Gran Lago (Champdepraz)
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
To reach the Great Lake from Champdepraz, the route starts from Covarey (1,260m), site of the park's visitor centre. You pass through woods of hooked pine and larch, ascending gradually more open and rocky environments. The classic itinerary passes by the Barbustel hut (2,200m), which can be reached in about 2h30-3h of walking on an evident path with no major technical difficulties. From the refuge, the route continues, overcoming a short descent and some up and down sections, to reach the glacial basin that hosts the Gran Lago, for a total time of 3h30-4h and a difference in altitude of about 1,200m. The difficulty is classified as E (Excursion) and it is recommended to walk the route during the summer months, when the ground conditions are more favourable and the pastures are alive with Alpine flowers.
Introduction
The Great Lake of Champdepraz, located at an altitude of 2,485 m in the heart of the Mont Avic Natural Park, is the largest natural basin in Valle d'Aosta. Set in a typical basin of glacial origin, the lake is embraced by the northern face of Mont Glacier and high-altitude environments separated by alpine heaths, meadows and coniferous forests, elements that give the landscape a wild appearance and considerable ecological variety.
Description
The name 'Gran Lago' derives from its obvious prominence in relation to the numerous smaller bodies of water in the surrounding area, emphasising its grandeur in the context of the valley. For centuries, these places have been frequented by shepherds and hunters, whose stories are intertwined with the natural dynamics and transformations of the landscape. From a geological point of view, the basin preserves traces of the ancient action of the glaciers: moraines and polished rocks bear witness to the intense modelling that took place during the last glaciations.
The entire environment of the Gran Lago belongs to a precious protected ecological mosaic, where rare species of alpine flora such as the alpine flax, gentian and rhododendron thrive, and where chamois and marmots can frequently be spotted; in the summer, encounters with the golden eagle and other species of birds of prey are not rare. The absence of invasive tourist infrastructures, and the limited presence of a few shelters for shepherds and park rangers, allow the lake to maintain an intact and authentic appearance.
From the lake, further itineraries depart towards the lakes of Blanc, Nero and Cornuto, allowing interesting traverses to be made, included in the extensive trail network of the Mont Avic Park. The entire area is part of a protected and regulated zone: it is recommended to respect the regulations in force aimed at protecting the local flora and fauna (prohibition of free camping and lighting fires).
Information
Mountain group: Mont Avic Massif (Graian Alps)
Alternative name: Lake Champdepraz - Grand Lac (in French)
Table size: 2.485m
Surface area: 0.1796km²
Origin: glacial
Fauna: absent (cold, oligotrophic waters)