Summer/winter excursion proposal

Ideas for walks and day trips to discover the Stura Valley. Excursions can be made at ani time of the year, otherwise it is specified at the beginning of the sheet.
Many routes can also be made after snowfalls, as they do not have areas and/or passages with avalanche danger. In none of these itineraries is referenced as snow to ski mountaineering which has completely different dynamics and characteristics of routes. Children’s routes never have technical passages, difficult and exposed, they do not have a length of more than 8 kilometres and never exceed 400 metres of altitude difference. For these characteristics they therefore suit all children. (At the discretion of the parents, if the child is trained, he can do others as well).

 Excursion also suitable for children                            Possible excursion with snow 

 Excursion NOT suitable for childreN                          Excursion NOT possible with snow

 summer

 
Vignolo or Cervasca: Colletto Mount

Length: 7.6 km
Height difference: 480 m
Excursion type: Ring


GPS Traking

A ring path between chestnut groves and ancient hamlets that winds along easy attended dirt roads and on the paths of the first valley peaks directly overlooking the Cuneo plain. A perfect itinerary to take un half a day, to do perhaps in the company of your four-legged friend. Going up from Vignolo or Cervasca, we start on foot from the Aranzone hamlet. We follow a dirt road through chestnut woods to Pra d’Franca and Pertus of Colletto. From here on a path, sometime steep, we go up keeping the ridge up to Monte Colletto, a wonderful panoramic terrace. Then we go down towards Pra Gaudino and again on the path you return to Aranzone.


 

 
Borgo San Dalmazzo: Croce Mount and Saben Mount

Colla delle Piatre; length: 9.3 km
Difference in height: 400 m
Excursion type: round trip

Saben Mount: Length 11.6 km
Difference in height: 730 m
Excursion type: round trip

Croce Mount: length: 3.8 km
Difference in height: 180 m
Excursion type: ring

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A walk that develops entirely on the ridge between the Stura and Gesso Valleys in the middle of medium mountain woods with birches, ash trees and cherry trees, and then passes to beech forests and stretches of panoramic grasslands.
We start from Borgo San Dalmazzo by car and going up we reach a convenient parling under Monte Croce. The hike starts in the direction of “Colle del Firet”, we walk immediately on a dirt road and always continue on the ridge up to the “Colle della Croce”, alternating stretches of ascent to long stretches almost flat. Before the Colla of the Piastre, a panoramic terrace on the Stura Valley, the route becomes a path. From here we can go back. For those who want to continue the hike the steep climb of Saben Mount leads to discover a panorama that pays off for all the efforts, On the way back it is possible to follow Via of Meridiane and climb Monte Croce.


(Children only Monte Croce)

 


 

 
Rittana – Paraloup Hamlet: Rittana Alp and Beccas del Mezzodì

Rittana Alp: length 5.6 km
Difference of height: 450 m
Excursion type: ring

Beccas del Mezzodì: length: 8.5 km
Difference of height: 610 m
Excursion type: ring
 

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One of the most beautiful places in the lower Stura Valley. We start from the Paraloup hamlet and after a few minutes in the woods, we walk on a path among flowering meadows up to 1800 metres of the Rittana Alp. For those who want to continue, the hike proceeds on a downhill route towards the Roccasson Hill and then again uphill to the Beccas del Mezzodì, an iconic peak that divides the Stura Valley from the nearby Grana Valley.
From Paraloup we go up a steep dirt road, which in a few minutes becomes a path. Without the possibility of error, continue uphill until you reach the plateau of the Arpiola Cross. From here uphill again steep to the rounded top of the Rittana Alp. To continue we go down to the collar, go up again to where the path moves on the side of the Grana Valley. Here we keep the right and in short you reach the Beccas del Mezzodì.


 

 
Rittana o Valloriate: Tajarè Mount


Length: 5.8 km
Difference of height: 470 m
Excursion type: ring

Traccia GPS



“If you asked a child to draw a mountain, he would draw it like Tajarè Mount”: a sharp peak with the woods at the base and rocky at the tip. A mountain symbol of the lower valley, which although very pointed, is quite easy to reach. Starting from Chiotti di Valloriate, we take the path towards Cavagna and immediately turn left towards the top. Without the possibility of error, we get to the summit cross. From here we can return or continue to the “meadows of Napoleon” and close the ring returning to the side of the “Ubac”, on an ancient mule track among mixed woods.
The top of the Tajarè can also be reached from Paraloup, with a shorter itinerary than described.


 

 
Valloriate: The Monumental Chestnut


Length: 2.7 km
Difference of the height: 240 m
Excursion type: round trip

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If you want to discover the lower valley, once at least. You need to “get lost” in its chestnut woods. This is a walk suitable for everyone and has as its destination the spectacular Valloriate Monumental Chestnut.
From Valloriate we go up by car in the direction of the Chapel of Saint Bernardo (Nova hamlet, Trecatre, Bardenghi etc..); about 500 metres before the church, we take a dirt roade that without the possibility of error leads up to the Monumental Chestnut.
The destination can also be reached from above, further shortening the path, starting from Chiotti.


 

 
Gaiola: Giro dei Soffioni and the Bric Rora


Length: 6.2 km
Difference of height: 380 m
Excursion type: ring

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Perfect excursion for every season and suitable for everyone. We almost always walk on a comfortable dirt road that allows us to calmly gain altitude and with an increasingly beautiful panorama as we climb. We discover the curious “Soffioni” of Gaiola, karst cavities characterized by continuous hot air breaths, particularly visible in winter.
Starting on foot from the square at the beginning of Gaiola, we go up the village to the fountain. From here on a dirt road, we reach the ancient Chapel of Saint Bernardo where we begin to climb the sunny slope on wide traverses. Once at the top we go down for a while, and then we take a steep uphill path on the right that leads us to the largest “soffione”. When we return to the small road, we go down to the right passing through chestnut woods. The detour to the Vaita Cross is recommended.
It is advisable to have the map prepared by the local Association “Lou Viol” (you can find it on the departure board) in which all paths of Gaiola are marked in detail.


 

 
Moiola: Chapel of the Crowned and Chris Bangle’s “Big Bench”


Length: 5.1 km
Difference of height: 380 m,
Excursion type: partially ring
 

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An excursion which is also a historical journey: in fact, we follow the “Via d’la Maona”, in the past the pilgrimage route to the little church. The chestnuts undergrowth will accompany us for most of the itinerary.
Starting from Moiola, after a stretch of asphalt, we take the path “Via d’la Madona”. Once on a plateau, it is advisable to pass by Tetti Spa, continue towards the abandoned hamlet of Tetti Veglia and from here go up to the small church. The Chapel of the Crowned is located on a beautiful panoramic knoll which dominates the valley. The descent. To the west, passes at the now “Big Bench”, the Great Bench of Chris Bangle in Moiola, and then returns to the “Via d’la Madona”, then to Moiola.


 

 
Demonte – Sant’Anna of Rialpo and Monte Croce dell’Ubacco


Length: 10.0 km 
Difference of height: 750 m
Excursion type: round trip

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The ancient climb to the “Colle del Bal” was used in the past to reach friends and family of neighbouring countries and here stop to celebrate the meeting. The route, all on the path, leads to discover the passage of the “Colle Donnarena”, the place where it is said that “Dona Rejna”, who is the Queen Giovanna d’Angiò, used to retreat during her (possible) stay in Stura Valley.
Starting from Sant’Anna of Rialpo in Demonte, near the commercial activity “I Lauri”, following the hiking signs, we climb on a path, at times quite steep, up to the “Colle del Bal”, a wide expanse of meadows surrounded by dense woods. From here we continue downhill to “Colle dei Colli” and “Colle Donnarenna”. A last stretch of ascent on a free slope allows us to conquer Monte Croce of Ubacco.


 

 
Demonte – Bergemolo: Cialanca Peak


Length: 10.1 km
Difference of height: 750 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Starting from the meadow basin of Bergemolo, where we can admire its centuries-old elm, we walk towards the Pra of Sala and “Colle dell’Arpione” and then face the last climb on the ridge to the top; all under the imposing rocky massif of Mount Bourel.
Starting on foot from the Withe Elm Hut, we almost immediately begin the climb on a dirt road to the “Pra of Sala” basin, from here we continue to climb and return to the woods, until we meet a path that climbs steeply, between the fir trees up to the “Colle dell’Arpione”, a panoramic window on the Gesso valley and the Maritime Alps Park. We continue to climb to east following the clear path to the top. An incredible view surrounds you. In front of you the Cuneo plain, the Monviso, the upper Stura Valley and all the Maritime Alps Peaks.


 

 
Demonte – San Giacomo: R. Bernadi Bivouac and Bram Mount
 


Length: 16.2 km
Difference of height: 1160 m
Excursion type: round trip

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The famous “cumba”, a paradise for winter ski mountaineering, turns in summer into a valley with flowery slopes kissed by the sun. An itinerary that leads to the recent Bernardi Bivouac as well as mirroring itself on the Bram small lake. The ridge path is part of the long ring ride, the “Curnis Auta” that surrounds the Grana Valley.
Leaving the car at the end of the asphalt after Saint Giacomo of Demonte, we star by calmly climbing on a dirt road. After the Giad Bourel, at the hairpin bend we hold the right, and continue until you find the path that steeply climbs up to the lake. It is advisable to cross the lake, climb up to Grum Mount and from here on the ridge “go back” to Bram Mount, you will dominate the Stura Valley and the nearby Grana Valley- The route continues to the collar and then back to the lake and the return.


 

 

Length: 8.2 km
Difference of height: 200 m
Excursion type: round trip or Ring (with shuttle)

Length: 13.4 km
Difference of height: 850 m
Excursion type: ring

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The name is a proof of that. If you are looking for a path suitable for everyone, surrounded by beautiful high mountain blooms, you must try this route. You can discover the first part and then go back or go down to the Carbonetto Hut (you must organize yourself with cars, but it is worth it), or complete it with a ring ride around Omo Mount and Salè Mount.
Going up from Demonte in the “Vallone dell’Arma”, we leave the car at Valcavera Hill and take the path which hillside starts in the direction of Omo Mount (opposite to Gardetta) and with slight ups and downs cuts the grassy slopes of the valley. From here we can return or arrive in the Serour Valley, from which we can get off towards the pasture, and then to the Carbonetto Hut (from here you recover your car at the hill with a shuttle). For the most trained hikers, in the Serour Valley you can continue towards the “Colle Moura delle Vinche”, from which you descend into the “Vallone degli Spagnoli” until you meet the dirt road that uphill leads to the “Colle della Bandia” and Valcavera Hills.



 

 

 
Demonte: Black Beak and Meja Lake


Length: 8.9 km
Difference of height: 390 m
Excursion type: ring

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A very simple ring that develops in a unique environment, always over 2300 metres above altitude. The magnificent “Rocca la Meja”, the “Stone Queen”, seen from the Black Beak, is worth the day alone.
A ring suitable for everyone, almost entirely on high-altitude dirt roads. With the only ascent on the path to the Black Beak, rather easy. From Valcavera Hill we walk towards the Bandia and immediately before we go up towards the “Colle di Ancoccia”; from here on a path towards the Black Beak and then descend to the lake (pink notches on the rocks). We Continue downhill towards the Margherina Hill, where we meet again the main road again and return to the Bandia.


 

 
Aisone: Aisone and Pirone Caves


Length: 6.6 km
Difference of height: 580 m
Excursion type: ring or round trip

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A route entirely on the side in the sun, therefore perfect in spring and autumn. A journey to discover ancient hamlets, straw roofs and the “Neolithic” caves of Aisone.
From Aisone we cross the village and go up on the road towards the Pirone hamlet. From here always straight on a path to Castellar delle Vigne, where the grapevine was once cultivated, to continue on a downhill path, particularly steep, and discover the ancient house with the straw rye roof. Leaving the valley, take the path on the left (pole) to walk entirely along the path of the Aisone Caves. This can be in round trip by taking it halfway up the climb to Pirone.


 

 
Vinadio: Neghino Fort

 

Length: 6.1 km
Difference of height: 360 m
Excursion type: Ring or round trip
 

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An easy path suitable for everyone that follows a perfectly preserved military road up to the plateau of Neghino Fort; one of the few elliptical plans that offers a unique view of the valley. The excursion can be tackled in a ring or round trip (simpler). We start from Vinadio and, passing through the Neraissa gate, go up to the valley of the same name. From the Church “Madonna del Vallone” we go up the path, quite steep but shirt, until we intersect the easy path that in a shirt way leads to the fort. It is recommended to look out over the floor behind the fort to see Vinadio from above and the Sant’Anna of Vinadio Valley right in front. The descent develops on the military access road (which is done uphill and downhill if you want to make the round trip).


 

 
Vinadio: Nebius Mount

Length: 9.8 km
Difference of height: 1100 m
Excursion type: round trip
 

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Long and steep climb, but the Valley of Neraissa from which we start and the beauty of this symbolic mountain pay off widely for all efforts.
Leave the car at the Neraissa greater hamlet and continue on foot on a path in the valley, towards “Colle Moura delle Vinche”. The climb is immediately challenging and passes alongside the “ciuciu”, characteristic rocky conglomerates created by the erosion of glacial deposits. Once at the hill we must go to the left, where on grassy slopes we reach the spectacular rounded top and the summit cross.


 

 
Vinadio - Sant’Anna di Vinadio: Tour of the lakes


Length: 10.1 km
Difference of height: 750 m
Excursion type: ring

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A classic ring of the Stura Valley, but so beautiful that is redone every year. We star from the “Sant’Anna di Vinadio” Sanctuary and between narrow streets and paths we fallow a ring path that touches hill and mountain lake.
Trartinig from the Sanctuary, we go up to “Colle di Sant’Anna” lake on a wide street, from here to the first pass and to the “Colle di Lausfer” to pass through France. We cross the lake and o up. At the “Col de Saboulè” we turn right for the Tesina Pass, from which we descend toe Sant’Anna Lake and return to the Sanctuary. The round can be tackled in both directions.


 

 
Vinadio: Malinvern lake and Valscura Collar

To the Refuge:
Length: 7.2 km
Difference of height: 330 m
Excursion type: round trip

To Malinvern lake:
Length: 12.0 km
Difference of height: 700 m
Excursion type: round trip

To Valscura Collar:
Length: 16.0 km
Difference of height: 1200 m
Excursion type: round trip

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In the Rio Freddo Valley, the imposing rocky massif Malinver Mount, which accompanies us for the entire climb. The dirt toad is easy for the Malinvern Refuge, from which the path begins, sometimes steep, to Malinvern Lake. For those who want to continue, going up to the Valscura Collar you get to overlook the nearby Gesso Valley and the Maritime Alps Park.
From the paved parking lot, we go up on a dirt road, always straight up to the refuge. From here we continue following the hiking signs. The rout is quite long but can be shortened by stopping at the refuge and from the refuge itself. Many other possibilities open for numerous excursions.


 

 
Vinadio - Vinadio Baths: VacciaMount


Length: 10.9 km
Difference of height: 1050 m
Excursion type: round trip

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While facing the climb, hard, steep and full of hairpin bends that allow us to gain altitude quickly, you can’t imagine that everything changes up there! In fact, we arrive on a wide prairie side that with gentle slopes leads to the summit. The view ranges at 360 degreed on the valley and its side valleys.
From Vinadio Baths we drive up to Besmorello to the parking lot after the bridge, the starting point of numerous excursions. We start towards the “Luca” Hamlet and immediately after we begin to climb decisively. Without the possibility of error and accompanied by an increasingly beautiful view of the Ischiator Valley, we arrive in front of the “Ricovero del M. Vaccia”, a 19th century military structure that starts the last stretch of climb on a wide expanse meadow with moderate slope. Once at the top we can see a view of the "Colle della Maddalena” and the French Alps.


 

 
Vinadio – Vinadio Baths: Migliorero Lake and Refuge

Length: 9.7 km
Difference of height: 580 m
Excursion type: round trip

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If we were to find a “super classic” of the valley, it would be this! A regular climb to the large basin that leads, almost flat, to the refuge and its lake surrounded by some of the most beautiful peaks of the valley.
We start from the parking lot after Besmorello (Vinadio Baths) and climb without the possibility of error on a dirt road (and path in the last stretch) to the destination. Uphill and downhill we can use the many possibilities of shortcuts on the path, shorter but steeper than the road.


 

 
Vinadio: Becco Alto d’Ischiator

Length: 15.0 km
Difference of height: 1430 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Actually, this is the continuation of the previous excursion but given its importance it deserves a card on its own. Traveling through the Stura Valley to Vinadio you will always see, there at the bottom, the sharp top of this mountain.
The climb is very long ad it provides for a long approach phase passing through the Migliorero Refuge, from where the real difference in height begins. The climb, although steep, is never too difficult and does not include climbing passages. The summit reaches 3000 metres and offers a unique view that on lucky days allows you to see the whole valley up to the plain.


 

 
Vinadio – Vinadio Baths: Saint Bernolfo, Laus, Collalunga and Autaret

Length (round trip): 18.1 km
Difference of height; 1330 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Length (ring); 21.0 km
Difference of height: 1650 m
Excursion type: ring

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If you want to see one of the most spectacular military roads in the entire Alpine arc you must try this excursion! Alpine lakes, unspoiled nature, fortified works and a unique panorama of the Maritime and Cottian Alps.
It starts from the parking lot of Saint Bernolfo (Vinadio Baths) immediately taking the military road to Laus Lake; without the possibility of error, we continue on the road going to male dozens of hairpin bends that allow us to gain altitude with excellent slopes. Once at the upper lakes we can continue to the hill and the top of the Autaret.
The descent can be on the same route or, for those who want, we can continue towards “Colle di Secchia”, Saint Bernolfo Peak to go down on a path in a hidden and wild valley.

(Children, but only at Laus Lake)

 


 

 
Sambuco: Bersaio Mount

 

Length (round trip): 14.6 km
Difference of height: 1300 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Length (ring): 19.1 km
Difference of height: 1600 m
Excursion type: ring

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What is the natural symbol of the Stura Valley? Many will answer “Bersaio Mount”. A spectacular mountain! Rocky and impervious the slope on Sambuco, grassy and sweet on the opposite side. To reach its summit, we follow the Madonna Valley, to “get around” the mountain and get there from the north; once up there, it feels like you are flying!
We start from Sambuco and climb almost immediately on the path, flanking the stream and its gorges. Once at the Gias, we cross the river and continue towards west, pointing at the hill and crossing the grassy slopes. Once at the hill we drift towards south to the top. For the return we can return on the ascent route or go down to the west, looking for the road that winds lower. A little further on starts a downhill path that connects to an important dirt road. From here you arrive in Moriglione and return to Sambuco.


 

 

 
Pontebernardo – Murenz village: The Red Beaks

Length; 9.1 km
Difference of height: 800 m
Excursion type: round trip

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More than a hike in the mountain! A real leap into the history. Along the entire climb we can see fortified works built between 1700 and the beginning of the 1900s everywhere. The Red Beak is a “rocky beak” entirely excavated to house a military fortification that offers a unique view of the upper valley and the Ferrere Valley.
We start on foot from the beautiful Murenz hamlet. We immediately climb with good but constant slopes and with a few flat sections, always on a wide path. Overcoming the different concrete works, silent witnesses of a difficult past, we reach the hill and finally the Red Beak.


 

 

 
Pontebernardo – Sambuco: The Ecomuseum of Pastoralism paths

Pontebernardo – Castello: h 0.50: total difference of height: 325 m.
Pontebernardo – Pietraporzio: h 1.00; total difference of height: 412 m.
Pontebernardo – Moraglione San Lorenzo: h 2.00; total difference of height: 575 m.
Pontebernardo – Sanbuco: h 3.15; total difference of height: 827 m.
 


The Stura Valley has obvious differences between the two sides. The orographic right, exposed at midnight, the “Ubac” in Occitan, has slopes covered with dense fir and larch trees and is furrowed by deep valleys rich in water. The left side, the “adrech”, the sunny place is the kingdom of the scots pine and aromatic herbs that adapt to a drier soil. The paths develop on this side and run, halfway up the slope, the stretch between the Barricades gorge, a natural rock barrier overlooking Pontebernardo and the “Dolomite” walls of Roùcha Biancha (Bersaio Mount), whoch rise above Sambuco.
Skirting fields (formerly cultivated with rye, potatoes and lentils and now used for hay harvest or sheep gazing) and passing in the shade of evergreen scots pine we touch delicious hamlets, we can observe the high pastures where the flocks spend the summer and admire the imposing peaks of this corner of the Alps.


 

 
Pontebernardo – Ferriere: The Smuggler’s Ecomuseum Paths

Pontebernardo – Ferriere: h. 3.30; toatl difference of height: 1045 metres


The Ecomuseum of Pastoralism offer the paths on the tracks of shepherds, farmers and smugglers to admire suggestive landscapes and discover the signs left by man on the terrotory. The path from Pontebernardo to Ferriere develops between the districts of Pietraporzio and Argentera. The departure is the town of Pontebernardo; following the ancient mule track that climbs the steep slope, we cross the Murenz hamlet, the locality “Lou Quioùot de la Loubìera” and some fortified cave works of the 1940s.
Crossing the valleys where the signs of pastoralism are visible, we go down to Rio Forneris and after a short climb we intercept the mule track for the “Colle del Ferro”, following which we reach the Ferriere hamlet, which houses the “Mizuon from the Countrabandìer”.
Along the way there is the entrenchment of the Loubiera; with the baginning of the 18th century one of the most important defence line of the Stura Valley becomes the natural barrier of the Barricades. In 1742, in anticipation of the descent into the valley of the Gaul-Hispanic army troop, the defence line is strengthened with a long dry-stone entrenchment, on the plateau of Lubiera and Murenz, still visible today.


 

 
Argentera – Ferrere Hamlet: Colle del Ferro and Vens lakes

Length: 15.3 km
Difference of height: 1100 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Another of the “must” excursions of the Stura Valley that encroaches on French. A long Alpine valley, a natural arch and lakes among the most beautiful in the Maritime Alps.
Starting from the charming Ferrere hamlet, we face the climb along the Forneris Valley, towards “Colle del Ferro”. Once at the hill, we begin the descent in France passing next to the “Arc the Tortisse”, a spectacular formation in the shape of a natural arch created by erosion, and then we descend on the Vens Lakes, which suddenly appear with their incredible blue colour


 

 
Argentera – Ferrere Hamlet: Colle del Puriac and Enchastraya Mount

Length: 14.7 km
Difference of height: 1100 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Another wonderful excursion starting from Ferrere. The mountain “drawn” by sandy rock layers accompanies us along the entire path and is conquered with a demanding climb. The summit is a long ridge, at most 3-4 metres wide overlooking all the western Alps.
We can start from Ferrere on a path or from above the village on a dirt road. Once on the Gias we continue with greater slopes to the “Bassa di Colomart” and in short to the “Colle del Puriac”, an area rich in fossil.
From here begins the most challenging part with the climb to the top in a rocky and wild enviroment.

(children up to “Colle del Puriac”)


 

 

 
Argentera or from the Colle della Maddalena: Roburent Lakes

Length (Colle della Maddalena): 12.0 km
Difference of height; 600 m
Excursion type: round trip

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Length (Argentera): 13.0 km
Difference of height: 930 m
Excursion type: round trip

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The cover photo oh rh Valley is certainly that of the Roburent Superior Lake seen from the homonymous hill! Two possible climbs, both on the path, to discover a rocky environment that is mirrored inside bright blue lakes. We can start from the “Colle della Maddalena” towards the Oronaye Valley (simpler) or from the concentric Argentera and arrive on the other side, first discovering the two lower lakes (more challenging).