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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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.