TREKKING - Monviso Tour

Four days of trekking around the majestic Monviso, the legendary “King of Stone” that dominates the Cottian Alps and guards the source of the Po River. A journey through Italy and France along one of the most iconic hiking circuits in the Alps, surrounded by wild and spectacular mountain landscapes.

Your guide and hiking leader, Barbara Campanini, will accompany you along this challenging yet incredibly rewarding route. The experience is enriched by moments of connection with nature and self-awareness led by Leslye Pario, nutrition biologist and expert in yoga and mindfulness practices.

We will hike beneath towering rock faces, alongside emerald-colored alpine lakes, through ancient Swiss stone pine forests, and across breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. The itinerary also includes crossing the famous Buco di Viso, considered the first alpine tunnel in history, a remarkable place that still evokes the spirit of the great mountain adventures of the past.

• PROGRAM

  DAY 1 – From Castello di Pontechianale to Rifugio Viso

  Meeting and departure at 9:00 AM from Castello di Pontechianale. The trail climbs through the Vallanta Valley beneath the imposing western face of Monviso. The route begins on gentle gradients, following the stream up to Rifugio Vallanta. From here, the ascent becomes steeper towards Colle Vallanta, where the trail crosses into France. After a short but steep descent, we reach Rifugio Viso. Dinner and overnight stay. Distance: 12.6 km. Elevation Gain: +1,260 m. Elevation Loss: -390 m. Walking Time: 6–8 hours.

  DAY 2 – From Rifugio Viso to Rifugio Giacoletti

  From Rifugio Viso, the trail climbs through the upper Guil Valley towards the famous Buco di Viso, considered the first alpine tunnel in history. After crossing the tunnel and returning to Italy's Po Valley, a short descent leads to the renowned “Postman’s Trail.” Following this spectacular route, we reach the midpoint of the Couloir del Porco, where a steep ascent takes us to Rifugio Giacoletti, an outstanding panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Monviso massif. Dinner and overnight stay. Elevation Gain: +500 m. Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours.

  DAY 3 – From Rifugio Giacoletti to Rifugio Alpetto

  Today we descend alongside a series of beautiful alpine lakes until reaching Lago Chiaretto. From here, one final climb beneath the impressive northeast face of Monviso leads to Colle di Viso. Passing by the famous Rifugio Quintino Sella, we continue on to Rifugio Alpetto. Here, surrounded by silence and soft mountain light, we can truly experience the essence of the Alps. Located away from the classic Tour of Monviso route, this remote refuge offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, perhaps spotting ibex and other wildlife that usually remain hidden from human eyes. Elevation Gain: +400 m. Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours.

  DAY 4 – From Rifugio Alpetto to Castello di Pontechianale

  The final day begins with the descent back towards our starting point. The route crosses Passo Gallarino and Passo Schiaffredo, with a stop at the Bertoglio Bivouac along the way. By now we may be tired, but the beauty of the landscape will continue to accompany us until the very last step. Arrival in Pontechianale, followed by farewells and a final coffee—or perhaps a celebratory beer—together. Elevation Gain: +500 m. Elevation Loss: -1,120 m.

• WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • 3 nights' accommodation in mountain huts (shared dormitory rooms)
  • Half-board treatment (breakfast and dinner included)
  • Packed picnic lunches for Days 2, 3, and 4
  • Certified Environmental Hiking Guide
  • Yoga, relaxation, and mindfulness sessions
  • Travel insurance
• USEFUL INFORMATION

  The itinerary may vary in terms of timing, as the experience will be adapted to the pace of the group to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the trek. However, a good level of physical fitness and previous experience with multi-day mountain hiking are required. Participants should bring appropriate mountain trekking equipment, paying particular attention to keeping backpack weight to a minimum by choosing lightweight technical clothing and gear. Essential equipment includes: sleeping bag liner or lightweight sleeping bag (blankets are available in the mountain huts), lightweight towel, preferably microfiber, personal toiletries, and personal first-aid kit, including any necessary medications such as pain relievers, antihistamines, creams, or other items based on individual needs. A pre-departure meeting will be organized before the trip to review all important information, discuss equipment requirements, and answer any questions.