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In this section we present a chapter from the book
Per Alpes, Discovering the Alps in 20 circular walks.
Read the tour description below or download
the book here.
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The giant of the Cottian Alps
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Outstanding view of Monte Viso from Colle del Viso. Foto: M. Onida |
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Monte Viso with an altitude of 3,841 m is the highest summit in the Cottian Alps, its massive rocky pyramid regarded by many as the most beautiful summit ofthe entire alpine area. For years the local people believed Monte Viso to be thehighest mountain in the Alps, because its peak is between 500 to 1,000 metreshigher than surrounding ones. Probably only a few people also know that at thefoot of this mountain springs the longest river in Italy, the Po. There are manylegends surrounding Monte Viso; it is said that Hannibal built the tunnel "Buco diViso" below the Punta delle Traversette and used it to return to the north with hiselephants. Actually the tunnel was built in the XVth century for commercial reasons,mostly linked to salt trade.The ascent of Monte Viso isn’t easy. In addition to several ascending and descendingslopes, there is also some grade II climbing. Furthermore, during the summermonths Monte Viso is often covered by clouds. Despite all diffi culties, this three-daytour (which could be extended) is not to be missed, because the Cottian Alps offereverything a climber could wish for: solitude, peace and quiet and a splendid alpineexperience.
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The Monte Viso tour is relatively short, however the challenges this route presents should not be underestimated, careful footwork and endurance are essential. Upuntil the start of summer, the route entails crossing steep snowfi elds. It is thereforeadvisable to bring crampons. If you wish to go through the 75 m tunnel "Bucodi Viso", below the Punta delle Traversette, a head torch or a pocket torch isnecessary.
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Click on map for larger image. |
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Crissolo – Pian Melze – Rif. Pian del Re – Colle del Viso – Rif. Quintino Sella
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Most of our fellow climbers/trekkers reach the Pian del Re hut (2,020 m) by car and use that as their trailhead, while our starting point is Crissolo (1,398 m), because this location is accessible by public transport. The fi rst uphill slope takes approximately 3 hours, it follows the long GTA path in the Pian Melze (1,714 m) and takes you to Pian del Re hut (2,020 m). After lunch, leave the hut and walk towards the idyllic Lake Fiorenza (2,113 m), where you fi nd a carved rock indicating the River Po spring. The landscape around Lake Chiaretto (2,261 m), with a view on the towering northeast crag of Monte Viso, is an experience you must not miss. The path then crosses a beautiful valley and leads you to Colle del Viso (2,650 m). Follow it until you see the Quintino Sella hut (2,640 m). If you get to the hut early enough and still feel up for more, you could climb over Viso Mozzo (3,019 m). From this point, the view of Monte Viso is dramatic (the climb takes about 1½ hrs).
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Accommodation
Rif. Pian del Re (2,020 m): Tel. +39-0175-94967 or +39-349-3932559, open from June to September, private.
Rif. Quintino Sella (2,640 m): Tel. +39-0175-94943, open from the end of June to the end of Septmeber, CAI.
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Rif. Quintino Sella – Passo Gallarino – Passo San Chiaffredo – Grange del Rio – Rif. Vallanta
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Today’s route is lengthy; it includes two passes, a descent and a fi nal strenuous ascent. Gallarino Pass (2,727 m) and San Chiaffredo Pass (2,764 m) are reached in short time. From here, the path takes a steep downhill slope and just before Lake Lungo it crosses an unusual landscape with rock cairns. As you reach the lowest point of the tour, almost 1,900 m, take the path running through the long Vallanta valley which takes you as far as the Vallanta hut (2,450 m).
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Accommodation
Rif. Vallanta (2,450 m): Tel. +39-0175-956025, open from June to September, CAI.
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Monte Viso towering against the sky in all its majestic beauty. Foto: M. Onida
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To Crissolo:
To Pian del Re:
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Rif. Vallanta – Passo di Vallanta – Ref. du Viso – Colle delle Traversette – Rif. Pian del Re – Pian Melze – Crissolo
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From the Vallanta hut (2,450 m) the track unfolds steeply downhill all the way to the Vallanta Pass (2,811 m), sunken deep between the north-west crag of Monte Viso and Mount Losetta on the east side. For a short distance the path takes you into French territory, then starts descending towards Ref. du Viso (2,460 m), just before gaining height by climbing Colle delle Traversette (2,950 m). Just before the Colle delle Traversette it is possible to take the deep tunnel "Buco del Viso" (only if you have a pocket torch or a head torch); otherwise you could simply cross over the hill. The descent to the Pian del Re hut is rather steep, however, this trail takes you quickly to the hut by crossing beautiful pastures. At this point, those who started the journey in the PIan del Re hut may now feel free to relax, while for those who left from Crissolo, there is still one fi nal 2 – 2½ hour descent to the Po valley.
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Accommodation
Rif. Pian del Re (2,020 m): Tel. +39-0175-94967 or +39-349-3932559, open from June till September, private.
For further information: Uffi cio Turistico Crissolo, p. 37.
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Marta shares her personal experience about the trips, the people and the environment of the Alps.
Read more...
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Marta Capetillo |
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Here is an excellent link on how to get there. Wherever you are going.
Michelin
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