Stunning views of Courmeyeur & Mont Blanc: Mont Chetif hike

Mont Chetif is situated in the Aosta Valley, west of Courmeyour. It is known locally as the Mountain of Donnone (the village over which it towers and is rumored to protect). The 2,343m summit offers unrivalled views of the Mont Blanc massif and a stunning perspective of Courmayeur and the Aosta Valley, some 1200m below. The entire exercise can be completed within half a day, making this a particularly rewarding hike.

Any of three routes can be combined to climb the first two-thirds of the mountain; the summit can be reached via two routes (one of which incorporates a small via ferrata). The long-distance Tour of Mont Blanc hiking route passes across the mountain.

Time

Allow half a day, comprising:

• 2 - 2.5 hr to hike up
• 1.5 - 2 hr to return on the same route

Parking

The ascent starts from the village of Dollone, where there are several large car parks above the river. It's possible to park in Courmayeur and cross the river to Dollone, though parking charges are generally levied in Courmayeur, while the Dollone car parks are free.

Route

• The ascent starts from the natural spring pools in the centre of Dollone (see photo). With the fountains on the right-hand side (RHS), follow the road uphill, following any signage marked either TMB (Tour de Mont Blanc) or Route 2.

• Having passed through a field equipped with ski lifts, for the winter season, turn right along an unsurfaced footpath. A signpost is located several metres along the path - follow Route 2.

• The path snakes uphill through dense fir trees; many corners are shortened by secondary tracks, but all link to the main route.

• The path passes to the RHS of the main Courmayeur ski area (see photo) before arriving at a cluster of several chalets known as Praz Neyron.

• There's a signpost at Praz Neyron (see photo) - follow Route 5 to Mont Chetif, passing along a vehicle track before turning right on a pedestrian footpath.

• Above the treeline, the path becomes steeper and rockier, with increasing scree deposits along the route. Yellow paint markings on rock faces indicate the way between steep cliffs (see photo).

• Once through the crevice, the path winds across the summit ridge to the peak, where a distance marker and a helicopter landing pad are located.

• A path links this point to a secondary summit, on which is a statue of Virgin Mary (see photo). 

• The return route from the summit involves re-tracing steps. There are options at Praz Neyron to branch off and make the route a circular hike.

Other information


• A reasonable level of fitness is advisable for the above hike - there are several areas where scrambling is necessary.

• The route is marked periodically by signposts and yellow dots/markers painted on rock faces

• One of the two alternative routes up Mont Chetif incorporates a section of via ferrata. On our visit, this route was closed due to a rockfall. It is advisable to check with Tourist Information in Courmayeur before setting out.

View of Courmayeur and the Aosta Valley, 1000m below

Splendid views of Mont Blanc from the Italian side