This leaflet was in collaboration between Parco naturale delle Alpi
Marittime and Parc national du Mercantour. These two crossborder protected areas have been twinned since 1987 and together
were awarded the European Diploma for the environment. The
area protected by the two parks covers about one hundred thousand
hectares and is remarkable for its strong cultural identity and hight
level of biodiversity: the parks protect and enhance these elemenents
throught study programmes and safeguards, inspired by the
principles of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
Parks without frontiers
Parc national du Mercantour
23, rue d’Italie BP 1316
06000 - Nice - cedex 1
Tel. +33 04 93167888
Fax +33 04 93887905
www.mercantour.eu
print by Tip. Jollygraf, Villanova M.vì - 2/2012
Parco naturale delle Alpi Marittime
Piazza regina Elena 30
12010 - Valdieri
Tel. +39 0171 97397
Fax +39 0171 97542
[email protected]
www.parcoalpimarittime.it
translation by www.europa92.org;
A refuge, by definition, is a place in which
you search for shelter and protection for
the body but also, not infrequently, for
the spirit. Medieval hospices responded
to this dual function serving travellers and
pilgrims engaged in crossing the Alps.
Generally guarded by one or more monks,
these properties stood close to the main
Alpine passes, from the San Bernardo to
the Monginevro, from the Maddalena to
the Tenda and Finestre passes.
The names of the refuges tell, through the dedication to the
deceased protagonists, the first seasons of Liguria and Cuneo
in conquering the Marittime Alps. Almost no-one is missing:
there is Moe Figari, the mountaineer without picks, who arrived
in the Marittime Alps, departing from the sea of Genova; his
climbing partner Emilio Questa: together with Lorenzo Bozano,
who underwent 13 hours travel from the coast to reach the
Gesso Valley; there is Federico Federici, who climbed the
mountains and died in the sea during the Second World War
and Ettore Marchesini, who left his companions of the section,
his library and the funds to build the refuge; there is Costanzo
Morelli, killed by a blizzard at the foot of the Monviso and
Colonel Alvaro Buzzi, who didn't manage to completely see
the refuge he had contributed to renovating; Edoardo “Dado”
Soria and Gianni Ellena joined in memory, also appear, who
were two of the greatest mountaineering exponents from
Cuneo in the years between the two wars; there is also their
companion Dante Livio Bianco, mountaineer and partisan;
It often happens that in the dim light of the lamps and over
a glass of red wine, mutual respect and trust is created between
the mountain dwelling keeper and the mountain enthusiasts,
coming from all backgrounds and walks of life,
graphic by
With the nineties of last century, the refuges changed: the
new regulations on a national and community level imposed
this, but also the change in the needs of the public. Renovated
and finally “according to the law”, the refuges became small
hotels at high altitude, equipped with electricity, hot water,
telephone.... and today even with internet, web cam for
weather forecasts and credit card systems to pay the bill. The
managers have become professional experts in logistics and
catering: hospitality at altitude has become serious business.
Over time the identity and role of the refuge have changed
so greatly: the old perception of the refuge as an isolated
place, is safely moored in the sea of the mountains and is by
now a distant memory. Today the refuges and bivouacs of the
Marittime Alps Park territory are among the favourite
destinations of tourists who visit the protected area.
Departure
Height difference; ascent time; itinerary type
Owner; manager
Opening period
Beds (beds in winter)
Cuisine
Telephone number
E-mail address; web site
Main climbs
Credit cards accepted
Credit cards not accepted
legend
Locanda del Sorriso
13
1096 m
Once a primary school of the quiet and sunny hamlet of Trinità of EEntracque, the
inn, owned by the Park, is open in the summer season, during holiday periods and
at weekends. It is a GTA stop off place and departure point of hiking itineraries with
snow shoes and skis. In the welcoming dining room the Occitan cuisine can be
tasted, based on products of the area.
Parco naturale Alpi Marittime, Carla Degioanni
38
summer, Christmas, Easter and weekends on booking
piedmontese
+39 0171 978388
[email protected] - www.locandadelsorriso.com
West Pass of Sabbione 2328 m; Caire di Porcera 1818 m;
Entracque for Vallone Bousset
Hiking refuges
L’Albergh
12
1400 m
San Giacomo
14
1250 m
Locanda alpina Balma Meris
15
1011 m
Balma Meris is located in the village of Sant’Anna di Valdieri, the only centre of the
Park that is inhabited all year. Situated exactly at the entrance of the deep Meris
valley, the Alpine Inn is an in-between among the Alpine refuges at altitude and
the buildings of the lower valley. The building, built as the school of the town has
been recently renovated with a clever use of materials. The abundant use of wood
is the secret to the warm atmosphere of the Refuge. Balma Meris is the summer
departure point for day trips, trekking, climbing and mountain biking. In the winter
it is the ideal place from where to move off with skis or snow shoes on your feet.
Vittorio De Marco
25
all year
piedmontese
+39 0171 97459, +39 339 5280111
[email protected] - www.balmameris.it
Path of the Rye Eco-museum “Lo viòl di tèit”; Mount Bourel 2468 m;
Sella Lakes 1882 m e 2329 m
Gta Stop Off Terme
16
1368 m
www.diegoviada.com
With the foundation of the Alpine clubs, beginning in the midnineteenth century, the first refuges serving the mountaineers
were created. These are the years in which the Alps take the
form of a small unknown continent placed in the centre of
“civilized” Europe. The world at that time had by then been
explored by length and breadth, therefore the attention of
the pioneers turned further upwards: attracted by the
abundance of unknown land, crowds of Italian, French, German,
Swiss, American and English mountaineers passed through
the Alps to climb mountains, baptise them and represent them
on maps. In the race to the Alps, the bivouacs and refuges
represented the “conquest of the night”, the precious
opportunity to spend the hours between sunset and sunrise
in places that just a few years before, were doubted if they
could be reached in the light of day.
In 1889 in the Marittime Alps, the construction of the “Barma
refuge” began, near the Lac del la Fous, on the French side.
Created under a large rock by mountaineers of Nice, it was
a base for the climbs in the Gelas-Maledia-Clapier group.
Partner di progetto
Partenaires du projet
Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale
Fonds européen de développement régional
Cofinanziatori di progetto
Cofinanceurs du projet
Attuatori di progetto
Porteurs de projects
Programma Alcotra 2007-2013
Insieme oltre i confini
Programme Alcotra 2007-2013
Ensemble par-delà les frontières
The National Congress of the Italian Alpine Club in 1896
recognized the need to enhance the Marittime Alps, still not
very popular at the time, entrusting the task of building a new
refuge to the Ligurian Section. In the particular it was intended
to make the climb to the Argentera Peak, the highest on the
sector (3297 metres) more accessible. After countless visits,
the upper gias Monighet was singled out, in the deep Rovina
valley. The building, in honour of the promoting section, was
named “Genova Refuge”. Eighty years on the old Genova
would be submerged by the waters of the artificial Chiotas
basin and replaced by a new building created on the banks
of the nearby Brocan Lake.
In the following years, the Ligurians still increased the availability
of bases in the Marittime Alps. In 1913 at the base of the
Maledia Peak, at 2650 metres in altitude, the doors of the
Pagarì Refuge opened, whose structures arrived directly from
the Turin International Exposition of two years earlier. In 1921
the Bozano was built in the deep valley of Argentera and in
1925 the Questa was built in the deep Valasco valley.
Starting from the period between the two wars, the Cuneo
Section of the Alpine Club came on the scene and inaugurated
its first refuge in 1931: the Morelli-Buzzi, in the Lourousa
valley and in the sixties, the Soria, Remondino, Livio Bianco
and the Barbero.
paths and refuges
of the Marittime Alps and Mercantour
THE ALTA VIA DEI RE
Owned by the Park, it stands in Palanfrè, in Valle Vermenagna, at the foot of an
ancient banned beech wood that protects the village from avalanches. Open all
year, it is on the GTA itinerary and is the departure base for hiking on foot, with
snow shoes and with skis. At the premises you can taste a cuisine that has traditional
local flavours and the delicious cheeses produced on the premises.
Parco naturale Alpi Marittime, Silvana Giordano
25
all year
piedmontese
+39 340 6973954
[email protected] - www.palanfre.it
Nature path of the banned beech wood, La Via di Tèit culture path,
Albergh Lake 2038 m, Rocca d’Orel 2439 m
Franco Remondino, sub lieutenant of the Alpine troops and
promising young mountaineer, who died on a wall at the age
of 21, and Roberto Barbero, who fell on the Catene delle
Guide.
The bivouacs complete the memory, moderately evoking to
the visitors today of the absence of who, by accident or for
passion, sometimes for both reasons, has seen his name linked
forever to these mountains.
Originally, the refuges were simple and basic: four walls with
a plank to sleep on, a table and some chairs. Therefore little
more than an isolated cabin in the mountains, base for a
“chosen” few dedicated to climbing the main peaks of the
Alps. In time the shelters have been modified and expanded
to accommodate the ever growing public of mountain
enthusiasts. And so a kitchenette, bunk bends, wool blankets
and gas light appear.
The role of “keeper” came about, a person who lives in one
of the towns of the valley bottom and stores the keys of the
refuges. The keeper – the memory of the legendary Tino
Piacenza from Sant'anna di Valdieri, who divided himself
between the Bianco, Remondino and Morelli refuges, is still
very much alive in the Gesso Valley – generally goes up to the
refuge at weekends to ensure that the guests have the few
basic necessities and to show his experience and great
knowledge of the mountains.
From logistics bases to climb up to the peaks, these buildings
have become a reference point for those wishing to unhurriedly
enjoy the contact with mountain nature, taking the opportunity
to surprise, against the backdrop of a sunrise or sunset, the
animals immersed in their environment. Today, as yesterday,
the refuge gives you the opportunity to spend the night, filling
your eyes with the starry sky of the high altitudes, but in
addition, it now offers visitors the opportunity to taste the
local products,to attend concerts performed among the peaks
and to take part in themed evenings.
Whether it's a little or a lot, to get to a refuge you have to
walk. The right amount of commitment and effort is needed
to fully enjoy what we expect “up above”. On opening the
door of the refuge with a mixture of relief and trepidation,
there is the distinct feeling of being in a particular place,
where the most basic rules of cohabitation come into play:
respect for the work of the manager, sharing common space
and time with other hikers, the pleasant and compulsory
frugality, imposed by the place, the salutary knowledge that
any hasty actions may have negative effects for the conservation
of the fragile environment that surrounds the small building.
You must move cautiously and lightly, both inside and outside
the welcoming structure of the refuge.
For the pleasure of reaching a comfortable destination,
immersed in a unique environment, for the experience of
spending a few hours in the presence of the Alpine nature
without having to hurry back down to the valley, for the
privilege of listening to music with the mountains as a sounding
board, for the opportunities of meeting and exchanging among
the people it offers, a stay in the refuge is therefore an
experience able to leave a mark which goes beyond just the
simple pleasure of fun and relaxation.
Bivouacs
2710 m
12
always open
2650 m
Baus
Lago della Rovina 1535 m (Entracque)
1100 m; 3.30 hours
CAI Ligurian Section
9
always open
2468 m
Sergio Groppo
Sant’Anna di Valdieri 1011 m
1450 m; 4 hours
Private
2
always open
Ponte della Vagliotta 1115 m (Sant’Anna di Valdieri)
550 m; 1.45 hours
CAI Cuneo Section, keys: tel. 0171 67998
closed
10
2280 m
Costi-Falchero
Ponte della Vagliotta 1115 m (Sant’Anna di Valdieri)
1100 m; 3.30 hours
CAI Ligurian Section
always open
9
1847 m
Gandolfo
Ponte della Vagliotta 1115 m (Sant’Anna di Valdieri)
750 m; 2 hours
Club Alpino Accademico Italiano
always open
12
2235 m
Varrone
12
always open
Guiglia
Gias delle Mosche 1591 m (Terme di Valdieri)
850 m; 2.30 hours
CAI Ligurian Section
always open
Cougourde
Madone de Fenestre
9
all year
18
15/6 - 15/9
19
15/6 - 30/9
20
2233 m
52 (12)
15/6 - 30/9
21
Lake Mesches car park 1380 m
750 m; 3 hours; trail (E)
CAF Nice Mercantour, Alex Ferrier
+33 (0)4 93046464, +33 (0)4 93046922
www.cafresa.org
Casterino 1543 m
450 m; 1.30 hours; pista (E)
Sci Club di Nizza, Yvette Ferrieuer
+33 (0)4 93 04 89 19
2232 m
80 (20)
Casterino-Peyrafica road, altitude 1700 m
550 m; 2 hours; mule track (E)
CAF Nice Mercantour, Michel Duranti
+33 (0)4 92319120
www.cafresa.org
Merveilles
1905 m
62 (20)
Pont du Countet 1690 m
550 m; 2 hours; mule track (E)
CAF Nice Mercantour, Christophe Fournier
+33 (0)6 61975938
www.cafresa.org
Valmasque
2100 m
40
by car from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (11 km)
asphalt road
CAF Nice Mercantour, Patrick Miraillet
+33 (0)4 93028319, +33 (0)4 93039102
www.cafresa.org
Fontanalba
2421 m
17
upper Boréon car park
430 m; 1.30 hours; pathway (E)
CAF Nice Mercantour, M. Martin (summer), A. Goirand
+33 (0)4 93032600, +33 671726704
www.cafresa.org
De Cessole (Nice)
1665 m
Capanna sociale Barbero
Terme di Valdieri 1368 m
950 m; 2.30 hours
CAI Cuneo Section
Parco naturale Alpi Marittime, Gerbino family
21
from april to november
piedmontese
+39 0171 978704
[email protected] - www.parks.it/rif/san.giacomo
Mount Aiera 2713 m; Vej del Bouc Lake 2054 m; Carboné Pass 2800 m
The GTA stop off place stands in the heart of the Spa area, near to the Gesso stream
and the nineteenth century hunting lodges that Victor Emanuel II had built. At the
entrance to the stop off place is the bar Savoia. Outside it, an ideal place to restore
your energy after the fatigue accumulated on the paths, some giant sequoias cast
their shade. Their presence goes back to the era of the hunting King.
Bonetto family
25
from the beginning of June to mid September
regional (at the Hotel Royal)
+39 0171 97106
[email protected] - www.termedivaldieri.it
Valmiana Pass 2922 m; Chiapous Pass 2526 m; Fremamorta Lakes 2380 m
The Mercantour refuges
Moncalieri
San Giacomo di Entracque 1250 m
1500 m; 4 hours
Giovane Montagna Moncalieri
The hiking Refuge is situated at the centre of a handful of houses in San Giacomo,
a name that evokes ancient pilgrimages along the Santiago road. The fascination
of the place is strengthened by the presence of the historical royal hunting lodge,
immersed in a centuries-old beech wood. An ideal base to depart for some of the
most beautiful trips in the protected area, the Refuge is open from spring to late
autumn. The premises, that offers only overnight stays, relies on the adjacent inn,
Baita Monte Gelas for eating.
2130 m
79 (50)
15/6 - 30/9
22
2018 m
62 (0)
15/6 - 15/9
How to prepare and prepare
yourself for a night in a refuge
In a Refuge you sleep in a dormitory or in collective rooms,
bathrooms are shared and at a certain time the lights are
switched off....it is therefore necessary to be prepared mentally
to conditions that are far from those of daily life.
The manager of the Refuge has chosen this difficult profession
for the passion. Often he finds himself/herself doing a lot of
things in little time: from welcoming mountaineers and hikers
to the kitchen service and to the cleaning… the comprehension
and helpfulness of the clients in «giving a hand» are very well
accepted!
Before departing
I book a place at the Refuge
In the case of cancellation I quickly warn the manager
I take a sleeping bag and a torch
(blankets and a pillow are provided)
I look at the weather forecast
I get organized to arrive before 6 pm.
At the Refuges
On arrival I introduce myself to the manager
I am on time for meals
I don't go up to the rooms with my boots on
I respect other guests who are resting
I fold the blankets before leaving
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From the Refuge, the path rises among rocky ramparts, smoothed by ancient glaciers,
behind which the extended upper Sella Lake hides. A mule track that is still perfectly
in use today – the King did not walk to the hunting property: he went on horseback
– leads to the panoramic Valmiana Pass.
With a long descent you reach the nineteenth century mansion, built at Piano del
Valasco by Victor Emanuel II.
1050 m; 1150 m; 6.30 h; Level of difficulty: easy
Valasco Refuge, royal hunting lodge
F. Remondino Refuge
Leaving the great pasture plain of Valasco behind, the path climbs among the
centuries-old larch trees along the hairpin bends of the Val Morta. You go along a
spectacular paved military road which through the small pass of Valasco, reaches
the plateau of the Fremamorta Lakes. After skirting the lower and middle lakes in
the direction of the Fremamorta Pass, a long descent leads to the Piano della Casa
del Re. From here you go back up to Remondino, a point where one of the most
spectacular views of the Marittime Alps opens out.
1400 m; 700 m; 7 h; Level of difficulty: easy
Franco Remondino Refuge Genova Refuge
From the Refuge, a real eagle's nest at the foot of the Peak of Argentera, you climb
up through the 3000 metres of the massif and cross the Brocan Pass, which faces
the upper Vallone della Rovina. The descent, rather demanding as it does not follow
the path, as part of the ascent, passes quickly with the wonderful view from the
Agnel Peak to the lakes of Brocan and Chiotas, as far as the plain.
450 m; 800 m; 3.30 h; Level of difficulty: expert hikers.
Genova Refuge Ellena-Soria Refuge
Ellena-Soria Refuge Federici Marchesini al Pagarì Refuge
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ST. DALMAS-DE-TENDE
21
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D. L. Bianco Refuge Valasco Refuge, royal hunting lodge
After skirting the bank of Lake Chiotas, you climb up to a shady valley, the unique
reign of ibex and chamois, which leads to the Finestrelle Pass.
There the Gelas Group appears in all its grandeur, with its glaciers that reflect in
the still waters of a little lake. The impressive mass of Gelas is the background of
the entire descent.
450 m; 700 m; 4 h; Level of difficulty: easy
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46 (8)
300 m; 1.15 hours; dirt track (T) practicable also by mountain bike (BC)
CAI Ceva Section, Massimo Gemma
1/06 – 30/09
regional
+39 0171 959605; +39 347 2725194
[email protected]
Mount Malinvern 2939 m, Paur Lake 2357 m, Orgials Pass 2600 m
Lac Long
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14
100 m; 20 mins; path (E)
ANA Genova section, voluntary partners
summer
regional
+39 0171 97559; +39 010 587236
[email protected] - www.alpinigenova.org
Ghiliè Peak 2998 m, Mercantour Peak 2775 m, Fremamorta Peak 2731 m
If your looking for a corner of wild nature that is easy to reach, the deep Rio Freddo
Valley, home to the Malinvern Refuge is the place for you. A walk alongside the
river, always full of water, as well as a short walk in the shade of the majestic conifers
and in the sun of the grasslands around are not to be missed. The fascinating
landscape and the impressive northern side of the Malinvern dominate the scene,
where the snows stay until late summer.
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Rovina Lake 1535 m
50 (10)
500 m; 1.45 hours; 1) mule track and trail (E); 2) path and trail (E)
CAI Ligurian Section, Dario Giorsetti
15/6 – 15/9; other periods on booking
regional and vegetarian dishes
+39 0171 978138; +39 340 4614189
[email protected] - www.rifugiogenova.it
South Peak of Argentera 3297 m, Brocan Peak 3054 m, Càire dell’Agnel 2935 m
Leaning against the mountain to defend itself from the great avalanche that comes
down in the spring from the deep valley of Balma Ghiliè, is, without a doubt, the
easiest Refuge to reach inside the Park. In the early morning it is often surrounded
by chamois. The building, simple and essential, is managed with passion and cheerfulness
by the voluntary partners of the National Alpine Troops Association in Genova.
R
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+
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The Genova Refuge stands at the foot of the eastern side of the massif of Argentera
and is surrounded by the blue waters of the Brocan and Chiotas lakes. The latter,
an artificial basin is fed by one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Europe.
The wonderful environment, the frequent sightings of chamois and ibex, the opportunity
to observe the saxifrage of Argentera – the most precious botanical endemism of
the Park – are all elements of irresistible attraction, especially for families.
+
Mont Sainte-Marie
L. du
Basto
«Long live the Queen»: is the historical white writing in block letters which you cannot
help but read on the wall of the house in Sant'Anna from where the Via dei Re starts,
trekking along the tracks of the hunting Kings of the House of Savoy. The royals passed
exactly here when they were departing for adventurous chamois beatings or simply
for walks: Queen Elena passed in front of the writing dedicated to her when she went
to fish trout in the lower Sella Lake, on whose banks stands the Livio Bianco Refuge.
The path, at the beginning quite steep, then becomes more gentle and panoramic:
it crosses a basin of ample grasslands where it is also easy to spot herds and chamois,
sheep and horses and then it goes out onto the banks of the lake, near the Refuge.
950 m; 3 h; Level of difficulty: easy
The mule track climes among pastures and rocks towards the border of the northern
glacier of Gelas, reaching the Pera de Fener, a historical hunting property of the
King. A slight track, often covered in snow well into the season, crosses the moraine;
then follows a ledge, equipped with a metal cable to be able to reach the Ghiacciai
Pass. From the Agnel lakes below, you continue along a route that requires a bit
of attention towards Pagarì. Very close to the Refuge is a botanic garden which
holds the most precious endemisms of the Marittime Alps.
1200 m; 400 m; 6 h; Level of difficulty: expert hikers
Federici Marchesini al Pagarì Refuge San Giacomo di Entracque
15
2.30
Va
la
ue
s
Rif
.Q
15
1.
3.30
sc
ta
1.30
1.
45
Baisse du Basto
Tête de Cinant
+
2
2.30
2
Co
lle
tto
2.30
2
1.
18 1903
REF. DE VALMASQUE
L. Noir
REF. DE CESSOLE
2
Va
lsc
ur
a
rn
nv
e
ali
2
1.45
19 2232
+
Mont Ponset
VA
20
2221
VA
3.45
5
B
de assa
lD
ru
os
5.15
1
1.
1839 m
Laghi di
L. Gelato
Pas du Mont Colomb
BELVEDERE
2
11
L. Balaur
L. de Fenestre
NICE
1.30
Rocce dell’Asino
+
2310
L. dell’Agnel
)(
+
M. Clapier
3045
Berthemont-les-Bains
45
Malinvern - City of Ceva
Fenestre
Cime de Montjoia
+
1.
1834 m
(
D U
Mont Lapassé
+
SAINT-MARTIN-VÉSUBIE
30
7
2819
960
Le Caïre Gros
+
L.dell'Oro
Rocca dell’Abisso
+
2755
L. del Vei del Bouc
Punta della Siula
+ 2672
+
Mont Néglier
Cime de La Palu
+
+
Le Conquet
M. del Frisson
+
2637
2610
Peirafica
Colle del Vei del Bouc
+
Cima del Sabbione
Cima dell’Agnel
2710
L.
della
Vacca
2328
L. della Maura BIV. MONCALIERI
+
L. Bianco 2775
Col du Sabion
2645
2650 1
+
RIF. FEDERICI MARCHESINI
Cima della
Scandeiera
Passo del Pagarì
3143 +
tre
+
Cime de Colmiane
2.15
ed
ella
e tt a
e d e ll a
Va ll
on
I O
N A
L
e
Passo della
Mena
Laghi
2201
del Frisson
Gias della
Culatta
(
2471 ) Col de
REF. DE LA MADONE
DE FENETRE
P
Va onte
gli
ot
ta
Sant’Anna di Valdieri 1011 m
48 (14)
900 m; 3 hours; mule track (E)
CAI Cuneo Section, Livio Bertaina
15/6 - 15/9; at weekends from march to november on booking
regional
+39 0171 97328; +39 335 5461677
[email protected] - www.rifugioliviobianco.it
Mount Matto 3097 m, Rocca di Valmiana 3006 m, Rocca della Paur 2972 m
2807
+
M. Carboné
L. Bianco
17
Pas des )
Ladres
Fenes
e de
don
Ma
M. Crèusa
+ 2384
M. Ciotto Mien
+
2378
C. Gelàs
Cime de Piagu
+
T
1.
Regina Elena
Cima Cougourda
2921 +
+
M. Colombo
Cima Plisser
+
2318
d
1300
Gias Colomb
Gias Créusa
soprano
Gias V alera sott. 2261
es
Valdeblore
L. Carboné
L. della Roccia
Fontana
Gias d’Ischietto
L.della Valletta Piccola
1840
VA
Bo
V.
A
La Colmiane
1290
Punta Savina
+
2821
Gias della
Cuccetta
V.
Saint Dalmas
Gias del Rasur
L. della Siula
RIF. ELLENA SORIA
2
2090
Punta del Baus
+
2749
L. Vert
C
)(
NICE
V.ne
)(
R
30
2015 m
Cima dell’Agnel
2927 +
Le Boréon
ré
A
1213
L. Long
2
3
2015
s
2.
Genova-Figari
Colle di Brocan
)(
lè
Col Saint Martin
1500
Rif
.M
Terme di Valdieri 1368 m
40 (10)
1000 m; 3.15 hours; mule track and path (E)
CAI Cuneo Section, Andrea Cismondi
15/6 – 15/9; other periods by booking
regional and vegetarian dishes on request
+39 0171 97394; +39 347 0531456
[email protected] - www.parks.it/rif/morelli.buzzi
North Peak of Argentera 3286 m, Oriol Peak 2943 m, Mondini Peak 2915 m
3
RIF. GENOVA-FIGARI
) (Colle di Fenestrelle
L. Brocan
2463
M. Pelago
+
2768
V.n
San Giacomo di Entracque 1215 m
45 (8)
650 m; 2.30 hours; trail (T) practicable also by mountain bike (OC)
CAI Cuneo Section; Mary Bacani
15/6-15/9; weekends between 1/4-15/6 and 15/9-15/10; other periods on booking
regional and Filipino
+39 0171 978382; +39 340 2240558
[email protected] - www.rifugiosoriaellena.com
Mount Gelas 3143 m, Saint Robert Peak 2917 m, Agnel Peak 2927 m
VA
12
M. Garbella
2306+
Punta della Rua
+ 2779
V.n
G
)(
Sa
Mont Archas
+
1910 m
It is a quiet and romantic spot where the Refuge stands: sunk in a cushion of grass
dotted with larch trees and rhododendrons overlooking the flat expanse of the lower
Sella lake.
Queen Elena of Montenegro, wife of Victor Emanuel II, came right up to here to fish
trout but, it is said, above all to find tranquillity and be carefree. Since then the
atmosphere of the place has not changed.
Cima del Baus
+ 3067
+ Punta
Ciamberline
2792
REF. DE COUGOURDE
de
Baus de La Frema
+
You climb up to the Refuge on a mule track of the ancient royal hunting reserve that
lazily snakes among centuries old larch trees. Coming out of the wood, you come
across new sights every step you take: the romantic Lagarot di Lourousa, the steep
side of Corno Stella, the strange head of “Sigaro”. At the Refuge you will stand
open-mouthed in front of the thousand metres of vertiginous rocks of Mount Stella,
while towards the valley, framed by the profile of a typical glacial valley, Mount Matto
rises, the castle of the highest peaks, standing at three thousand metres.
L. del Chiotas
M. Caval
2393 +
N
Each stone of the itinerary towards Soria could tell a story about the pilgrims, Popes,
Kings, armies, smugglers and animals laden with salt and fabrics, that were busy
in crossing the Alps by the Finestra Pass. A much frequented route in the Middle
Ages to already offer hospice for the travellers. Whoever goes over these mounts
today finds a modern and particularly welcoming Refuge along the way.
RIF. REMONDINO
Cima di Mercantour
2775
+ )(
(
Colle Mercantour
)
Colle Ciriegia
L. Mercantour
2551
V.
M. Aiera +
2713
9 km
1379
Ponte del Suffiet
2430
4
A R
I T T
I M E
Reale Casa di Caccia
San Giacomo
14
Cima di
Brocan + 3054
Col de Salèse
1535
BIV. BAUS
2706
+
Cima di Pagarì
2031
L. della
Rovina
3297
L. di
Nasta
1834
M. Barra
+
2071
M
VERNANTE
Palanfré
one
10
Colle Chiapous
C.
Argentera
+
la Madre di Dio
+
2800
T. Tanasso
Colle della ) (
Garbella
bbi
l Sa
Dante Livio Bianco
5
l
de
na
Tetti Porcera
Punta Casasco
+
1941
de
2351 m
V
al
e
on
lla
vi
L P
I
Sant’Anna di Valdieri D. L. Bianco Refuge
+ Rocca d’Orel
2394
M. la Croce
+
1937
+ M. Pianard
2306
1096
ne
6
2351
) ( 2526
2453
A
Ro
13
Ponte delle
Rovine
i Doni
M. Bussaia
+ 2451
Trinità
1855
+
BIV. COSTI
RIF. MORELLI
6
Tetti Traversa
V.
Morelli-Buzzi
di
Caire dell’Uia
+
1459
Tetti d’Ambrin
ncolomb
Terme di Valdieri 1390 m
50 (4)
400 m; 1.15 hours; mule track (E) or practicable also by Mtb (OC)
private, Flavio Poggio
1/6 - 30/9; at weekends from march to november, other periods by booking
regional
+39 348 3230266; +39 011 19825118 (skype)
[email protected] - www.rifugiovalasco.it
Mount Matto 3097 m, Rocca di Valmiana 3006 m, Rocca della Paur
2972 m, South head of Bresses 2820 m, Mount Malinvern 2939 m
E
Esterate
Mo
Cima di + ) (
Fremamorta
2731
ne
BIV. VARRONE
RIF. REGINA
ELENA
Colle di
Fremamorta
2280
S. Rocco
Lago della
Piastra
VA
lo
Punta Stella
+
2567
2235
Piano
d. Casa
7
L
ENTRACQUE
S. Lucia
VA
1840 m
BIV.
2421 GUIGLIA
Laghi di
Fremamorta
L. Negre
al
RIF. BOZANO
Gias della Casa
Punta Giegn
+
2903
MOLLIERES
2970 +
Asta Soprana
S. Giovanni
M. Ray
+
2318
+
2548
Cima della
Vagliotta
Asta Sottana
2850 +
1506
893
e
2
) ( 2429
2830
Testa di Bresses
Testa delle Portette
+
+ 2821
2620 (
L. de Tavels
) Passo
del Prefouns
ISOLA
2000
BIV. GANDOLFO
sa
Colletto
di Valasco
2388
A
Gias
Vagliotta
A
Cima del Lausetto
+
2687
ou
8
R
1670
ur
Gias delle
Mosche
U
1847
V
Punta S. Giovanni
T
tta
Lo
Valscura
Tetti Gaina
CAP. BARBERO
1368
al a s co
e del V
V a ll o n
1764 9 RIF. del VALASCO
2325
+
Piano del Valasco
Bassa del
Druos Laghi di
de
Terme
di Valdieri
VA
Colletto
Valscura
o
T.
16
S. Giovanni
V a ll o n
+ 2939
L
L
G
E
T. Gesso della Barra
ne
V.
M. Malivern
s
es
lle
Va
lla
V
Palazzine
Reali
A
Tetti Niot
3097
Cima Centrale
L. Malinvern di Valrossa
+
2764
2797
+
Cima Valrossa Sud
Tetti Arpetta
.
11
P
Ellena-Soria
N
RIF. MALINVERN
1840
L. de Paur
)(
San Giacomo di Entracque 1215 m
18 (8)
1450 m; 5 hours; trail and mule track (E)
CAI Ligurian Section, Andrea “Aladar” Pittavino
15/6 – 15/9; other periods by booking
home cooking, vegetarian and for particular diets
+39 0171 978398; +39 380 7108075
[email protected] - www.rifugiopagari.com
Mount Clapier 3045 m, Maledia Peak 3061 m, Mount Gelas 3143 m
24 (15)
Punta Morionera
2059 +
M.+Matto
RIF. QUESTA
L. delle Portette
Gias delle Mosche 1591 m
900 m; 2.45 hours; path (E)
CAI Ligurian Section, Marco Quaglia
15/6 – 15/9; other periods by booking
home cooking
+39 0171 97351; +39 328 3567556
[email protected] - www.rifugiobozano.com
Corno Stella 3050 m, South Peak of Argentera 3297 m,
Catena delle Guide 2737 m
O
) (Valmiana
2922
Cima Valrossa
Nord
+
2909
Segnassa
S. Anna 15
di Valdieri
Rocca Arcoulon
2620 +
Colle di
1764 m
Valasco is an oasis of peace that like magic, opens out at the bottom of an impervious
deep valley, dug into the sharp sides of Mount Matto and the Rocca di San Giovanni.
It is the core of the Park and on this wide pasture plain, Victor Emanuel II had a
hunting lodge built in the mid-nineteenth century, a singular square “fort” with
battlemented towers. Today this historic building has been renovated and transformed
into a Refuge to offer everyone a stay “fit for a King”.
C
1910
L. del
In the Southern Alps, there is not one landscape that can be compared for majesty
and grandeur to the one of the western side of Argentera and Corno Stella that
towers over the Refuge.
The new Bozano, built near the old historic building in which the mountaineering
pioneers of the Marittime Alps stayed, was built on a ship shaped base in the middle
of great boulders that the architect interpreted as waves of a stormy sea.
Gias del
Prato
S
E
t
9
R
S
Ponte Rosso
+
Tetti Rim
M. Corno
848
1011
RIF. D.L. BIANCO
9 km
Rocca la Paur
+
2972
Tetti Luiset
The Alta via dei re (upper King's road) is the crossing of the
Marittime Alps Natural Park in seven stages, that touches
many of the not to be missed localities in the protected area:
the panoramic points, places with the richest wildlife and the
most beautiful lakes. Indeed, places “fit for a King”: places
in some manner, linked to the House of Savoy, who came
often to the Gesso Valley for nearly a century. Their presence
in the area is witnessed by a great heritage of buildings,
hunting lodges, monuments and above all, the dense network
of roads, mule tracks and pathways along which the Alta via
runs, relying on the refuges.
The itinerary, an alternative at altitude to the easier GTA
itinerary, in its complete version, has some stretches (Brocan
Pass, Passaggio dei Ghiacciai) of bumpy and exposed road,
therefore it needs to be faced with adequate preparation and
suitable equipment.
O
790
S.Bernardo
S.Lorenzo
etto
se
Valasco, royal hunting lodge
10
Lago Soprano
della Sella
VINADIO
ne D
esert
Tetti Babau
Valletta
Testa delle Novelle
+
2603
VALDIERI
us
2453 m
A
M. la Piastra
+
1832
Bo
5
Terme di Valdieri 1390 m
17 (10)
1000 m; 3.15 hours; trail and mule track (E), by the Valscura Lakes also by Mtb (OCA)
CAI Ligurian Section, Flavio Poggio
15/6 – 15/9
regional
+39 0171 97338; +39 347 7959051
[email protected] - www.rifugioquesta.it
Testa del Claus 2889 m, Tablasses Peak 2851 m, Testa del Malinvern 2939 m
Cagna
Lago Soprano Cima Gorgia
+
d. Valletta
2716
Lago Sottano
della Sella
Passo ) (
M. Merqua
2148
+
Colletto
Madonna
del Colletto
p
T.
Lorenzo Bozano
Last of the old style Refuges left in the Park, the Questa is particularly appreciated
by those who want to taste the mountains without too much comfort. Reached by
military mule tracks, authentic works of art by the military engineering, is found a
stones throw away from France and along the line of the historic “Alpine Wall”. From
the Refuge, overlooking the perfect blue circle of the Portette Lake, the panorama that
you take in is a summary of the Marittime Alps: your eyes embrace the massif of Matto
and Serra of Argentera, the bold Cresta Savoia and the green Pian del Valasco.
Ar
Tetti dei Fré
P
Visible from the start of the path, you get nearer to the Refuge step by step along
an intense and spectacular itinerary: high up some parts of the three thousand
metres of the south-western Alps stand out, among which, Argentera, the “roof”
of the Marittime Alps. From the Remondino refuge where nearby, ibex, chamois and
stoats can be frequently spotted, the eye is captured to the west by the rocky crag
that culminates in the peaks of Fremamorta, Bresses and Tablasses.
ll’
Borghignon
V a ll o
M. Bourel
+ 2468
M. Ventabren
)(
+
2611
Colle di
Marchiana BIV. GROPPO
2276
de
tto
de
lla
Gias Fontanile
Lago Sottano
Testa Rimà
+
2506
Testa del Claus + Claus
2889
Pagarì, with its 2650 metres in altitude and the 5 hour walk to reach it, offers the
hiker the pleasure and satisfaction of things hard-earned. Within its walls it is pleasant
to enjoy the atmosphere of the Refuge “d'antan” and the manager's welcome, who
will reveal every secret of these mountains. Among the many precious recommendations
is the one to suggest that you get up at dawn to catch the red reflection of the aurora
on the incredible wall of the Maledia, images that you will take back down to the
valley, captured by camera and indelibly printed in your memory.
l
1746
Colle
dell’Arpione
RISERVA NATURALE
JUNIPERUS PHOENICEA
S e r ra d el
Lau
se
Va
l
cio
)(
tta
le
re
Cima Cialancia
+
1885
il Chiot
+
1698
a
Sp
sta
V. G
ra n d e
C.
The Alta via dei Re
Marittime Alps Tour
CUNEO
Cima Pissousa
Cima Saben
1673
+
+ 1670
Tetti Baut
3 km
)(
6 km
Pinet
V. del Bousset
AISONE
2388 m
st
2650 m
8
VA
1
Emilio Questa
Gias Vei
+
2420
Pian della Casa 1760 m
46 (12)
700 m; 2 hours; path (E)
CAI Cuneo Section, Franca Torre
15/6 – 15/9; other periods on booking
regional
+39 0171 97327; +39 328 5440495
[email protected] - www.rifugioremondino.it
South Peak of Argentera 3297 m, Nasta Peak 3108 m, Paganini Peak 3051 m
Alpine refuges
Federici-Marchesini al Pagarì
2430 m
Co
An internet service is active in which you can book most
of the refuges in the Marittime Alps-Mercantour area. The
initiative has been promoted by the parks of the Marittime
Alps and Mercantour and by the Club sections of the
Alpine troop owners of the refuges, together with the
managers of the premises at altitude that are part of the
Eco-Tourism in Marittime association.
Online booking is a concrete action and support in
improving the process of the tourist offer that the two
protected area have undertaken according to indications
on the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
www.parcoalpimarittime.it/booking.php
4
V
Franco Remondino
)(
On-line refuge booking
The Alta Via dei Re
Variation of the Alta Via dei Re
State border
Boundary of the Park
Paved road
Dirt road
Path
Traces of the trail
Road closed to transit
Headquarters or Park visitor Centre
Shelter
Hut hiking
Bivouac
From this high altitude hut, you must leave early to enjoy the red dawn that reflects
on the vertiginous north-west wall of the Maledia Peak. Long bends make the
altitude lessen on the route of the ancient salt road “via del sale” designed in the
fifteenth century by the legendary merchant Paganino dal Pozzo. The long path leads
to San Giacomo, a locality in which a fine royal hunting lodge is found among
monumental beeches.
1450 m; 4 h; Level of difficulty: easy
Variant
Valasco Refuge, royal hunting lodge
Morelli-Buzzi Refuge
From the Refuge, the old military road that furrows through the vast plain of Valasco
goes towards the high peaks and granite slips and then goes down to the Spa in
Valdieri, with its large hotel and the Bela Rosïn chalet, that Victor Emanuel II had built,
it is murmured, to pass his nights of passion in peace. The ascent towards the Morelli
is a paved snake that winds through centuries-old larches: when the curtain of the
trees opens out, one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Marittime Alps: the north
wall of Corno Stella and the impressive ice slide of the Lourousa gully.
1000 m; 400 m; 4 h; Level of difficulty: easy
Morelli-Buzzi Refuge Genova Refuge
Around the Refuge the ground is disrupted by the rocks: enormous grey or reddish
blocks that the mule track passes leading to the Chiapous Pass. During the climb the
mass of Mount Stella overshadows, with its incredible one thousand metre height
difference. On the other side of the pass the descent, exposed to the south-east is
nearly “Mediterranean”, with the fragrance of thyme that spreads with each step and
beneath your boots is the enormous blue expanse of the artificial basin of Chiotas.
200 m; 550 m; 2.30 h; Level of difficulty: easy
Sant’Anna di Valdieri can be reached by bus from Cuneo (times: www.benese.it).
To go back to the departure point a bus shuttle service is available by calling.
Info: tel. +39 0171 978616; +39 0171 97397. www.altaviadeire.it