Pian Traversagn

Prepare for a difficult hike on the Colle di Vers Trail from Bellino, a challenging route that covers 6.4 miles (10.3 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2651 feet (808 metres). This journey will take you about 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete, leading you through the serene Traversagn valley. As you ascend, you'll pass through charming hamlets like Borgo di Celle and Chiazale, before the landscape opens up to reveal traditional stone huts and summer pastures. The path winds through meadows where wildflowers bloom and cattle graze, offering a true alpine experience. You'll eventually reach the wide plateau of Pian Traversagn, a natural resting point with expansive views of the surrounding peaks.

To start your hike, you should leave your car in the small square located at the entrance to the hamlet of Chiesa, which is found within the Bellino valley. This serves as the primary trailhead for the route. Given the trail's difficult rating and duration, it is advisable to begin your hike early in the day to allow ample time for completion before dusk. Always check local weather conditions before setting out, especially in alpine environments where conditions can change rapidly. Ensure you carry enough water and supplies for the entire duration of this demanding trek.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical connection between Val Varaita and Val Maira, as Colle di Vers marks the border between these two significant valleys. The mountain pass has served as an important crossing for centuries, linking communities in the heart of the Piedmont Alps. As you stand at the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across layered ridges and distant peaks, providing a profound sense of the region's vastness and natural beauty. It's a journey that combines physical challenge with a rich sense of history and stunning vistas.

Embark on the Rocca la Marchisa – loop tour in Valle Varaita, a difficult hike spanning 9.6 miles (15.4 km) with a significant 4232 feet (1290 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route typically takes 7 hours and 26 minutes to complete, leading you through varied terrain from dirt roads to rocky bands and scree. You will discover pristine landscapes and rich natural beauty, including the beautiful Pian Traversagn valley dotted with huts and mountain pastures. The route culminates in incredible 360-degree views from Colle di Vers, offering a panorama of the lateral Valle Maira and nearby Monte Chersogno.

This demanding trail requires very good physical fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy hiking shoes. You should also have alpine experience, as some sections feature highly technical or hazardous terrain. Starting often from Sant'Anna di Bellino, the path becomes steeper and more rugged as you progress. Be aware that snow can still be present in spring, making crampons a necessary piece of equipment for safe passage.

The Rocca la Marchisa loop tour is notable for its prominent peak at 3072 meters, which sits on the watershed between the Valle Varaita and Valle Maira. The route often includes passing through Colle di Vers, a crucial pass connecting these high valleys. Along the way, you might encounter a memorial stone and a wooden crucifix in the Pian Traversagn area. The summit itself is bifida, featuring both a North-West and a South-East peak, offering a unique geological feature to this rewarding alpine adventure.

Embark on a difficult 9.5-mile (15.3 km) hike with 3382 feet (1031 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 6 hours and 35 minutes. This challenging loop takes you through the varied landscapes of the Valle Varaita, starting on a dirt road that winds through the Traversagn valley. You will pass mountain pastures at Pian di Traversagn, offering views of Rocca la Marchisa and the impressive rocky face of Pelvo di Chiausis. The ascent continues on grassy slopes and a military mule track, leading to the Colletto di Chiausis. The final push to the summit involves an airy crest, where you will use your hands to reach the summit cross.

This is a difficult trail, best suited for experienced hikers with very good physical fitness. You will need surefootedness, appropriate footwear, and high mountain experience for a safe and enjoyable trip. Parking is typically available at Sant'Anna di Bellino, which serves as a common starting point for the route. Plan your visit carefully, as conditions in the high mountains can change quickly.

The route offers a rewarding journey through the stunning Cottian Alps, culminating in breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views from the summit. From the top, you can see prominent peaks like the Viso chain and Monte Maniglia. The trail also incorporates parts of an old military mule track, adding a historical element to your high-alpine adventure.