We finally arrived at Lago d'Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
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Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO

Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO

Sentiero to Lago d’Arpy, Morgex, AO (Aosta Valley) – Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

Summer in the Italian Alps.

We came to take a five-weeks long holiday at our home in Morgex, called Il Cuore della Valdigne. This is a great spot for hundreds or thousands of trekking paths. Italian called them sentieros.

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Going up towards Lago d'Arpy you have great views of the Catena di Monte Bianco. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Going up towards Lago d’Arpy you have great views of the Catena di Monte Bianco. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The most renown place in the Morgex area I would say is Lago d’ Arpy. Arpy is a great spot in winter for its cross country trails and snow-shoeing paths. In summer it is the place to go out for treks, mountain biking and swimming in the freezing lake. The lake is further up the road from the Ostello di Arpy. The Ostello is a rustic lodge that has a cafeteria/restaurant and some rooms. It also offers rental for cross country skiing and snow shoes.
We went up the road until passing the hotel La Genzianella and we parked next to some public restrooms. There it was the start of the sentiero 15, at 1,954 m, that takes one hour and five minutes to reach the lake. The sentiero is pretty simple categorised as T: turista. It has a bit of a climb, but nothing major (140m) and an average gradient of 3%.

Sentieros‘ classifications in Italy.

Sentieros are classified, at least in Italy, in T as Turista, E, Escursionistico and EE Escursinisti esperti (expert). Then there you have the alpinist classifications, EEA is for expert with via ferrata o attrezzata, EEA-F (ferrata facile); EEA-PD (ferrata Poco dificile), EEA-D (ferrata difficile) and EAI (excursionism in snow).
While you walk through the sentiero, you have amazing views of the Macizo di Monte Bianco. Usually this path is very busy with families and dogs, but we managed to go pretty late, and it was pretty quiet.
The sentiero 15 takes you from Colle de San Carlo to Lago d'Arpy, and if you continue, to Lago di Pietra Rosa. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The sentiero 15 takes you from Colle de San Carlo to Lago d’Arpy, and if you continue, to Lago di Pietra Rosa. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
 

Another option for reaching Lago d’ Arpy

You can do a bit of a more challenging walk with more climb if you stop at the Ostello d’Arpy. That is a sentiero classified E: Excursionista. To be honest I was not sure where to start, so we kept on going up the road as there was a sign to Lago d’Arpy. And then we’ve stopped before what it looks to go to the Colle San Carlo and down towards La Thuile.
The path to Lago d'Arpy, sentiero 15. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The path to Lago d’Arpy, sentiero 15. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
When we arrived, our dog ran straight into the freezing lake. The views were magnificent. It was a tad cold as it was windy, and up at 2,066 m you had not much to guard you.
My eldest decided to take his trainers and socks off and try the water… He changed his mind in a second after trying the water. It did not sound inviting for me, moreover as we were not that hot!
I guess it would be different if it was a hotter day.
The water of Lago d' Arpy was a bit too cold for my eldest. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The water of Lago d’ Arpy was a bit too cold for my eldest. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

The option of Lago di Pietra Rosa

If you have more time and have kids that want to walk more (not like mine), you could continue in that sentiero 15. This will take you to the Lago di Pietra Rossa in a total of 2.45 hours per way. I’ve heard is amazing. This would be for me for another trip! Lago Pietra Rosa is at 2,583m, a vertical drop of 725 m from Colle San Carlo.
But back in Lago d’Arpy, we enjoyed our time absorbing the magnificent views. We had some snacks up in the lake, and then we came back down, as the sun was starting to descend. It was a great first walk to get our legs into it.
Ozzy went straight into the waters of Lago d' Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Ozzy went straight into the waters of Lago d’ Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

How to get to Lago d’ Arpy:

Arrive to Morgex – from France, through the Mont Blanc Tunnel and drive down the SS26 towards Morgex. In Morgex turn where you see the church Santa Maria Assunta on your right and cross the bridge of the Dora Baltea River. There take the SR39 to the Colle San Carlo. You see the Genzianella hotel and park there.
From Aosta, go towards Morgex and turn left at the church. Continue across the Dora Baltea River up the SR39 to the Colle San Carlo.
The Catena di Monte Bianco viewed from sentiero 15 in our walk to Lago d' Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The Catena di Monte Bianco viewed from sentiero 15 in our walk to Lago d’ Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

Where to Stay to visit Lago d’ Arpy:

Il Cuore della Valdigne

If I am not using it. Our lovely home in the mountains, all stone and wood, über cosy. Two bedrooms-two bathrooms, sleep 6 max (with two in the living room). But I would suggest it better for 4 guests. Right in the middle of Morgex, in the heart of the Valdigne. Great for all seasons. In the summer, tons of paths for trekking and mountain biking (or e-biking). White water rafting, all at its footsteps. Year round for the terme, you have the QC Terme de Pré Saint Didier at 3 minutes by car (or 1 1/2 hour walk through sentiero 8). Winter is great for skiing in Courmayeur (10′), La Thuile (20′) and Pila/Aosta (30′). Cross country in Arpy (10′) or Val Ferret (20′), plus other options through all the valleys down into Aosta.
The view from the balcony towards la Tour d'Archet and you can see the little edge of the Monte Bianco behind. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The view from the balcony towards la Tour d’Archet and you can see the little edge of the Monte Bianco behind. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The living room, notice the pan de bois on the roof. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The living room, notice the pan de bois on the roof. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A detail of the living room at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A detail of the living room at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The exterior of Il Cuore della Valdigne. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The exterior of Il Cuore della Valdigne. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Book Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The kitchen and dining room at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The kitchen and dining room at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The master bedroom at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The master bedroom at Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The second bedroom has a third bed to pull off. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The second bedroom has a third bed to pull off. Book your stay at Il Cuore della Valdigne here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
View on AirbnbIl Cuore della Valdigne -ski Courmayeur-La Thuile

 

Other Places Where to Stay in the Morgex Valley

Hotel Les Montagnards – 3* Superior.

Located at the end of town in Morgex, towards the Famila supermarket. This is a lovely hostelry in wood and stone. Rooms are very spacious and decorated in warm tones. They offer breakfast plus a sauna with a sun terrace. Across the street you get a lovely place for aperitivo, ice-cream and coffee with biscuits. It is the Gelateria Pilier Central – Pasticceria.
Exterior of Les Montagnards, on the edge of the town of Morgex, AO. It has a beautiful garden and views to the Mont Blanc and Grivola mountains. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Exterior of Les Montagnards, on the edge of the town of Morgex, AO. It has a beautiful garden and views to the Mont Blanc and Grivola mountains. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Attic room at Les Montagnards. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Attic room at Les Montagnards. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The breakfast room with a view at Les Montagnards, all is decorated in wood and stone. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
The breakfast room with a view at Les Montagnards, all is decorated in wood and stone. Book your stay at Les Montagnards here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
4 minutes down the road from Morgex you get this Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the small town of La Salle. Located on the sunny slope of the village, with uninterrupted views of the Monte Bianco. Some rooms have panoramic mountain views. There is a spa (for an extra fee). You should try the panoramic view Jacuzzi. The restaurant offers Italian specialties. During winter you can only book the hotel for weekly or longer stays.
Exterior of the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa with its beautiful garden and pool. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Exterior of the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa with its beautiful garden and pool. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Lunch al fresco at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
Lunch al fresco at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A jacuzzi with a view at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A jacuzzi with a view at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A double room at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d' Arpy, Morgex, AO.
A double room at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa. Book your stay at the Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa here. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tab. Or if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check Il Coure della Valdigne review here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using, you can always write me a private message if interested to info@the-ski-guru.com

 

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

You can book directly through Airbnb  through this link

View on AirbnbIl Cuore della Valdigne -ski Courmayeur-La Thuile

 

If you have some questions, contact us at info@the-ski-guru.com for more information.

If you want to take your family skiing and you don’t know where to start, read here. And search for your ski transfers from all airports to the Mountains here. And for those that are like me, that are lazy to cook, you can get your food, even gourmet mountain food delivered to your home with Huski.

If renting equipment (skis or snowboards)  check our agreement with Skiset– you can get up to 50% off ski or snowboard rental rates. I have been using them for years every year when I go to America  and Europe and they are great!

Something more to read in this blog

You can start thinking about your trip, by reading the articles on the Planning your Ski Trip tab.  Or how to pack for your family ski trip.  If taking your furry friend abroad to the continent, read about the new Pet Travel Scheme update from DEFRA. Self-drive skiers also need to plan for Brexit. Check out our tips for driving to the mountains.  If flying and renting a car in Europe, beware of the extra charges they will pass to you if you want winter tyres, snow chains or ski racks. If driving, check the winter tyres news for Europe and North America.

You can see how our last family ski holiday was not as expected, even though one plans it to be a success, but how we could do the most of it. If you want to get better before getting to your next ski holiday, here is a quick guide to indoor skiing and dry slopes in the UK. You can also read our week in the mountains during our summer holidays in Courmayeur.

Check also how we can envision ski resorts opening on the 2020-21 ski season. 

You might want to read our lasts must-read guides: to Vail , Chamonix and Summer in South-Tyrol. 

Featured Image: We finally arrived at Lago d’Arpy. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Family trek to Lago d’ Arpy, Morgex, AO.

 

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