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Snowshoeing Excursion Etirol – Gillarey Oratory: The Most Spectacular Balcony Overlooking Valtournenche and the Matterhorn.

Etirol, Valle d'Aosta · Valle d'Aosta•1 day•Hiking · 2,188 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Valle d'Aosta, Valle d'Aosta
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Snowshoeing Excursion Etirol – Gillarey Oratory: The Most Spectacular Balcony Overlooking Valtournenche and the Matterhorn.
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Snowshoeing to the Gillarey oratory below the Matterhorn

A simple, sunny and incredibly panoramic snowshoe hike that winds along the sunny side of Torgnon, one of the most beloved places in the Aosta Valley for its natural terraces and wide snow-covered spaces. From the quiet group of huts in Etirol, the route winds through sparse woods, white clearings and views that open step by step onto the Valtournenche.

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

The experience

The winter track climbs gradually, without ever becoming challenging, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a relaxing snowshoe hike surrounded by picture-postcard views. At each bend the landscape becomes wider and the undisputed protagonist appears more and more clearly: the Matterhorn, elegant and imposing, dominating the valley with its perfect shape.

Our destination is the famous Oratory of Gillarey, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area. Here the view opens completely onto the valley, the peaks of Valtournenche and the entire Matterhorn massif: a natural balcony that leaves you speechless, especially on clear winter days.

A snowshoe hike suitable for many, perfect for those who want to experience the magic of the Aosta Valley winter without facing significant elevation gains, immersing themselves in a silent, bright and deeply authentic environment. To be shared, of course, with the Guidders community 🧡.

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 2 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+16 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
630 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Dress in layers and set off in daylight: on snow you sweat going up and freeze at the stops. If you've never snowshoed, no experience needed, just legs for a long walk and an easy pace
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Snowshoes and poles (rent them if you don't have them), waterproof boots, gaiters, gloves plus a spare pair, a beanie, sunglasses, a hot thermos and a snack. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Snowshoes and poles (on request)
✕Travel to Etirol
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
630 m
Max altitude
2,188 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
6 h
Day
10 km · D+ 630 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Torgnon, 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
09:30MEETING
Meeting Point
Parking area
10:30HIDDEN POINT
Cross-country ski track crossing
Our snowshoe hike begins in Etirol, a charming hamlet of traditional chalets nestled above the Torgnon basin. The first section follows a gentle, snow-covered farm track, perfect for warming up, as it winds through sun-drenched meadows and a sparse larch forest.
13:00FOOD STOP
Gilliarey Chapel
Reaching the Gillarey Sanctuary (approx. 2175m) rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the area: a natural balcony offering sweeping views of the Valtournenche valley, the distant Monte Rosa massif, and the peaks that divide the two grand valleys of the Cervino (Matterhorn) valley. After soaking in the stunning scenery, the descent usually follows the same trail, bathed in sunshine for much of the day.
16:30RETURN
Return
We'll retrace our steps down the trail.

How do you get to Etirol? 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.

Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Snowshoes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED

Your guide

Federica A.
Federica A.
· 1 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Federica, an environmental hiking guide, and the mountains have been my life companion for as long as I can remember. I've been out in them for over 35 years: since my parents carried me in a rucksack along the trails and up the peaks of the Aosta Valley. And once I started walking on my own two feet, I never stopped. After years of experience and training I chose to make it my job, wanting to share this passion and to show people the genuine beauty of the mountains. On my outings I like creating experiences that are simple, honest and full of wonder, because every trail has a story to tell — and it's almost always more interesting than the elevation gain. 🥾🌿 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 630 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 2 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.
Snowshoeing Excursion Etirol – Gillarey Oratory: The Most Spectacular Balcony Overlooking Valtournenche and the Matterhorn.

Snowshoeing Excursion Etirol – Gillarey Oratory: The Most Spectacular Balcony Overlooking Valtournenche and the Matterhorn.

Etirol, Torgnon (23) · Valle d'Aosta
1 day · Hiking · 2,188 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
630 m
Max altitude
2,188 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+16
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Snowshoeing to the Gillarey oratory below the Matterhorn

A simple, sunny and incredibly panoramic snowshoe hike that winds along the sunny side of Torgnon, one of the most beloved places in the Aosta Valley for its natural terraces and wide snow-covered spaces. From the quiet group of huts in Etirol, the route winds through sparse woods, white clearings and views that open step by step onto the Valtournenche.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

The winter track climbs gradually, without ever becoming challenging, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a relaxing snowshoe hike surrounded by picture-postcard views. At each bend the landscape becomes wider and the undisputed protagonist appears more and more clearly: the Matterhorn, elegant and imposing, dominating the valley with its perfect shape.

Our destination is the famous Oratory of Gillarey, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area. Here the view opens completely onto the valley, the peaks of Valtournenche and the entire Matterhorn massif: a natural balcony that leaves you speechless, especially on clear winter days.

A snowshoe hike suitable for many, perfect for those who want to experience the magic of the Aosta Valley winter without facing significant elevation gains, immersing themselves in a silent, bright and deeply authentic environment. To be shared, of course, with the Guidders community 🧡.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
630 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Dress in layers and set off in daylight: on snow you sweat going up and freeze at the stops. If you've never snowshoed, no experience needed, just legs for a long walk and an easy pace
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Snowshoes and poles (rent them if you don't have them), waterproof boots, gaiters, gloves plus a spare pair, a beanie, sunglasses, a hot thermos and a snack. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Snowshoes and poles (on request)
✕Travel to Etirol

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:30Etirol
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:30MEETING
Meeting Point
Parking area
10:30HIDDEN POINT
Cross-country ski track crossing
Our snowshoe hike begins in Etirol, a charming hamlet of traditional chalets nestled above the Torgnon basin. The first section follows a gentle, snow-covered farm track, perfect for warming up, as it winds through sun-drenched meadows and a sparse larch forest.
13:00FOOD STOP
Gilliarey Chapel
Reaching the Gillarey Sanctuary (approx. 2175m) rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the area: a natural balcony offering sweeping views of the Valtournenche valley, the distant Monte Rosa massif, and the peaks that divide the two grand valleys of the Cervino (Matterhorn) valley. After soaking in the stunning scenery, the descent usually follows the same trail, bathed in sunshine for much of the day.
16:30RETURN
Return
We'll retrace our steps down the trail.

How do you get to Etirol? 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.
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Snowshoes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED

Your guide

Federica A.
Federica A.
1 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Federica, an environmental hiking guide, and the mountains have been my life companion for as long as I can remember. I've been out in them for over 35 years: since my parents carried me in a rucksack along the trails and up the peaks of the Aosta Valley. And once I started walking on my own two feet, I never stopped. After years of experience and training I chose to make it my job, wanting to share this passion and to show people the genuine beauty of the mountains. On my outings I like creating experiences that are simple, honest and full of wonder, because every trail has a story to tell — and it's almost always more interesting than the elevation gain. 🥾🌿 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 630 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
€30
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed