Highlight • Summit
Testa di Licony
Hiking
5.0
(22)
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
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October 27, 2022
Hiking
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July 12, 2025
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Testa di Licony
4.9
(9)
81
hikers
17.0km
09:18
1,710m
1,710m
The Climb to Lago Liconi from Courmayeur is a challenging hike that rewards you with expansive alpine views. You will traverse varied terrain, from initial dirt roads and forest paths to vast alpine pastures, rocky sections, and steep ascents over grassy slopes. The route, which covers 10.6 miles (17.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 5609 feet (1709 metres), leads you to the stunning Lago Liconi, one of the largest natural lakes in the Aosta Valley. This difficult route typically takes around 9 hours and 17 minutes to complete, demanding good physical fitness and sure-footedness. You will experience magnificent panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, especially from viewpoints like La Suche and Col Liconi. The final climb to the lake is particularly steep and demanding, but the changing colors of the lake in the sunlight make it worthwhile. You can also spot diverse flora, such as the rare ferruginous rhododendron, and wildlife like marmots and chamois along the way. The trail moves between wooded sections and open areas, offering a varied visual experience. This hike is considered hard, so prepare for a full day on the trail. You should wear sturdy shoes and have some alpine experience for this demanding route. The ascent to Lago Liconi alone can take about 3 hours and 20 minutes, with an additional climb to Col de Licony extending it to 3 hours and 50 minutes. The descent from the col is roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. Starting from Courmayeur, the trail might begin from hamlets like Ermitage or Pussey. This trail is notable for offering some of the most impressive and expansive views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding Val Sapin and Val Ferret. The view from Col Liconi is considered among the most beautiful in the world. Lago Liconi itself is a significant and beautiful alpine lake, recognized as one of the highest and most striking in the Aosta Valley. If you extend your hike beyond the lake to Testa di Licony, you will find the Pascal Bivouac, a panoramic shelter with an incredible view of Mont Blanc. Despite its difficulty, the immense natural beauty and the sense of accomplishment make this a highly rewarding hike for experienced trekkers. Being a somewhat lesser-known destination, it offers a sense of tranquility and a preserved alpine ecosystem away from more crowded tourist paths.
4.9
(8)
61
hikers
14.7km
08:50
1,590m
1,590m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
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Elevation 2,900 m
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Monday 10 August
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