The Balconata della Val Veny Tour is an extraordinary itinerary that combines the atmosphere of high altitude with maximum accessibility, making it a trail suitable for everyone, from families with children to hikers looking for a refreshing day in the presence of the Mont Blanc massif. The secret of this accessibility lies in the logic of the route: in the morning, you take a comfortable cable car (the Val Veny lifts) that allows you to quickly reach high altitude, eliminating much of the initial elevation gain and leaving your legs to enjoy only the pleasure of walking. The actual hike thus begins in a setting that is already alpine and spectacular.
Taking your first steps, you cross a landscape dominated by green pastures and imposing peaks, until you come to one of the area's jewels: you pass by the wonderful Lake Chécrouit. Its turquoise waters perfectly reflect the vertical walls and perennial glaciers of the Mont-Blanc range, offering one of the most famous and iconic photo spots in the entire Aosta Valley. A very short distance from the lake is the Maison Vieille Mountain Hut, a welcoming place where you can take a refreshing break, taste a homemade dessert, or simply rest outdoors while admiring the breathtaking panorama. After recharging your batteries, the trail continues along the actual balcony on a relaxing and picturesque slight incline. From this privileged perspective, you overlook the entire valley, walking close to the sky. Afterwards, the route begins to gently lose altitude: you gradually descend into the magnificent Combal plain, a vast natural amphitheatre of glacial origin where nature shows itself in all its grandeur. Right on the edge of this alpine basin is the Combal Refuge (Cabane du Combal), an ideal stopping point where you can enjoy a hot lunch of traditional Aosta Valley dishes, taking in the fresh air and the close-up view of the wild Miage Glacier. The end of this wonderful day is marked by maximum logistical convenience. From the refuge, follow the flat farm road that runs along the plain and gently descends towards the valley floor. In a short time, you will reach the town of La Visaille, the end point of the Val Veny road. From here, you don't need to walk any further or retrace the uphill trail: you can comfortably return to Courmayeur by bus, thanks to the frequent scheduled services that connect the valley to the city centre in just a few minutes. This perfect mix of ski lifts, flat trails, cosy mountain huts, and efficient public transport makes the Balconata della Val Veny the perfect experience for anyone who wants to experience the grandeur of the Alps first-hand without sacrificing comfort and safety