At the Barbustel Refuge, in the heart of the Monte Avic Natural Park

The Monte Avic Natural Park, in the lower Aosta Valley, is famous for a constellation of crystalline lakes, crowned by views of Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa.

One of the most famous excursions in the Monte Avic Natural Park is the one to the Barbustel Refuge, and the lakes that surround it, immersed in a sparse larch forest that recalls the wild natural parks of North America. Although the Barbustel Refuge is located in the Champdepraz Valley, most people reach it instead from the Champorcher Valley, where you can start the hike from a higher altitude (around 1750 m, instead of the 1250 m of Covarey, the starting point from the Champdepraz Valley).

Having parked the car in one of the car parks near Alpe Cort (1760 m), you start to go up the outlet of Lake Muffé, following its waters and jumping from the left to the orographic right, accompanied by a beautiful forest of fir and larch trees.

When the conifers become less sparse, and the path becomes less steep, we spot the Bar Ristoro Muffé hut, a few meters from the transparent waters of Lake Muffé (2080 m, 50 minutes). The short duration of the excursion, the altitude, the crystal clear and not too cold lake (ideal for a swim), and the beauty of the refuge make this place an ideal (and very popular) destination for young families.

Instead, we continue in the direction of Col Lago Bianco (2309 m, 40 minutes), winding across a plateau dotted with sparse larches. Once we reach the pass, we go down into the Champdepraz Valley, and in a few minutes we reach the Barbustel Refuge (2205 m, 15 minutes).

At the Barbustel Refuge we find a similar landscape, characterized by sparse larches, which reveal turquoise lakes, and the snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa on the horizon. Here we can enjoy the afternoon taking a dip in Lago Bianco or Lago Nero, or taking a walk on the panoramic terrace a few meters north of the refuge, which offers views of the Monte Rosa group.

To return to the car, follow the same path from Rifugio Barbustel to Cort (1.30 hours) passing through Col Lago Bianco and the Bar Ristoro at Lago Muffé.

For those who want a longer itinerary, from the Barbustel Refuge you can extend the excursion to the Gran Lago, or undertake a much (much) longer circular tour that touches Gran Lago, Lago di Mezove, Col Fussi (and Monte Glacier), Rifugio Dondena, then returning to Cort from the Champorcher Valley.