Val Veny

Val Veny is the lateral valley that runs south-west of Courmayeur along the Italian flank of the Mont Blanc massif. It is one of the most spectacular glacier valleys in the Alps: the road climbs steadily past the Miage Glacier and the Refuge Mont-Blanc into a landscape dominated by the Brenva and Frébouze glacier faces above. The scale is immense and the light changes constantly as clouds roll through the peaks.

The valley is a favourite for cyclists and hikers. A road runs the full length, and several trails branch off into higher terrain. The Lake Combal at the head of the valley, flanked by glacier moraines, is a rewarding destination at around 1,980 metres. The Tour du Mont Blanc long-distance route passes through Val Veny, and it is possible to walk this section as a day trip from Courmayeur — take the bus or a taxi up valley and walk back down.

things to do sight nature cycling
A story
The Miage Glacier, which descends into the lower end of Val Veny, carries an extraordinary number of rocks and debris on its surface — a legacy of massive rockfalls from the surrounding peaks. Standing at its snout, you might not immediately realise you are looking at a glacier at all: the ice is entirely buried beneath stone.