Col de la Croix historic trail with Lago d'Arpy views (via Trail 16)

July 24. Wonderful day for a memorable tour. Departure from the Genzianella car park following a beautiful path in the woods to find yourself in front of Lake Arpy. Blue and crystalline. From here a challenging climb along a T2 which takes us to the Motto della Croce where a corvaccio acts as guardian. Stunning view of the Bianco and the valley. The descent along a super panoramic route that always has the Bianco protagonist in the background. Some hikers travel counterclockwise to climb to the summit more easily but partially giving up the view. Beautiful. 9

Worse predictions than what actually happened: just a few drops when we were at the top. The highlights of today's ride were the beautiful Lago d'Arpy and the incredible fortifications dating back to the 27th century. The panorama must be exceptional on Mont Blanc but today all the highest peaks were in the clouds.

Incredibly beautiful hike with great views in perfect hiking weather. Absolutely recommended ✌️

Easy walk to Colle della Croce with a view of the La Thuile valley and the Mont Blanc massif. We start from Colle San Carlo and follow path no. 15 (more of a dirt road than a path) to reach the beautiful Arpy lake. It is an easy walk, with little slope: sometimes too “beaten”. From Arpy lake, take path no. 17 that leads to the ruins of the Brunet shelter and the fortifications of Colle della Croce. The view of the Mont Blanc massif is beautiful. For the descent to Colle San Carlo, take path no. 16. In the high season, I recommend starting very early in the morning, to be able to find parking at Colle San Carlo. On the way back, a few dozen meters before reaching Colle San Carlo, we stop to see the bunker from the Second World War. It is not very visible, but you pass over it by following the path (it seems like passing over a bridge). The bunker is an unlit labyrinth.

Easy and quick start and finish. The approach from the crossroads to the lake, however, requires a little more effort even though it is all downhill. The view of the body of water is worth it anyway.

A nice circular hike with a gentle ascent. If you get dizzy very quickly, you may have to overcome yourself a little in the second third of the ascent. But the path is pleasant to walk. And then the plateau begins. From the pass, as well as from the pre-summit and summit, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of La Thuile, Courmayeur, the valley behind La Balme and the Mont Blanc massif. The descent to Lago d´Arpy is a bit difficult because it is rocky. You can walk around the lake and see the mountains reflected in the lake. It is still very quiet during the week at this time of year.