Best lakes around Issime are found in the Aosta Valley, Italy, offering access to alpine lakes primarily within or near the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. This region is characterized by high-altitude lakes, providing natural scenery and opportunities for hiking. The area also features insights into Walser life with traditional buildings along trails.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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At 2020 meters, Lake Barma (or Balma) is a lake of glacial origin sunken between the Gragliasca peak, Lei Long and Balma d’Oropa on the left, Mont Mars and Monte Rosso on the right, and the Balma d’Oropa hill in front. With 31,320 square meters of extension, it is the largest lake included in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. On its shores, from the second half of June, rhododendrons, mountain lilies, round cotton grasses, mountain arnica and wild orchids bloom.
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Very modern and comfortable refuge. Equipped with 24h electricity, wi-fi, hot water. The refuge is also a stop for the Oropa Valley walk. The Barma refuge is located at an altitude of 2060 meters in the Mont Mars nature reserve, located between the Biella area and the Lys Valley in the Aosta Valley. The stone structure is built around the roche moutonne in the center of an amphitheater overlooking the lakes of the same name at the foot of the Mont Mars massif (2600 m). The refuge is recently built and has a large bar, two dining rooms, eight rooms, five of which seat 8, two seat 4 and a double with bathroom. The services are shared. The structure is equipped with solar panels for the production of electricity, integrated with a co-generator system. The water is collected from the depths of the lake and treated with a water purifier so as to avoid the use of packaging to be disposed of.
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finding peace like this place elsewhere, if you go there during the week, is very difficult
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The Lago di Villa Nature Reserve was established in 1982 and extends over 25 hectares, at an altitude of between 810 and 980 meters, between the municipalities of Challand-Saint-Victor and Montjovet. An oasis of peace and tranquility where you can listen to the sounds of nature and observe the surrounding mountains. It is interesting to visit in every season, to admire the colors of the changing leaves, as well as the plant and animal species that populate it. Here are some technical data on the natural area: Environment: low mountain peaty lake basin, characterized by a clear contrast between the marshy environment of the lake and the surrounding arid environment. Fauna: the nature reserve represents the main regional reproductive station for the common toad. Among the reptiles there are the maraou lizard and the whip snake, while the fish fauna consists of cyprinids and eels. Flora: the lake waters are home to two very rare floating plants in the Aosta Valley, the white water lily (if you want to enjoy its bloom, the recommended months are June and July) and the amphibian polygon. The reed bed is mainly made up of common reed; the arboreal vegetation is made up of hygrophilous thickets near the banks and thickets of Scots pine and downy oak on the surrounding sunny slopes.
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The Rifugio Lago della Vecchia is located in the Biella Alps, at 1,872 meters above sea level, near the lake of the same name. It offers typical Piedmontese cuisine and the possibility of overnight stays with 22 beds. It opens in the summer season but for more information, visit the website: rifugiolagodellavecchia.it
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Recently built refuge surrounded by the Barma lakes, open in the summer and reachable with a not too demanding walk from Pillaz (or from Pian Coumarial) a hamlet of Fontainemore, overcoming a long stretch of road up to Lake Vargno
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This beautiful lake is located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. From its banks Punta Leretta, Punta Figlieu, Mount Mars, Mount Rosso, the Lei Long and Gragliasca peaks and Mount Pietra Bianca are visible. It's a nice place to take a break on your mountain run with a breathtaking view. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow while running.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the lakes within the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, such as the two homonymous lakes at the foot of Rifugio della Balma, known for their natural beauty and the modern refuge facilities. Another favorite is Lake Vargno, also in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, offering breathtaking views of surrounding peaks.
Yes, Lake Vargno is noted as family-friendly, with paths that are generally easy to follow. Additionally, Lake Ville offers excellent trails suitable for everyone and even has parking right next to the lake with a wheelchair-accessible walkway.
The lakes around Issime are primarily alpine and glacial, offering stunning mountain scenery. At the Rifugio della Balma Lakes, especially from mid-June, you can see rhododendrons, mountain lilies, cotton grasses, arnica, and wild orchids blooming along the shores. Many lakes provide panoramic viewpoints of peaks like Mont Mars, Punta Leretta, and Mount Rosso.
The period from mid-June onwards is particularly beautiful, as rhododendrons and other alpine flowers bloom around lakes like the Rifugio della Balma Lakes. The summer months generally offer the most favorable weather for hiking and enjoying the high-altitude lakes.
Yes, a classic hike from Issime to the Small Lakes below Mont Crabun not only offers scenic beauty but also provides insights into Walser life, with charming traditional buildings along the way. The Madonna della Neve Chapel is a notable stop on this culturally enriching trek.
Beyond hiking to the lakes, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Palasinaz Lakes or the Barma Hut. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the Colle Tzecore, and gravel biking options such as the Monterosa Gravel Experience.
Yes, the Rifugio della Balma is a modern and comfortable refuge located at 2,060 meters above sea level, offering 24-hour electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot water. Another option is the Lago della Vecchia Hut, situated at 1,872 meters, which provides typical Piedmontese cuisine and overnight stays during the summer season.
The terrain varies, but many paths, especially around Lake Vargno, are generally easy to follow with few technical difficulties. Hikes to the Rifugio della Balma Lakes are considered moderate. Some trails, like those leading to the Small Lakes below Mont Crabun, involve a final ascent to the lakes.
Yes, the Rifugio della Balma has a large bar and two dining rooms. The Lago della Vecchia Hut also offers typical Piedmontese cuisine. These refuges provide convenient spots for refreshments during your visit.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the alpine environment, and the opportunities for hiking. The modern amenities at refuges like Rifugio della Balma and the picturesque views from spots like Lake Vargno are frequently highlighted.
While not directly in Issime, the wider Aosta Valley offers several easily accessible lakes. Lake Ville is notable for its accessibility, including wheelchair access. Lake Verney in La Thuile is also easily accessible by road, and Lake Arpy can be reached via a well-marked trail.
Yes, the Blue Lake near Breuil Cervinia is famed for its intense color and the reflection of the Matterhorn on its surface. Lake Miage is also remarkable for its varying size and color throughout the year, especially captivating in early summer.


Still not found your perfect lake around Issime? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.