Pourcil, from Outrefer
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Updated at: 11/05/2025
Access
Leave the motorway at the Pont-Saint-Martin junction. After 130 metres, turn left and take the road in the direction of Aosta. At the roundabout, take the second exit, staying on the . After 1.30 kilometres, turn left onto Via Lungodora 2000 and cross the Dora Baltea. At the next roundabout, take the first exit, continuing on Via Lungodora 2000. After passing under the motorway, continue on Via Laffait until you reach the bridge over the Fer stream. Immediately afterwards, on the right, there is a free fractional car park 🅿️, where you can leave your car.
To reach the starting point of the itinerary, a private vehicle is essential, as it is not served by public transport.
Distance and travel time
🕒Travel time: 6 minutes
📏 Distance: 3.40 km
GPS navigation
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ℹ️ Important note
The directions provided were verified on the date the route was surveyed. Before departure, it is advisable to check for any changes to the route. For up-to-date and detailed directions, we recommend the use of Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Introduction
A fascinating route that starts from the small village of Outrefer and leads to the discovery of different natural environments. The initial section, known as the 'Sentiero dei Mille Scalini' (Thousand Steps Trail), is a spectacular stone mule track that climbs between centuries-old chestnut trees via hairpin bends and steps. Here is the Vertical Outrefer-Pian Bosonin, an equipped itinerary that makes the ascent safe and enthralling, offering breathtaking views of the Gorge del Fer and the valley below. Once you reach Pian Bosonin, the landscape opens up: you leave the woods to cross wide pastures and stone huts, following old rural roads to Pian Damon. The last stretch finally leads to Pourcil, a perfectly preserved hamlet, where time seems to stand still, with its small church and typical alpine buildings.
With a moderate difference in altitude of around 600 metres and a well-maintained track, this hike is ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature, history and mountain scenery without facing excessive fatigue. The route is practicable all year round, except in the event of snow.
Description
0h00' 0.00km Proceed in the direction of the village along the small communal road, which in a few minutes leads to the village, where you will come across a signpost.
0h02' 0.10km Go straight on until you come to a group of houses on which there is a yellow arrow suggesting a left turn. Continue between the houses up a short lane until you come to a small road again: a few metres and you meet the start of the path. The first section of the trail leads the hiker to the foot of the rocky prominence above the village of Outrefer; after leaving some meadows, enter the predominantly chestnut forest and reach a signpost indicating the starting point of the Vertical Outrefer-Pian Bosonin and the beginning of the infamous steps. Climb the stepped mule track to the right and then, after turning left, ascend the forest with a series of twists and turns until you reach a characteristic barma. A little further on, temporarily leave the wood (splendid views of Donnas and the Fortress of Bard) and continue southwards following the orography of the Fer valley on the pretty mule track that in open stretches allows you to appreciate the wild Fer gorges. A
From the car park (335m) walk between the houses and at the first little lane turn left at the height of a house with a decorated balcony (yellow arrow below) soon afterwards you will find the start of the path (5 and 5A) which runs through a chestnut wood and soon becomes a lovely stairway path which climbs up over wide rocky ledges, the path is well restored, protected and well maintained and on the slopes of the ledges one can admire wild roses and lilies, the stairway ends at Pian Bosonin (680m at the gate).
From here ascend to the left of the hideous pylon and follow the rural road, which passes below the Bosonin huts 780m, to Pian Damon 903m where the rural road becomes a path. Do not be tempted by the obvious track that goes to the right, immediately after the fountain, go straight uphill until the last huts (three large cairns). At this point, turn right and follow path no. 5A (leaving path no. 5, which goes up to Cormoney, to the left). Following no.5A, you gradually climb up to reach the pretty hamlet of Pourcil (965m), where in addition to the little church (recently renovated, as well as some other houses) you can still find corners and original structures.
Points of Interest
- Outrefer
- Pian Bosonin dessous
- Pian Bosonin dessus
- Pourcil
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