Top 20 Lakes around Balme

Among the most popular lakes are the Green Lakes, known for their emerald and green waters and popularity with families. Lake Paschiet is also highly regarded for its quiet environment and lush surroundings. Another favorite is Lago di Dres, a remote lake appreciated for its tranquility.

Many lakes around Balme offer excellent hiking opportunities. The trail to Lake della Rossa, for instance, is considered one of the most spectacular in the Lanzo Valleys, though it includes some steep inclines. The Green Lakes and Lake Paschiet are also popular hiking destinations, often combined into a single route. For more hiking options, explore the hiking routes around Balme.

Yes, the route to Lago di Dres from Villa Poma is considered easy and suitable for many, taking approximately two hours. The Green Lakes are also popular with families and can be reached in about two hours from the hamlet of Cornetti, making them a good option for less strenuous walks.

Lake della Rossa, located in Usseglio, is the largest lake in the Lanzo Valleys and is known for its spectacular scenery. Its name comes from the reflection of the Red Cross peak in its waters. Originally a small natural lake, it was significantly expanded between 1931 and 1934 with the construction of a dam, making it one of the highest artificial lakes in Europe at the time. It is also used for electricity generation.

The Green Lakes are two small, glacial-origin lakes noted for their magical green-bluish color, nestled among ancient glacier deposits. Lake Paschiet is a larger, tranquil lake surrounded by lush vegetation, often combined with a visit to the Green Lakes. The hiking trail to these lakes follows the Paschiet stream, featuring small waterfalls and calmer pools.

Yes, the region around Balme features several artificial basins. A notable example is Lake della Rossa, which was expanded by a dam in the 1930s and is used for electricity generation. Lake Malciaussia is another artificial basin, also dating back to the 1930s, used for power generation.

The Green Lakes are particularly popular with families, offering an accessible two-hour walk from the hamlet of Cornetti. Lake Malciaussia is also considered family-friendly, though parking for motor vehicles is subject to a fee during peak season.

Beyond hiking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking with routes like 'Le Villaron – Bonneval-sur-Arc loop from Bessans' or explore road cycling routes such as 'Stura di Lanzo – Sanctuary of St. Ignatius loop from Balme'. For more details, check out the gravel biking and road cycling guides around Balme.

Parking is available at some locations, such as Lake Malciaussia, though it is subject to a fee during July and August. Information on public transport directly to all lake access points is limited, so planning for personal vehicle use or checking local bus schedules for specific trailheads is advisable.

The summer months, particularly from late June to early August, are ideal for visiting the lakes. During this period, the road leading to Lake Malciaussia is reserved for cyclists every Thursday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, offering a unique car-free experience. The weather is generally favorable for hiking and outdoor activities.

When visiting Lake Malciaussia, note that every Thursday from late June to early August, the road is closed to motorized vehicles from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, making it perfect for cyclists. Parking for motor vehicles is subject to a fee during July and August. It's a very popular and frequented dam lake in the summer.

The path to Lago di Dres starts from Villa Poma and takes about two hours. While the route is considered easy and suitable for most, visitors should be mindful that the area immediately around the lake can be swampy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.