Mont Zerbion, from Barmasc
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Introduction
The most classic route for ascending Mount Zerbion. An excellent route, challenging in places, that will offer you unforgettable views.
Description
Leaving the car at Barmasc (1,828 m), we climb up along a dirt road to the pleasant plateau (Pian Tavela) crossed by the Ru Courtod (1969 m).
Having overcome the temptation of a quiet day on the plateau, the place is really beautiful but a little busy in summer, we set off on path , which quickly and steeply wedges into a forest of fir and larch trees. The well-marked path is very noticeable as it is very busy. After passing through the forest, one finds oneself at the foot of the ascent of the steep slope that leads to Col Portola (2410 m). On the last section of the path you have to watch out for debris: it is a good idea to always pay attention to those walking below you.
On reaching the pass, turn left and follow the ridge - see the Zerbion itinerary (via Promiod) - and you will reach the summit after about 1 hour's walk.
From the summit, in addition to the view of the statue of the Madonna, you can observe a 360° panorama of the entire Aosta Valley.
We recommend making this excursion on a clear day for precisely this reason.
Every year on the 29th of July, the now classic festival of the Madonna takes place.
General information
Signposting:
Type of route: a/r
Recommended period: June, July, August, September, October
Sun exposure: northeast
Galleria fotografica
We have been there
Edited by:
Marcello Rossi
Monte Zerbion
Dal Parcheggio di Barmasc si imbocca il sentiero che parte alla sinistra della fontana, che in breve ed a pendenza moderata porta all’ampia radura chiamata Piano delle Signore o delle Dame. Si attraversa tutta la radura e si ritorna a salire, qui il sentiero si restringe ed inizia a quadagnare quota con una serie di risvolti. Usciti dal bosco il sentiero taglia nettamente a sinistra portandosi progressivamente verso l’ormai ben visibile Col Portola. Superato l’ultimo tratto sotto il colle con una serie di gradini in roccia si giunge all’intaglio roccioso del colle dove si prende il sentiero a sinistra (indicavia) e stando in generale sul versante della Valturnache si segue la cresta. In una quarantina di minuti si giunge sulla vetta del monte Zerbion dove sorge una statua della Madonna e dove lo sguardo spazia su tutti i quattromila della Valle d’Aosta oltre che su moltissime montagne “secondarie”.
Avvistamenti faunistici: Capra ibex