Trek to Prarayer Mountain Hut: a scenic hike along the turquoise waters of Lake Place-Moulin
Bionaz, Valle d'Aosta · Valle d'Aosta•1 day•Hiking · 2,005 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Valle d'Aosta, Valle d'Aosta
On your own?
No problem
Points
+12
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Prarayer on Lake Place-Moulin
A relaxing and scenic hike in the heart of Valpelline, among crystal-clear waters and the great mountains of the Aosta Valley. With the Guidders, we will follow the trail along Lake Place-Moulin, one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the Aosta Valley, famous for its intense turquoise color. The route unfolds almost entirely along the lakeshore, offering constant views of the peaks enclosing the valley and the glaciers that feed these waters. After about 5 km of walking, we will reach Rifugio Prarayer, set in an extraordinary alpine landscape. A trek suitable for everyone, perfect for those who want to enjoy a day of nature, panoramic views, and relaxation. Book now and let yourself be captivated by the colors of Valpelline.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
Lake Place-Moulin with spectacular colors
A hike suitable for beginners too
Panoramic views of glaciers and alpine peaks
A refuge surrounded by nature
A Guiddy experience of relaxation and unique landscapes
What makes this hike unique The continuous dialogue between water and mountain: for much of the route, the lake accompanies the walk with reflections and colors that change with every step.
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.
+12 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
200 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
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 5 h and 200 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. 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
✕Packed lunch
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
200 m
Max altitude
2,005 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
5 h
Day
10 km · D+ 200 m · 5 h
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 10:00approximate
Strada Comunale per Place Moulin, 11010 Bionaz Valle d'Aosta, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Parking – Place Moulin Dam – Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Prarayer Mountain Hut
You set off from the dam and, step by step, the noise of the world fades away. The gravel track runs almost flat through larch woods, alpine pastures, and sudden glimpses of mountains mirrored in the lake like a painting. This is one of those hikes where there’s no need to “get there quickly” — the real beauty is all along the way. After around 5 km of gentle, scenic walking, you reach Rifugio Prarayer,
16:00RETURN
Return
Return to the parking area at the Place Moulin Dam - Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
How do you get to Bionaz? 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.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
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!
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?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 200 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.
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.
Trek to Prarayer Mountain Hut: a scenic hike along the turquoise waters of Lake Place-Moulin
Bionaz, (23) · Valle d'Aosta
1 day · Hiking · 2,005 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
200 m
Max altitude
2,005 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+12
▣ 3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Prarayer on Lake Place-Moulin
A relaxing and scenic hike in the heart of Valpelline, among crystal-clear waters and the great mountains of the Aosta Valley. With the Guidders, we will follow the trail along Lake Place-Moulin, one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the Aosta Valley, famous for its intense turquoise color. The route unfolds almost entirely along the lakeshore, offering constant views of the peaks enclosing the valley and the glaciers that feed these waters. After about 5 km of walking, we will reach Rifugio Prarayer, set in an extraordinary alpine landscape. A trek suitable for everyone, perfect for those who want to enjoy a day of nature, panoramic views, and relaxation. Book now and let yourself be captivated by the colors of Valpelline.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
Lake Place-Moulin with spectacular colors
A hike suitable for beginners too
Panoramic views of glaciers and alpine peaks
A refuge surrounded by nature
A Guiddy experience of relaxation and unique landscapes
What makes this hike unique The continuous dialogue between water and mountain: for much of the route, the lake accompanies the walk with reflections and colors that change with every step.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
200 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
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 5 h and 200 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. 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
✕Packed lunch
✕Transport
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 10:00Bionaz
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Parking – Place Moulin Dam – Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Prarayer Mountain Hut
You set off from the dam and, step by step, the noise of the world fades away. The gravel track runs almost flat through larch woods, alpine pastures, and sudden glimpses of mountains mirrored in the lake like a painting. This is one of those hikes where there’s no need to “get there quickly” — the real beauty is all along the way. After around 5 km of gentle, scenic walking, you reach Rifugio Prarayer,
16:00RETURN
Return
Return to the parking area at the Place Moulin Dam - Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
How do you get to Bionaz? 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.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
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.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 200 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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