From Chianale, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the route leads through the green Soustra Valley to the Passo de Losetta (2,872 m) pass. Here, you’ll be treated to views of the northwest face of Monte Viso and maybe even spot your first ibex. Then it’s down to the Rifugio Vallanta (2,450 m), for the first night. The next day takes in two passes and goes through France. Looking back at Monte Viso and the neighboring peak of Viso die Vallanta (3,781 m) is one of the visual highlights of this trek. This stage finishes at the Rifugio Granero (2,377 m) on the shores of the idyllic Lago Lungo Lake.

The ascent up to Col Manzol takes you along the Via Alpina through a high valley of glaciers with impressive views down into the dark waters of Lago Nero (black lake). The narrow descent from Col Manzol leads to Lago Piena Sia (2,555 m) and finally to the Rifugio Albergo Pian del Re (2,020 m) for the night. The next day takes you past two lakes through glacial moraine and up to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (2,640 m). This stage passes strikingly close to the steep, high slopes of the north face and then east face of Monte Viso. From the refuge hut it’s up to Viso Mozzo (3,019m) which you can often enjoy alone, with views over the Po Valley and beyond to the snow-capped 4,000ers of the Alps. In the evening, step outside the hut to experience the sea of tiny lights down in the Po Valley. 

Another two mountain passes on the next day – Galerino (2,727 m) and Chiaffreddo (2,764 m) – and down to Lago Bertin, and back to solitude. Along the way you’re treated to views way off to the south and the Argentera Massif. These are the final glaciated peaks before the Alps drop down into the Mediterranean. Carrying on through one of Europe’s biggest Arolla Pine forests, you’ll finally reach the Bagnour hut. The last day takes you down to Castello (1,603 m), along the Via Alpine and across the dam, following the right bank of the Torrente Varaita River to Chianale (1,797 m).

To complete the stages of this trek you need to be in good physical condition. Most of the stages are on good hiking trails and panoramic mountain paths, with some sections on rock, through meadows, and over broken glacial moraine. Being surefooted is therefore essential. Gear must be carried, so pack light but include essentials like rain protection, warm layers, sturdy ankle-high waterproof trekking boots, a hut bag and trekking poles. Clothing must provide effective and lasting protection from the strong sun, cold, wind and rain.