La visaille-Lago di Combal-Lago di Miage-Rifugio Elisabetta

Take the free shuttle bus from Courmayeur Piazzale Monte Bianco to La Visaille (the last stop), the bus ride takes about an hour to 45 minutes. Once in the La Visaille bus stop, walk towards the left along the winding thar road, you will constantly see and hear water gushing besides the road.

After a few min of walking, you will reach the dirt road trail that’s well paved, continue walking till you reach Lago di Combal and Rifugio Combal (glacial lake and a beautiful mountain hut for a break). Right next to Rifugio Combal is a small steep trail that goes up to Lago di Miage. It’s a short detour to another trail from the main trail to Rifugio Elisabetta, but well worth it as you can dip your tired feet in the soothing and beautiful looking glacial waters. Descend back to Rifugio Combal and walk along the main trail to Rifugio Elisabetta. The trail is mostly just a flat dirt road with stunning views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, tiny waterfalls and gushing water streams. However, it gets a little steeper near Rifugio Elisabetta with multiple hairpin bends but nothing difficult.

You can either take a food break in Rifugio Elisabetta or just sit on one of their outdoor tables with a cup of coffee or a drink to take in the splendid view of Val Veny and the surrounding mountains or stay there overnight to catch a beautiful sunrise. Also, keep an eye on the surrounding area for spotting Ibex goats and Marmots.

You can use the same trail to return to La Visaille and catch the hourly free shuttle bus to Courmayeur.

Overall, it’s a day hike with amazing views of Mont Blanc and glacial lakes, that is easily accessible by public transport from Courmayeur.

Sunscreen is a must because you won’t find shade in most part of the trail, and if you are going to stay overnight in Rifugio Elisabetta, don’t forget your sweaters and socks because the temperature usually drops down once the sun sets and it also gets windy. Also, beware of snakes near the water and bushes, don’t go off trail. I saw a woman who had to be rushed to the hospital in a helicopter after a snake bite near Rifugio Combal.

This trail follows trail number 6 from La Visaille and connects with the TMB trail number 2 at Rifugio Combal.

PS. Get the cool Mont Blanc trail map from Courmayeur Tourist Office for 5 euros. It’s a huge map and contains all the trail information. Or even better, just follow this WikiLoc trail to save up on some cash.

Happy and safe hiking! :)