Tour of Monviso, around the “Stone King”

Emanuele, UIMLA certified mountain leader, will guide you in the summer on this famous and beautiful hiking tour of Monviso in 4 days, crossing to France.

4 Days

Jun - Sep

Description

In the Cottian Alps, in Italy and close to the French border, rises the famous Monviso. Italians also call it the Stone King due to its prominence in the Italian Alps. In fact, people can see this pyramid-shaped mountain from very far as it's much higher than its neighbouring peaks.

During the summer we can go on this 4-day hike around Monviso. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Europe, right in the heart of Piedmont. Indeed, at the refuges we will meet many other hikers and climbers.

Some added beauty of this tour is its history. In 1839, James David Forbes completed the tour for the first time doing the inner circuit. Today, doing this circuit allows us to see history. In fact, we can learn some geology understanding how the continents, and in particular the Alps, were formed.

Going from hut to hut, we get to appreciate each day a different aspect of the area. We will go by beautiful lakes, cross a stone pine forest, and of course reach impressive passes. Besides, we will go through the Monviso tunnel, the oldest in the Alps! Conveniently, the tour starts and ends in the small village Castello of Pontechianale.

Have a look at the 4-day program below, and if it looks interesting, don't hesitate to contact me! I love this tour and taking you there would be a real pleasure.

Italy is a prime destination for beautiful and historic hiking tours. I also guide my clients in this one in the Lanzo valleys.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: From Castello of Pontechianale to Alpetto hut

We start at the small village Castello of Pontechianale, by the artificial lake. A steep trail takes us up to the Vallanta valley. Then it becomes easier and we start seeing the foothills of Monviso. We continue to the Alevè forest, full of Swiss stone pines, until the Giargiatte valley. We go up to the San Chiaffredo pass, then down to the Gallarino pass. We can already see Monviso and the Quintino Sella refuge. We sleep at the Alpetto refuge in a beautiful setting.
Duration: 6hs
D +1100m

Day 2: From Alpetto hut to Giacoletti hut

We follow the trail and take the deviation for the Tour of Monviso. We go up with beautiful views of the east face of Monviso, passing nice alpine lakes. We reach the Quintino Sella refuge, where we take a break. Then as we continue on the trail we pass by the Viso pass and descend to the beautiful Chiaretto lake. From here we go up to the Giacoletti refuge, passing by the Superiore and Lausetto lakes and the Cosas pass.
Duration: 6hs
D +850m

Day 3: From Giacoletti hut to Refuge du Viso

We go down the Porco couloir on a trail leading to the entrance of the “Sendero del Postino”. We take a shortcut to reach the passage of the tunnel of Monviso. Here we go down to the French side, to the Refuge du Viso. We will go through the oldest tunnel of the Alps!
Duration: 4:30hs
D +450m

Day 4: From Refuge du Viso to Castello of Pontechianale

We go to the Vallanta pass by a trail that goes first up and then down. This pass ends in Italy. We go down to the Vallanta valley, a scenic setting, and to the Vallanta refuge. Finally, by a wide and easy trail, we return to Castello of Pontechianale.
Duration: 4:30hs
D +450m

Details

More info

Equipment: : required hiking clothes, with clothes suitable for the season, waterproof boots (not shoes!), change for 3 (or 4) days, water.

It’s possible have lunch in the refuges or to take a lunch bag.

Meeting point

At the small village Castello of Pontechianale,

About the guide

Emanuele

Mountain Leader

My name is Emanuele but everyone calls me Lele. I live in the heart of Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, near Turin.
I am a mountain leader and a mountain bike teacher.
My passions are rock climbing, freeskiing and cycling. In other words, simply wilderness and nature.
My favourite playground is the Alps. While in winter I look for fresh snow, during the summer I like hiking, cycling and climbing in the valleys.
I also love exploring the world in search of new adventures.
I'm waiting for you to go on the next adventure together!

Languages

Italian | English

Certificates

UIMLA

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