.

Now follow the pleasant trail in the direction of Colle Ranzola-Punta Regina that you can pedal for good stretches, otherwise you will be pushing. Choose well the 'departure time because it is better to get here before the chairlift is open otherwise you will find many hikers. Beware only of the section equipped downhill with fixed ropes that you will ride on the north side of the ridge. Although not difficult it is more exposed than it would seem.

SO BETTER POSSIBLY TO MAKE A FEW STEPS ON FOOT SO AS NOT TO RISK IT !

You first reach a beautiful plateau with a small lake (in late summer you will find it dry) and then always on a beautiful and scenic path the Colle Ranzola.

You descend into Val d' Ayas, first on a fun trail (up to the Alpe) and then by road (a few cuts possible) to the Estoul parking lot. From here you follow the signs to Rifugio Arp, which you reach by following the nice cartroad (directions on wooden signs). At a certain point you can choose whether to continue on the plateau in an easterly direction or follow the small road to the right that climbs steeply to the Palasinaz Lakes.

You will still reach the refuge, take trail 105 with a few more pedal strokes, a short easy section with bike on your back and then push, then still pedaled (always if you have the Ebike) you will climb until you reach the Valnera Pass (on your right you will see the Valnera Colletto that leads to the Valnera Peak and then to the Eclou Lakes). From the col change your gear, helmet on your head, and down along Trail 5. You will glide down to hole 9 of the golf course amidst hysterical giggles, screams from women's college but also a few Hail Marys.

I copy&paste the description of the probable first descent made by MTB in the company of the mythological Paiogs:

"Descent ON. No news found on the net, apparently no chariot has ever descended on two wheels from here, but the imprinted smile of yura who has meanwhile ascended from Gressoney with his cilöster presages an Epic descent.And so it was. 1300+ m of unconditional pleasure. There is not a bad meter. Trail d'Antan spectacular, natural, technical, demanding endless snails. Isolated and wonderful valley. It is the Aosta Valley baby ! You can't ask for more."

As already experienced here around 2,000 meters you enter the needle leaf forest, the bottom becomes Imperial Carpet and the climaxes are no longer counted. Too beautiful."

P.s. From the pass wanting to goe to the top of Valfredda Peak, by trail tracks with the bike on the shoulder, you point to the 'obvious East Ridge. You ride along the ridge until reason tells you it's time to plant it down (about 80 meters of elevation gain). A few minutes and you are at the top. Lakes, ponds, Monte Rosa and a few ibex will keep us company for lunch.

EDIT: at the suggestion of other bikers,whom I thank, I add that the descent from the Valnera pass is very technical and difficult in places. So consider well , according to your level, whether or not to choose this route. Perhaps Paiogs enthusiastic comment (which I agree with anyway) could be misleading.