The High Gesso Valley Traverse is a 7-day high-altitude trek that winds through the highest peaks of the Gesso Valley, from the Crystalline Massif of Argentera, to Monte Matto to the majesty of Gelas, with the southernmost glacier of the Alps. You’ll stop at the wonderful refuges of the High Gesso Valley, renowned for their hospitality and cuisine.

It’s suitable for those who have a good base of training in mountain walking and you’ll be accompanied by a Mountain Leader.

Photo ©Nanni Villani.

Program

Early in the morning, the meeting point is in Sant'Anna di Valdieri with the Mountain Leader who will check your backpack before departure.

DAY ONE: SANT'ANNA DI VALDIERI – LIVIO BIANCO REFUGE

Our journey begins from the beautiful village of Sant'Anna di Valdieri, in the heart of the Gesso Valley. From here we take an easy but steep trail through the woods that step by step will allow us to reach beautiful grassy slopes where old dwellings stand, testimony to past eras when these pastures were used for livestock in summer. An old mule track will lead us to the refuge where we'll spend the night, the Dante Livio Bianco, overlooking the beautiful Sottano della Sella lake, much loved by Queen Elena, who enjoyed fishing in these waters. In fact, inside the refuge you can still see an oar from the royal boat. Dinner and overnight at Livio Bianco Refuge.

Elevation gain: 900m

DAY TWO: LIVIO BIANCO REFUGE – VALASCO REFUGE

Wake up at dawn, and after a hearty breakfast we set off toward the stunning summit of Monte Matto, 3087m, the symbolic mountain of the Gesso Valley. Leaving the refuge behind, our trail will allow us to skirt the enchanting Sottano della Sella lake and after passing an imposing rocky bastion, we'll find ourselves in front of another beautiful glacial lake, the Soprano della Sella lake, nestled among ancient glacial moraines and roche moutonnée. The lunar landscape, characterized by rocks and lakes, typical of high mountains, will give us a spectacular view of all the highest peaks of the Cuneo Alps and even the Monte Rosa massif. After passing this majestic body of water, the trail will take us to the Valmiana pass which will allow us to descend toward the Valasco plain where we'll spend the night in the charming Valasco Refuge, an ancient royal hunting lodge with a fairytale appearance, now a welcoming refuge.

Elevation gain: 1100m

DAY THREE: VALASCO REFUGE – REMONDINO REFUGE

A long but very beautiful stage thanks to the variety of environments crossed. From Valasco refuge we'll discover the beautiful Fremamorta lakes, glacial bodies of water, located on a rocky balcony where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the queen of the Maritime Alps, Argentera and Corno Stella from the distinctive Guiglia bivouac, an old bivouac, brightly colored that stands out among the gray peaks of the mountains.
We descend and then climb back up toward Remondino refuge, located at the center of an amphitheater of peaks that soar above 3000m. Here beyond the rocks we'll be surrounded by ibex and chamois and by that atmosphere that only the high mountains can give us. Overnight at Remondino refuge.

Elevation gain: 1500m

DAY FOUR: REMONDINO REFUGE – GENOVA FIGARI REFUGE

High mountains, high rocky walls, snowy basins and glacial lakes are the words that best describe this day.
From Remondino refuge through roche moutonnée, rocky channels, will lead us toward Nasta lake considered one of the highest altitude lakes in the Maritime Alps, which depending on the time of year can still be found completely frozen. Here, reaching the Brocan pass, we'll descend into the Rovine valley, to arrive at Genova refuge, located beside the majestic Chiotas dam. Overnight at Genova Figari refuge.

Elevation gain: 450m

DAY FIVE: GENOVA REFUGE – SORIA ELLENA REFUGE

Leaving behind the Chiotas dam, and especially the Argentera Massif, we discover a high mountain symbol of the Gesso Valley, Monte Gelas, considered the southernmost glacier of the Alps formed by numerous peaks that soar above 3000m. Here for a moment, before arriving at Ellena Soria refuge, located right under the mountain, we'll be pampered by a bit of greenery from the soft grassy slopes that usually host ibex and chamois and flowers of a thousand colors. Overnight at Ellena Soria refuge.

Elevation gain: 560m

DAY SIX: SORIA ELLENA REFUGE – PAGARI REFUGE

Thanks to a GlobalMountain Alpine Guide we'll tread on some snow of the ancient Gelas glacier among moraines, glacial lakes and expanses of debris we'll find ourselves in the heart of the southernmost glacier of the Alps. In fact, we'll follow the ancient trail that leads to the Passo dei Ghiacciai at 2777m and that will allow us to reach Pagarì refuge, a place rich in history and events that make it one of the most fascinating refuges in the Maritime Alps, as well as the highest brewery in Europe! Overnight at Pagarì refuge.

Elevation gain: 1300m

DAY SEVEN: PAGARÌ REFUGE – SAN GIACOMO DI ENTRAQUE

Last day of our journey, which we'll do mostly downhill. We retrace the old trail that was used since Roman times and perhaps even earlier, for trade with France and the coasts of Nice, through the Pagarì pass. Slowly we leave behind the harsh rocky environment of the high mountains, to return to the green of the meadows and larches that come to life around us until we reach the village of San Giacomo di Entraque where our itinerary will end.

Necessary materials

Sleeping bag liner, technical layered clothing (long or short thermal shirt, heavy long-sleeved shirt, down jacket, windproof and waterproof shell), possible change of clothes, headlamp, personal medicines or medications, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, light gloves, mountain boots, food (energy bars, gels, chocolate,...), bandages or compeed for possible foot blisters.

Rates per person for private/pre-formed groups