Mont Blanc is a mountain with a unique allure. The ascent to the Monzino Refuge in Val Veny (Aosta Valley)—through the Garda *via ferrata*—is an ideal hike for immersing oneself in the awe-inspiring and thrilling environment of this mountain massif.

Monzino Refuge – Garda Via Ferrata. The beauty of Mont Blanc (Val Veny, Aosta Valley)

Last weekend, I had the chance to discover Val Veny, a valley opening up to the south from Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It was love at first sight. The central part of the valley features an idyllic landscape: the Dora di Veny stream flows along the valley floor, winding through beautiful pastures and lush green meadows interspersed with coniferous forests. We stayed at the Aiguille Noire campsite in our camper van. The site is small but very welcoming and well-organized; we enjoyed the peace and quiet, as well as the cool air—something we’ve been craving like oxygen during this unsettling, scorching summer. Higher up, past the rugged moraine area where the Miage Glacier flows (or rather, *used* to flow), the fairytale plateau of Alpe de la Lex Blanche opens up beneath the Rifugio Elisabetta and the Col de la Seigne. Throughout the valley, the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif loom overhead, featuring the Grandes Jorasses, the instantly recognizable Dent du Géant, the Aiguille Noire, and many other iconic summits.

To start my hike on Saturday, August 1, 2026, I set off directly from the Aiguille Noire campsite so I wouldn't have to move the van (see my track below).

Alternatively, you can save about half an hour of walking by starting from the paid parking lot a few kilometers further along (click here for the location). I had read a lot of information regarding the difficulty and duration of the Ferrata Garda, as well as possible route variations. I must say that not all the information published online was accurate; in this article, I’ll highlight some of my own impressions and offer a few tips.

Click here for the complete slideshow of the excursion

After about an hour of thrilling immersion in this incredible high-altitude setting, I began my descent to the valley—taking, as previously mentioned, the same route I had used on the way up.

The *via ferrata* was not crowded at all, and I encountered very few other hikers on the descent. At certain points, the route splits in two; always keep to the right—whether ascending or descending—to avoid crossing paths with others where there are dual cables.

On the way down, natural footholds and handholds become more apparent along the trickier sections, since you are viewing them from above. Furthermore, at several points, I descended by leaning back against the cable (trusting its hold)—almost like rappelling—to allow my boot soles to maintain optimal friction against the rock.

I completed the *via ferrata* at a leisurely pace in about three hours, and after another half-hour, I returned to the campsite—tired, but happy.

It was—for a change—another memorable day in the mountains...

Ciao, Fabio Muriano

Click here for the complete slideshow of the excursion