Courmayeur-Rifugio Alberto Bertone-Mayencet-Planpincieux

Alike every trail I have followed so far, this trail is easily accessible by public transport too. Although, you may want to keep a look out for schedule changes and route changes in arriva.it (Aosta’s public transportation website or App), as the bus schedules change according to the season.

Initially, you will have to walk through the Courmayeur town for about 20-30 min, so well put road, obviously. After about 30 min of walking u will reach the Villair Parking lot. The hiking trail starts from here.

Ascend to Rifugio Alberto Bertone, from the parking lot, is a slightly steep climb, but not challenging or undoable. If you are a novice hiker, you will most likely find yourself panting and wanting to take a break every few steps, that’s it and nothing so difficult. Also, this part of the trail is pretty rocky, and mostly demands you to walk through forest with occasional views of Courmayeur, Monte Bianco and other mountain ranges.

From Rifugio Bertone follow the trail to Mayencet (you can find boards at the cross section pointing the trail to Mayencet), the trail eases and is a pleasant downhill walk with pretty views of Val Ferret, Val Veny and Monte Bianco.

At Mayencet the trail ends and you will find yourself on Strada del Val Ferret (Road of Val Ferret), walk along the side of the road to reach the nearest Courmayeur-Val Ferret Shuttle bus stop to take the bus back to Courmayeur town.

Overall, this trail makes for a good day hike. Courmayeur is one of the best places for hikers who don’t have a car and I love the fact that the public transportation in Aosta is so good and punctual (sometimes even free!).

PS - First part of this trail (Courmayeur-Rifugio Alberto Bertone) is a part of TMB trail and from Rifugio Alberto Bertone to Mayencet it’s trail number 31.

Happy and safe hiking :)