From the car park at the far end of Pian della Mussa (1,813 m, with a fountain on the left just past the memorial to the fallen), head towards the Città di Ciriè Refuge. Before the road steepens, turn left onto a track blocked by a chain.

After a short stretch towards the torrent, cross it on a footbridge and head towards Alpe di Rocca Venoni, set against an enormous rock outcrop. Before reaching it, continue along the path as it turns right, staying alongside the torrent.

After passing several tributaries, the path climbs steeply up the side of the Canale delle Capre (Goats’ Gully). The name is apt: this is an extremely steep natural staircase with a rocky surface that becomes very slippery when wet.

The route winds upward with numerous zigzags, gaining height rapidly. Much higher up, it turns left, passes beneath a rock overhang, then continues on a rising traverse, with steel cables in a couple of places (not normally needed, but potentially useful if the rock is wet).

You emerge suddenly onto the grassy, unexpected Pian dei Morti, with excellent views opening out over Pian della Mussa and the surrounding peaks.

At an erratic boulder (2,209 m), the path forks: leave the direct path to Pian Gias on the right (your return route on the second day) and continue left, first diagonally, then with steep, wide switchbacks. A couple of sections, while not particularly difficult, are fitted with handrails, making them straightforward even for less confident walkers.

The path cuts across the walls of Rocca Turo, climbs a small side valley, and emerges into the broad glacial hollow of Crot del Ciaussinè at the foot of the majestic Bessanese. In a few minutes, you reach the Gastaldi Refuge (2,658 m), named after the geologist Bartolomeo Gastaldi, co-founder of the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano, the Italian Alpine Club).