Magià is a mountain chalet in Val d’ Aosta. It is located in the Saint-Barthélemy valley, at 2007 m., in the La Servaz locality of the municipality of Nus.
Here you can enjoy the wild charm of the woods and high mountain meadows, the primitive beauty of the ridges and peaks, the magic of a clear starry sky, which takes your breath away. Traveling through the Saint-Barthélemy valley means immersing yourself in one of the most authentic and unspoiled natural settings, not only in Val d’ Aosta, but in the entire Alpine arc.
From the mountain hut, there are numerous easy and moderately difficult walks to choose from, allowing you to select the hike that best suits your needs: there are various circular routes suitable for everyone! Other slightly more challenging trails lead to some of the peaks surrounding the area, from where you can enjoy unforgettable views.
How to get there in summer
On foot:
- From Praz (1763 m): an easy, scenic hike through the Saint-Barthélemy Valley. From the last houses in Praz, follow the farm track (initially tarmac) or trail n. 13, which crosses pastures and woodland. The route passes near the Valochère mountain pasture (1901 m) before rejoining the main dirt track leading to the refuge.
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: approx. 250 m
Duration: 1h25
- From Porliod (1,873 m): a simple, scenic hike in the Saint-Barthélemy Valley via trail no. 14. From the car park, head down towards the village of Porliod, passing through larch forests, small streams and ancient mountain pastures set within the landscape of the Saint-Barthélemy Valley. The route continues along an easy dirt track through clearings, mountain huts and picturesque fir forests, offering splendid views of the alpine pastures. After crossing the Torrent de Saint-Barthélemy, you finally reach the refuge.
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: approx. 200 m
Duration: 1h40
By Mountain Bike: the route alternates between tarmac and dirt tracks. Technically quite straightforward as the roads are well-maintained and mostly flat, making it easily accessible for all ages.
How to get there in winter
on snowshoes/ski touring/cross-country skiing: The refuge can be reached in winter in various ways, following the summer directions given above.
You can cross the valley on cross-country skis along the designated trails or choose a picturesque route on snowshoes, characterised by gentle, short ascents and descents at the start. Before setting off, it is worth phoning the refuge to find out whether snowshoes are required or not. In hard snow, crampons may be useful for negotiating a couple of steep sections.
The valley is particularly renowned for its “soft snow” and its unspoilt environment, which is also ideal for ski mountaineering enthusiasts
Please note:
The trail often runs alongside the cross-country ski track it is essential not to damage the tracks.
It is advisable to check the avalanche bulletin and snow conditions before setting out on the excursion.