Palasina Lakes

Palasina Lakes

The Palasina lake district, reachable from Champoluc even if located over Brusson, it’s an example of how more than one lakes can integrate in short distances. In facts, this district is composed by more than one lake: from north we’ve Lake Long (2633 meters, under and right of Palasina Pass), Lake della Pocia (2518 meters) and Lake Du Couloir which, with the little Lake Vert flows into the majestic Lake della Battaglia, 2485 meters high. The last is a very extended basin; on the north bank there’s a wide promontory which almost devides the lake in two parts. To have a better vision of the district, I recommend you to see a map.

How do we get there?

From Champoluc, first of all: path number 14 will take you to Palasina Pass (2668 meters) via Mascognaz in three hours and a half, on a EE run (skilled trekkers only) because the slope of the Pass is pretty difficult; you’ll find part of path wet, but it isn’t so difficult, and there is always someone. One on the top there’s a useless signal, because the descent to the lakes is really simple: the arrival is really relaxing. And how about from Brusson?

According to the maps, you have to choose path 4, which will lead you there in three hours and a half, continuing then to the Pass. Personally I never used that path: here’s my alternation; you have to go first to Estoul (1819 meters) where a comfortable car par allows you to leave your car. It’s good to take water because, except a drinking trough in Chanlossere (2009 meters), you won’t find it! The road is a carriageable, and so never really steepy. After Chanlossere you arrive in a higher zone and the road, path 5/6, goes over Litteran lake, 228 meters high. From there you arrive to Palasinaz Alp, 2407 meters, a long meadow between the slopes. Once you’re in the plan, it is enough to cross it following the path, which will goes up on the left in a narrow funnell and you’re almost arrived. It’s good to remind finally that path 5 leads from Estoul (always via Chanlossere) to Arp Refuge, a good support point for other itineraries.