GUIDDY EXPERIENCE
iWhat does it mean?

Ottorino Mezzalama Refuge: A Jewel in the Ayas Valley

Saint Jacques, Valle d'Aosta · Valle d'Aosta•1 day•Hiking · 3,036 m
Difficulty ?
DIFFICULT
Where?
Valle d'Aosta, Valle d'Aosta
On your own?
No problem
Points
+24
Ottorino Mezzalama Refuge: A Jewel in the Ayas Valley
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Rifugio Mezzalama in the Ayas valley

The springboard to the four-thousanders of the Val d'Ayas.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

Rifugio Ottorino Mezzalama stands on the flanks of the imposing peaks of the Monte Rosa group: it is not simply a place to eat, but the launch pad for anyone aiming at Castor, Pollux or the Roccia Nera. We set off with the Guidders from Saint-Jacques and climb the valley, passing the Lago Blu, through pasture, moraine and increasingly glacial scenery, up to the hut.

5 reasons to come - Rifugio Mezzalama, below the four-thousanders of the Rosa - the Lago Blu along the climb - the glacial moraines of the upper Val d'Ayas - Castor, Pollux and the Roccia Nera opposite - a taste of high altitude without setting foot on the glacier

Who it suits A long climb with moraine and stony ground higher up: good fitness and a sure step.

The jewel of the Val d'Ayas: come and see it with the Guidders.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+24 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,400 m D+ · 16 km · 7 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 1,400 m of ascent ahead, you need consistent training and to be used to long hours on foot
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles and a headlamp. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Saint Jacques
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
1,400 m
Max altitude
3,036 m
Distance
16 km
Duration
7 h
Day
16 km · D+ 1,400 m · 7 h
Map
The stops · 16 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
Saint Jacques, Ayas, Valle d'Aosta, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
08:30MEETING
Meeting Point
We'll meet in Saint Jacques (Aosta Valley), where our trekking adventure begins!
10:30LAKE
"Blue Lake"
The stunning blue lake nestled in the valley, awaiting us on the trail.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Ottorino Mezzalama Hut
Finally reaching the mountain hut, the view will be absolutely breathtaking!
15:30RETURN
Back to the cars
Return to the vehicles via the same trail we hiked in.

How do you get to Saint Jacques? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

RoadTo4000
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

Part of the Roadto4000 path: outings chosen by our team to grow step by step, from expert trails to the great peaks.

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
5.0
2 reviews
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience5.0
A
Andrea C.
Outing on 13 September 2026

Spettacolare escursione, tra le più belle mai fatte ai piedi del maestoso Monte Rosa

Your guide
Alessandro S.
Outing on 13 September 2026

Devo dire che il percorso ha saputo regalare dei paesaggi stupendi, grazie anche al meteo stupendo. La val d'Ayas è veramente fantastica e quando arrivi ai piedi del Ghiacciaio Verra, l'amozione è infinita.

Your guide

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 1,400 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Ottorino Mezzalama Refuge: A Jewel in the Ayas Valley

Ottorino Mezzalama Refuge: A Jewel in the Ayas Valley

Saint Jacques, Ayas (23) · Valle d'Aosta
1 day · Hiking · 3,036 m
Elevation gain
1,400 m
Max altitude
3,036 m
Distance
16 km
Duration
7 h
Guiddy points
+24
2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Rifugio Mezzalama in the Ayas valley

The springboard to the four-thousanders of the Val d'Ayas.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

Rifugio Ottorino Mezzalama stands on the flanks of the imposing peaks of the Monte Rosa group: it is not simply a place to eat, but the launch pad for anyone aiming at Castor, Pollux or the Roccia Nera. We set off with the Guidders from Saint-Jacques and climb the valley, passing the Lago Blu, through pasture, moraine and increasingly glacial scenery, up to the hut.

5 reasons to come - Rifugio Mezzalama, below the four-thousanders of the Rosa - the Lago Blu along the climb - the glacial moraines of the upper Val d'Ayas - Castor, Pollux and the Roccia Nera opposite - a taste of high altitude without setting foot on the glacier

Who it suits A long climb with moraine and stony ground higher up: good fitness and a sure step.

The jewel of the Val d'Ayas: come and see it with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,400 m D+ · 16 km · 7 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 1,400 m of ascent ahead, you need consistent training and to be used to long hours on foot
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles and a headlamp. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Saint Jacques

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 16 km
Meeting point 8:30Saint Jacques
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
08:30MEETING
Meeting Point
We'll meet in Saint Jacques (Aosta Valley), where our trekking adventure begins!
10:30LAKE
"Blue Lake"
The stunning blue lake nestled in the valley, awaiting us on the trail.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Ottorino Mezzalama Hut
Finally reaching the mountain hut, the view will be absolutely breathtaking!
15:30RETURN
Back to the cars
Return to the vehicles via the same trail we hiked in.

How do you get to Saint Jacques? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

RoadTo4000
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
5.0
2 reviews
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience5.0
A
Andrea C.
Outing on 13 September 2026

Spettacolare escursione, tra le più belle mai fatte ai piedi del maestoso Monte Rosa

Your guide
Alessandro S.
Outing on 13 September 2026

Devo dire che il percorso ha saputo regalare dei paesaggi stupendi, grazie anche al meteo stupendo. La val d'Ayas è veramente fantastica e quando arrivi ai piedi del Ghiacciaio Verra, l'amozione è infinita.

Your guide

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 1,400 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed