The Prefouns mountain group, located in the heart of the Maritime Alps, is characterized by medium-grained granite that gives rise to elegant rock formations, walls carved by evident cracks and ridges punctuated by pinnacles and squared blocks. Caire is a term used almost exclusively for place names in this area of the Alps and means exactly square-shaped peaks. While Prefouns indicates the deep valley enclosed between the high walls. And it is precisely on these walls that the Savoy Ridge runs – along the south-north direction. Opened in two stages in 1928, it takes its name from the Rulers of the time and the first ascensionists dedicated the five main peaks to the children of King Vittorio Emanuele III: Jolanda, Umberto, Mafalda, Giovanna and Maria.

The route, together with the Sigismondi Ridge on Argentera, is a classic of this type in the Maritime Alps: it offers fun and airy climbing up to grade IV, interspersed with a few short rappels. The traverse, combined with the final section leading to the summit of Caire di Prefouns, results in a beautiful and long alpine ride that has nothing to envy to some more renowned and consequently crowded ascents.

Program

DAY 1

Meeting in the early afternoon at the Cuneo Guide Office or directly at the Terme di Valdieri hamlet. Check of necessary equipment and ascent along the historic former military road, first encountering Rifugio Valasco (1814) and finally Rifugio Questa 2388m. Dinner and overnight stay. Alternatively, the ascent can be done in a single day: go up beyond Rifugio Valasco with an electric bike (30') and with a short 1h walk reach the base of the ridge.

DAY 2

From the refuge, along a series of scree slopes, you reach in about 1h the evident notch that marks the start of the Savoy Ridge. The route is a magnificent ride on the granite typical of the Maritime Alps over the Punte Jolanda, Umberto, Mafalda, Giovanna, Maria (dedicated to the children of Vittorio Emanuele III). At the end of the first part of the ridge, it is possible to extend the route along the North ridge of Caire di Prefouns 2840m. Descent on foot and return to Terme di Valdieri via the ascent route.

Necessary materials

• Mountaineering equipment
  • mountain boots
  • harness
  • helmet
  • crampons and ice axe depending on the season.

  Mountain clothing

  • mountaineering trousers
  • Gore-Tex jacket or similar
  • fleece or technical sweatshirt
  • gloves, hat
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • personal care products for the night at the refuge

Rates per person for private/pre-formed groups

Tariffe a persona per gruppi privati/precostituiti:

• 450€ - 1 persona
• 250€ - 2 persone