Hiking the Tze Core Pass in the Aosta Valley

Wander where the WIFI is weak on this guided hike to the Bechaz Mines on the Tze Core Pass.

Travel the notorious Tze Core Pass in the Aosta Valley on this altitude hike in the Monta Rosa Massif. Explore the wild and untamed landscape from the valley floor to its highest peak, passing quaint villages, rustic shepherd tracks and trails that overlook the vast glaciers in the Italian Alps ahead.

Location
This small Summit is located amidst Col Zuccore or Tzecore (1616m) to the South and Col de Joux (1639m) between the Ayas Valley and the Gressoney Valley. Part of the Aosta Valley, this trail passes through towns such as Orbeillaz, in Challand Saint Anselme, Arbaz and Challand – home to the Bechaz Mines.

Activity
Meet your guide at the town hall in Challand Saint Anselme for this hiking tour on the Tze Core Pass. A full day trek to 1616m, this altitude challenge starts in the little village of Orbeillaz and travels to the panoramic village of Arbaz where you can enjoy views across the Aosta Valley and towards the highest peaks in the Monta Rose Massif. Starting your incline along the Tze Core Pass, hike through stunning woodland and stop by lakes before you make the final push to the summit – navigating rocking terrain to reach the Holy Mary marker where you can take in the views. After descending through the Challand forest, your guide will explain the region’s role in gold and iron mining at the local Bechez mines before you head back to the meeting point where your adventure will end.

Conditions
Considered an (E) on the Italian hiking rating, this route follows paths, pastures, debris with evident marks (stripes or cairns). Bearings knowledge and training are required and suitable hiking shoes and poles are recommended.