Varaita Valley Trekking – a journey into the lands of Italy’s Monviso
Hiking Collection by Marika Abbà
13
Tours
65:45 h
119 mi
28,950 ft
The Valle Varaita Trekking is a 12–stage route that takes you to both sides of the valley. Starting from Verzuolo, you walk along the south–facing slope until you reach Chianale fairytale village. You hike up and down the valley, passing through the charming hamlets of Bellino. On the descent, you leave the mountains behind as you visit the Valmala Sanctuary. You immerse yourself in the hills’ atmosphere until you reach Costigliole Saluzzo or Busca.
Small stone villages, lakes, picturesque chapels and panoramic views characterise this route. You hike under the attentive gaze of the King of Stone, Monviso mountain, the symbol of Cuneo region’s valleys and the landmark of those born and raised on its slopes.
The Varaita Valley interweaves history and tradition. In the 19th century, daring mountaineers set off from Pontechianale to attempt to conquer Monviso, 3,841 metres (12,601 ft) above sea level. Today, many mountaineers still climb from this side, retracing the pioneers' footsteps. The forest paths, on the other hand, saw many men, women and children leave over the centuries to seek their fortunes in France or on the plains. Unfortunately, the same paths were later the scene of bloody battles during the partisan struggles.
This valley is also rich in traditional events that have been repeated every year for centuries: Alpine carnivals and rituals bid goodbye to winter and welcome spring. Occitan music is the backdrop for moments of sharing and increases the inhabitants' sense of belonging to the community. The tradition in these places is strong and alive; the valley dwellers are very proud of it.
The best time to undertake this trek is from May to October. You can hike the stages in the middle and lower valleys in early spring, whilst the higher altitudes are clear from snow and ice in May.
Don't forget to pack technical, breathable clothing and a few warmer items in your rucksack, including a raincoatand windbreaker. Remember to take a good supply of food, a pair of sturdy boots and trekking poles. You often come across fountains with fresh spring water, but you should always start out with a full water bottle.
Each stage ends at a small village or refuge. You can find information on accommodation along the route here: vallevaraitatrekking.it/strutture–ricettive
You can wild camp along the route as long as you set up at sunset and pack down right after sunrise. It goes without saying that you should leave no trace.
You can reach Verzuolo, the starting village, by car or by bus from Cuneo, Saluzzo or Turin (Grandabus line 91). The same line connects Busca and Costigliole Saluzzo with Verzuolo. The 106 Grandabus line links Saluzzo with Pontechianale, travelling along the entire valley.
For further information, I recommend visiting the official Valle Varaita Trekking website: vallevaraitatrekking.it
Happy walking!
On The Map
Do it yourself
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.
Last updated: February 10, 2023
Tours
- 04:227.97 mi1.8 mph2,450 ft1,650 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first stage of the Valle Varaita Trekking starts from Verzuolo, more precisely from Palazzo Drago, about five minutes walk from the bus stop near the town hall.
Climb the Villa di Verzuolo, the oldest part of the city dating back to the Middle Ages, and take a short detour from the route to reach…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:219.64 mi1.8 mph2,550 ft2,225 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Leave the center of Isasca and take the path that climbs towards Borgata Castello. Follow the path between the chestnut trees that leads to Borgata Chiot and Cascine Garneri, but, instead of reaching these small villages, leave the path and continue on asphalt up to Brossasco.
Brossasco is one of the…
by Marika Abbà
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
- 04:347.13 mi1.6 mph2,725 ft700 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The third stage begins with a nice walk through the hamlets of Frassino. From Borgata Garneri to Chiaronto is a succession of stone huts with wooden details and losa roofs (slate slabs), small chapels with frescoes on the facades, fresh spring water fountains and details of everyday life.
Follow the mule…
by Marika Abbà
- 06:4511.7 mi1.7 mph3,775 ft1,675 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The fourth stage is a journey through the small villages and woods of Sampeyre. You should know that every five years this town is the scene of a very important festival held at the end of February: the Baìo. This is the re-enactment of the expulsion of the Saracens. The unique aspect of this event is…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:089.63 mi1.9 mph2,175 ft2,825 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Waking up immersed in the largest cembrete in the Italian Alps and among the largest in Europe is truly a great privilege. The Bosco dell’Alevé enchants, there is little to say. The survival and development of this wood depends, among other things, on the presence of the Nutcracker, a black bird with…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:317.95 mi1.4 mph2,400 ft3,500 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Leave the picturesque Chianale behind, cross the stone bridge near the Chapel of Sant’Antonio and take the Lanzetti-Crotto path that leads you to Pontechianale through wide alpine meadows full of colorful flowers and coniferous forests.
In Pontechianale, retrace the final stretch of the lakeside path…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:389.79 mi1.7 mph2,700 ft1,550 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Leave Borgata Chiesa and walk through the narrow alleys of the villages. The small alpine villages that make up Bellino have a common feature: the presence of sundials. If you look closely at the facades of the houses, you will notice elaborate sundials with sayings or quotes in French or Occitan. These…
by Marika Abbà
- 04:298.56 mi1.9 mph875 ft3,875 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The eighth stage is not very demanding: there is little positive altitude difference, but still a good development, so get on the road early.
Say goodbye to Meira Garneri and go down towards Meire di Fiour, a small village that owes its name to the expanse of flowers that surrounds it in spring, a beautiful…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:3211.2 mi2.0 mph1,750 ft2,475 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Say hello to Rore and the Servanot, little mischievous wood elves who, according to local mythology, inhabit these areas, and cross the bridge over the Rio Rore. Head towards the provincial road, cross the bridge over the Varaita stream and start climbing.
Reach Borgata Giarassi and follow the mule track…
by Marika Abbà
- 03:416.78 mi1.8 mph2,650 ft350 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Before leaving Melle, I recommend that you buy Toumin dal Mel, a small flattened toma, born at the end of the nineteenth century as a cross between butter and cured toma. It's his death with fresh mountain bread, seeing is believing!
Go to Borgata Re and take the old mule track that climbs into the woods…
by Marika Abbà
- 03:075.83 mi1.9 mph150 ft2,800 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Leave the Valmala Sanctuary behind you and follow the signs for Pian Pietro. On the plateau, about twenty minutes' walk from the religious complex, there is a hiking refuge. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Monviso and Monte San Bernardo, the peak that overlooks Valmala. In short, it is the…
by Marika Abbà
- 05:1010.3 mi2.0 mph1,825 ft2,125 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Good morning! You are a stone's throw from Costigliole Saluzzo, the destination of this long journey. In reality, Costigliole Saluzzo is not the only town where you can decide to arrive., Alternatively, you can reach Busca along another path that I described in the last track of the Harvest.
Before leaving…
by Marika Abbà
- 06:2812.0 mi1.9 mph2,950 ft3,175 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage is an alternative to the one from Venasca to Costigliole Saluzzo. It is a bit more challenging, but it takes you to very characteristic places.
Leave the center of Venasca behind you, follow the signs for Borgata Rolfa and take the first path on the left. Continue on the dirt road that runs…
by Marika Abbà
Like this Collection?
Collection Stats
- Tours13
- Distance119 mi
- Duration65:45 h
- Elevation28,950 ft
You Might Also Like
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Mountain Biking Collection by Barney
Hiking Collection by VIVObarefoot