A woodland itinerary on the slopes of Bric Castello di Corio leads to the discovery of the slate quarries where flat stone slabs were extracted for use on roofs, steps, and balconies. These are important sites in local history, particularly from the second half of the 19th century to the…
A stunning traverse from the Cibrario Refuge that crosses three high-altitude passes, two of them above 3,000 metres: the Colle Sulè, the Autaret, and the Spiol. The first part of the route follows the Tour della Bessanese, with breathtaking views of the imposing and severe surrounding peaks, before descending towards…
A splendid traverse linking the Gura and Sea side valleys via the formidable Passo delle Lose. The itinerary crosses very wild terrain where strong navigation skills and proper equipment are essential, and it should only be attempted in settled weather. A spectacular route, technically and physically demanding, even if the…
EscursionAble (pronounced es-cur-si-on-abl) is a play on words combining the Italian escursionismo (hiking) with the French adjective able, meaning "capable": a name that reflects the aim of creating an itinerary accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Developed as part of a wider initiative to promote accessibility and inclusivity in…
The approach itinerary to Gastaldi Refuge (2,658 m), named after the geologist Bartolomeo Gastaldi, co-founder of the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano, the Italian Alpine Club), set in the glacial hollow of Crot del Ciaussinè at the foot of the majestic Bessanese.
A charming route maintained by CAI Lanzo that traverses diverse landscapes, including woodland, meadows, and clearings, along the Stura di Valgrande river and crossing it multiple times, leading to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Loreto. The valley's head is particularly breathtaking, featuring a striking wall of peaks above the…
The Cibrario Refuge is a historic building that has been extended several times over the years. It sits on the beautiful Pian Sabiunin plateau, at the foot of towering peaks that rise well above 3,000 metres. A key stopping point on the Tour della Bessanese and for the ascent of…
A simple nature and religious trail that features ten pillars commemorating the main apparitions of the Madonna worldwide, recognised by the Catholic Church. The route ends at the Sanctuary of Marsaglia, located in the Tesso Valley, and traverses through dense woods on dirt and old mule tracks, restored by volunteers.…
An easy, panoramic, and unsurprisingly popular MTB itinerary that runs entirely on road, first tarmacked and then on dirt. The destinations are the small Monastero Lake, nestled in a green hollow at the foot of Punta Gias Vej, and the nearby Alpe di Coassolo. Those who wish can add a…
The Ovarda lakes sit on broad natural terraces at the head of the valley of the same name, a tributary of the Viù Valley. Three of them (Piccolo, Bleu, and Grande) are relatively easy to reach along a long, varied, and beautiful route that is not always entirely obvious. The…
The Daviso Refuge, set in a slightly off-centre position high in the Gura valley, offers breathtaking views over the upper Lanzo Grande Valley and, above all, the majestic wall of peaks that surrounds it. These imposing mountains rise well above 3,000 metres, and generations of "modern" mountaineers have cut their…
This summit is an increasingly popular winter destination, attracting both snowshoers and ski tourers (provided there is enough snow). It lies on the left-hand side of the Richiaglio side valley, a branch of the Viù Valley, and forms part of the Civrari massif, a group of peaks that also includes…
The Sanctuary of Santa Cristina is a small, ancient building perched like an eagle's nest on a rocky spur high above Ceres and Cantoira, accessible from both villages by several routes that are not too long but very steep. This page describes one of the most popular routes: the ascent…
A charming route through the lower valley that snakes between the Tesso and Malone valleys. Its name derives from the slate slabs used on roofs, steps, and balconies in many hamlets along the way, as well as from the scenic Pilone del Merlo. The trail follows a section of the…
At 3,676 metres, Uja (or Uia) di Ciamarella is the highest peak in the Lanzo Valleys. A magnificent mountain with complex terrain, it has a relatively accessible south-west face, a glacial north face overlooking the Sea valley, and an extremely steep south-east face plunging towards Pian della Mussa. The normal…