Via Alpina Blue Trail: Stage D18 (Piedicavallo - Issime)
Via Alpina Blue Trail: Stage D18 (Piedicavallo - Issime)
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Via Alpina Blue Trail: Stage D18 (Piedicavallo - Issime)
04:23
10.8km
890m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate hike along the Via Alpina Blue Trail: Stage D18, a rewarding journey spanning 6.7 miles (10.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2915 feet (888 metres). This stage, typically completed in about 4 hours and 23 minutes, takes you through diverse alpine landscapes. You will…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
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56 m
Rifugio Madonna della Neve
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.09 km
Lago della Vecchia Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.49 km
Alpe Casette
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.75 km
The Rosei Mountain Huts
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.8 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.7 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
10.8 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 31 May
19°C
12°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How challenging is the Via Alpina Blue Trail: Stage D18 (Piedicavallo - Issime)?
This stage is considered difficult, living up to the Blue Route's classification. It involves significant elevation changes, including a demanding ascent and a descent via an old mule trail with approximately 400 bends. Hikers should have good fitness, be sure-footed, and comfortable with heights. While no special mountaineering equipment is needed in snow-free conditions, expect varied and exposed terrain, potentially including scree fields.
What is the terrain like on this stage of the Via Alpina Blue Trail?
The terrain is diverse, starting with ascents through summer pastures and alpine areas with bushes and conifers. It leads into the picturesque Jatzet basin, known for rhododendrons and larches. The descent passes through thick woods of Larch, Norway Spruce, Scots Pine, and Beech trees. A notable feature is the old mule trail, carved out of rock, which covers an 1100-meter elevation difference.
What notable sights and natural features will I encounter along the way?
You'll experience typical alpine landscapes, including summer pastures, alpine terrain, and dense forests. The trail passes through traditional Walser villages like Tresinot, Beccaz, and Lampouney, showcasing distinctive architecture. You'll also pass by the Rifugio Madonna della Neve and the Lago della Vecchia Hut. The destination, Issime, is an appealing Walser town, and roughly 6 kilometers away lies the Mont Mars Regional Nature Reserve, rich in wildlife.
Where does the trail start, and what are the parking and transport options?
The trail starts in Piedicavallo. While specific parking details aren't provided, Piedicavallo is the starting point for this stage. For public transport, it's advisable to research local bus services connecting to Piedicavallo and from Issime, the stage's end point, to plan your logistics.
Is this Via Alpina stage dog-friendly?
The trail itself is generally accessible for dogs, but given its challenging and exposed sections, good fitness and sure-footedness are required for both you and your dog. Always keep your dog on a leash, especially in alpine pastures, near wildlife, and in villages. Be mindful of potential scree fields and ensure your dog is accustomed to long, strenuous hikes.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike this stage is typically during the snow-free months, generally from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, the weather is more stable, and the trail conditions are optimal, avoiding snow and ice which would significantly increase the difficulty and require specialized equipment.
Do I need a permit or pay any entrance fees for this trail?
Generally, hiking on the Via Alpina Blue Trail does not require specific permits or entrance fees. However, it's always a good idea to check with local tourism offices or park authorities for any recent changes, especially if you plan to enter specific protected areas or nature reserves along the route.
Are there any huts or refuges along the route for rest or overnight stays?
Yes, you will pass by the Rifugio Madonna della Neve and the Lago della Vecchia Hut. These huts can offer opportunities for rest, refreshments, or even overnight stays, depending on your hiking plan and their operating seasons. It's recommended to check their availability and opening times in advance.
Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, this route also passes through sections of the Sentiero Italia - Tappa E44B and the Sentiero Italia - Tappa E45B. You'll also find smaller overlaps with trails like the Via Bernardino Galliari and the Via Jon Tonel.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the trail?
The region, particularly near the Mont Mars Regional Nature Reserve (about 6 km from Issime), is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot marmots, hares, chamois, mountain pheasants, and ptarmigans. Royal eagles are also known to inhabit the area, offering a chance for birdwatching.
What is the historical significance of this stage?
This stage follows what was historically a crucial trade route connecting Piedmont to the Aosta Valley via the Vecchia Pass. The expertly constructed mule trail, with its numerous bends carved out of rock, is a testament to the region's past as a vital commercial artery. The traditional Walser villages also offer a glimpse into a unique Alpine culture.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Classica” not to be missed on a wide mule track that for the first third of the route winds through thick darkness and then continues on scree and rocks, the constant slope and the moderate distance and height difference make it accessible to most for a quiet excursion to be done in half a day: water only at the start and finish, in case of rain the stone paving can be particularly slippery… From Biella, crossing Andorno Micca, Campiglia Cervo and Rosazza you travel along the entire SP100 to Piedicavallo where it ends, here you leave the car at Parco Ravere (fountain) or in the nearby ring road (obligatory choice on crowded summer weekends). Starting from here, go up a few meters of the asphalt road that crosses the town (Via Roma) and on your left in a small open space (Piazza delle Capre) you will find the signs for the E50 path towards Lago della Vecchia. A little over a kilometer from the start, at an altitude of 1120, a well-marked crossroads near a votive chapel suggests that we turn off towards Colle del Lupo/Irogna on the E41 but we stay on the straight path on the E50... A little further on, at 1200m, we cross the town of Rosei and continue, exiting the woods after about 300m. After covering about 2/3 of the entire E50 "Piedicavallo - Lago della Vecchia" at about 2800 linear meters from the start, at an altitude of 1475, a faded red arrow (recently refreshed) on a stone on the ground with black writing indicates the deviation (which we will ignore) on the right towards Alpe Cunetta, Alpe Ambruse and Alpe Bosa, on the E51. With a constant slope the wide mule track continues, finally passing the last rocky spur that precedes the refuge by a little, which we reach in about another 30 minutes (just under two hours from the start). From here to the lake it takes only 10 minutes of walking on substantially flat rock paving. The panorama that welcomes us is magical... Return along the same path.
Great trail, well marked. 820 m elevation gain in 4.7 km. Tiring for me, but I'm not a good example! Anyway, it was worth it!
Departure from Piedicavallo and arrival at Lago della Vecchia, with a stop at the refuge of the same name. Lago dea Vecchia is a small lake basin at an altitude of 1858 m, under the walls of Monte Creato, in Valle Cervo, in the prov. of Biella. It has a perimeter of approximately 1.05 km, a maximum length of 0.3 km and a maximum width of 0.25 km. It is approximately 10 meters deep. It is a lake of glacial origin, from which the Cervo Torrent, the most important course in the Biella area, originates.
"Classica" not to be missed on a wide mule track that for the first third of the route winds through thick darkness and then continues on scree and rocks, the constant slope, the moderate distance and difference in height make it accessible to most for a quiet excursion to be done in half a day: water only at the start and finish, in case of rain (but even if it doesn't rain...) the stone paving often covered in moss can be particularly slippery... From Biella, crossing Andorno Micca, Campiglia Cervo and Rosazza, you travel along the entire SP100 up to Piedicavallo where it ends, here you leave the car at Parco Ravere (45.6888475N, 7.9525061E, fountain) or in the nearby ring road (obligatory choice on crowded summer weekends). Starting from here, go up a few meters of the asphalt road that crosses the town (Via Roma) and on your left in a small open space (Piazza delle Capre) you will find the signs (45.6892975N, 7.9527344E) for the E50 path towards Lago della Vecchia. A little more than a kilometre from the start, immersed in a splendid beech forest, at an altitude of 1120, a well-signposted crossroads near a votive chapel (45.6879072N, 7.9479658E) suggests that we deviate towards Colle del Lupo/Irogna on the E41 but we keep to the straight path on the E50... A little further on, at 1200m you cross the town of Rosei https://d2exd72xrrp1s7.cloudfront.net/www/16/160w6nra5rie0c8ldw7pezc1j540ykcqo-p507630182-full/191db5a311b?width=3072&height=2304&crop=false&q=70 (45.6879072N, 7.9479658E) and continue, exiting the woods after about 300m. After about 2/3 of the entire E50 "Piedicavallo - Lago della Vecchia" at about 2800 linear meters from the start, at an altitude of 1475, a faded red arrow (recently refreshed, 45.6940372N, 7.9328086E) on a stone on the ground with black writing indicates the deviation (which we will ignore) on the right towards Alpe Cunetta, Alpe Ambruse and Alpe Bosa, on the E51. With a constant slope, the wide mule track continues, finally passing the last rocky spur that just precedes the refuge https://d2exd72xrrp1s7.cloudfront.net/www/14/14k9hm265tmgfvrrodvfsliso540t8qll-p507613335-full/191dad1c6e9?width=3072&height=2304&crop=false&q=70 (45.6938939N, 7.9166942E, 0158853232) which we arrive at in about another 30 minutes (just under two hours from the start). From here to the lake (45.6904175N, 7.9162386E) it takes only 10 minutes of walking on substantially flat rock paving. Magical the panorama that welcomes us... https://d2exd72xrrp1s7.cloudfront.net/www/1i/1ivtx1w6hvgz9fzdmu8p6n8sy540t8l1y-p507613330-full/191dad1aa9d?width=3072&height=2304&crop=false&q=70 Return along the same path. USEFUL LINKS: https://www.montagnabiellese.com/piedicavallo-lago-della-vecchia/ https://www.gulliver.it/itinerari/vecchia-rifugio-e-lago-della-da-piedicavallo/ https://www.vallecervo.it/Home/Guida-al-paese?IDCat=3354 http://www.rifugiolagodellavecchia.it/ https://rifugidelpiemonte.it/rifugio-alpino-lago-della-vecchia/ http://www.piedicavalloinfo.it/wordpress/rifugio-lago-e-colle-della-vecchia/ https://letsmountain.com/trekking-piemonte/ Escursioni-al-lago-della-vecchia/ DIFFICULTY: E (Hiking) https://www.alpitrekking.it/regolamento-e-tariffe/scala-difficolta/ NOTE: Drinking water at Piedicavallo (45.6885881N, 7.9521697E and 45.6889311N, 7.9517661E) and at the Refuge (45.6938939N, 7.9166942E).