Mont Avic Nature Park

In the east of the Aosta Valley, Mont Avic Nature Park has protected a stretch of wild mountain country since 1989. People come for its high lakes, its great pine forests and its trails, far from the bustle of the big resorts.

A 3,006-metre summit and 5,700 hectares

The park covers more than 5,700 hectares, in the municipalities of Champdepraz and Champorcher. Its highest point is Mont Avic, at 3,006 metres. Below lie forests, lakes and meadows.

The realm of the mountain pine in the park

The park’s emblematic tree is the mountain pine (Pinus uncinata), which copes well with harsh high-mountain conditions. Its forests here are the largest in the Italian Alps. There are also larches and spruces, and an alpine flora rich in rare species.

Chamois, ibex and bearded vultures

Chamois and ibex live on the higher ground. Golden eagles and bearded vultures fly overhead; the vulture feeds mainly on bones, dropping them from a height onto rocks to break them and reach the marrow. The lakes hold brown trout.

Walk, climb and observe in the park

A network of waymarked trails crosses the park. There are also mountaineering and climbing routes, and the rangers run guided walks to watch the wildlife and plants. The park also carries out research and monitoring to better know and protect its species.

The park’s gateways: Champdepraz and Champorcher

You enter the park from Champdepraz or Champorcher, where you also find the Ayasse. In both valleys, visitor centres give information on routes, animals, plants and the rules to follow.

Main photo : Patafisik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Maps: personal work by Marc Badjou.