Corno Bussolaz
Introduction
As a matter of fact, from a landscape point of view, the Corno Bussolaz is certainly the most beautiful destination in Ayas valley. The view that you can enjoy from the summit is really spectacular and complete, not only on the vakkey0s tops, but on all Aosta valley's 4000. The severe, typically alpine environment is softened by the presence of the very beautiful Palasinaz with strong blue anf green shades. The circle path is very interesting and never monotonous.
Description
To reach Arp refuge, starting from the parking site beyond Estoul, follow the route marked with nr. 5 which crosses a wood and then, climbing with the help of some shortcuts, arrives near the Palasinaz ski tows (These ski tows are damaging the landscape in a disgraceful way). By continuing on that road with some deep turn and then penetrating in the great valley, already having the view of the Refuge, you arrive at a fork near a nice torrent.The road goes right leaving on the left a trail that fits directly the Alp Palasinaz.
After walking a grassy strecht of level land where the torrent twists placidly,
it is necessary to perform a last rise from left to right and then again on left until you reach a vaste plateau where the Refuge Arp (m. 2440 ca) is standing.
Abandoning the right track leading to Corno Vitello on proceed following number 105 tourning around the mountain and then arriving on a natural made road a little over the Alpe Palasinaz and then turning again on the right.
Near another little alpage, a new road starts on the left: it is a narrow and almost steep path which reaches in a few minutes a little stone bridge crossing the effluent of the Lago della Battaglia. After crossing it one walks horizontally near the lake east edge, then, when near a very big stone, goes to the right and with a wearing and steep ascent, arrives at the level of the lake Pocia (which is on the left) and, continuing on the track nr. 4, developing with several bends in the direction of a little fork, gains the basin of another little lake (Lac du Couloir). The entire area occupied by these lakes is of a rare beauty and, in the early season, the flowers create colored spots of a great effect.
From the lake still continue to the left and make a large circle with a slight slope so to touch the Col Palasinaz (d. 2661) where you can overlook the Valley of Mascognaz and discover the high peaks of Monte Rosa.
Leave the path which descends steeply to Mascognaz and Champoluc and proceed on the track marked with the number 3D first in floor then with tiring and numerous switchbacks to climb the long ridge that ends in the Corno Bussolaz. Now face an easy section that includes a fixed rope and then a few steps to get near the Point of the Lake(d. 2817), which is nothing but a modest elevation of the ridge itself devoid of any interest. From here the ridge continues by alternating pleasant course with some points up and down steep and another section that includes a portion similar to the previous one with no difficulties.
Finally, when arrived at the base of the terminal pyramid of the Bussolaz, the path turns left and runs along the base of the pyramid itself going to link with the path nr. 3C that rises from the lakes. From here you climb to the summit with a harsh and painful climb of about a quarter of an hour. On the top is placed an original cross of metal with cubic elements. The landscape is truly amazing.
For the descent, as far as returned to the intersection of two paths, you can opt for the quickest route (trail 3C), which falls rapidly to Col Bussolaz, overlooking the side the Ayas versant close to sharp and vertical cliffs (on which it is not uncommon to observe the capra ibex), and then continues with a crossing in the plane a bit exposed followed by a further descent almost to the level of the highest of the Palasinaz lakes (Long Lake) which presents an intense staining.
The return from here to Estoul requires almost other two hours and takes place by passing near the Lake Pocia and then down again to where the Lake of the Battaglia was crossed on the stone bridge. Backword on the path described above but without retourning to the refuge Arp, it is possible to regain the acces road of the refuge itself, following a path without number, more or less at thejunction Lakes / Refuge Arp described above.
Author
Bibliography
- Marco Soggetto: Le vette della Val d'Ayas L'Escursionista Editore, 2008
Cartography
- 8 - Monte Rosa Alte valli d'Ayas e del Lys, 1:25.000, L'Escursionista Editore, 2009
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