Val Veny variant

Description

Rather than climbing back up to the Arête du Mont-Favre, this variant follows the floor of the Val Veny from Lac Combal. It runs alongside the moraine of the Miage Glacier, one of the few black glaciers in the Alps, covered in rock debris. A short detour lets you see the little Lac du Miage, right up against the glacier.

The descent continues along the valley road to La Visaille, from where a summer shuttle bus runs to Courmayeur. You can also carry on walking to the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Guérison, facing the Brenva Glacier, then on to Entrèves and Courmayeur.

This is the option to choose in thunderstorms, if there is fog on the ridge, or for a shorter day. You miss the great Mont-Favre balcony, but you gain a close-up view of the glaciers.

Tips

• Check the timetable of the Val Veny shuttle bus, which only runs in high season.
• The Rifugio Monte Bianco and the Cabane du Combal are possible overnight stops in the valley.