PROGRAM
A climb as wonderful as it is long, the ascent of Monviso demands great physical effort and stable weather (with no snow on the ridge). The first part of the ridge is easier and you don’t have to always walk along the edge. For the second part, however, we will more or less walk the narrow ridge top, where the rock is better. The route does not involve advanced rock climbing, but a good familiarity with heights and confidence moving in rigid boots over the rocky ground are essential.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 950 m
Ascent time: 2 hours and 1/2
Meeting point: Pian del Re parking area for equipment check and a short briefing with the Guide
From the car park, we will head towards the source of the Po River, along a pleasant trail that winds past meadows, moraines and small lakes in the direction of Lake Fiorenza (2,120 m). Then, the route, passing under the imposing north face of Monviso, follows a steep, winding path that will take us to the Colle di Viso (2,650 m) and on to the Quintino Sella hut (2,640 m) where we will enjoy a meal and stay the night.
Difference in altitude: 950 m
Ascent time: 2 hours and 1/2
Meeting point: Pian del Re parking area for equipment check and a short briefing with the Guide
From the car park, we will head towards the source of the Po River, along a pleasant trail that winds past meadows, moraines and small lakes in the direction of Lake Fiorenza (2,120 m). Then, the route, passing under the imposing north face of Monviso, follows a steep, winding path that will take us to the Colle di Viso (2,650 m) and on to the Quintino Sella hut (2,640 m) where we will enjoy a meal and stay the night.
Difference in altitude: 1,300 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
In the morning, we set off after breakfast. From the Colle di Viso, we will go along the debris moraine before climbing the second fan below Punta Sella. At 2,750 m we may have to pass a small snowfield, before starting the east ridge at a small spur, picking out a route to the base of the Saint Robert Crag, that we will climb on the left side (grade IV, bolted). Then, we will cross the small gully that separates it from a smaller crag and continue by climbing a small couloir that leads to the ridge. Going forward, we will reach the base of another crag, sporting a yellow writing: “Via della lepre, verso la normale” (Route of the Hare, to the normal route). Beyond this point, the trail joins the normal route for the last few metres of ascent. After the classic peak photo, we will take the long normal route to go down.
The descent requires as much effort and concentration as the ascent. It is long, with several stretches where to pay great attention.
Difference in altitude: 1,300 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
In the morning, we set off after breakfast. From the Colle di Viso, we will go along the debris moraine before climbing the second fan below Punta Sella. At 2,750 m we may have to pass a small snowfield, before starting the east ridge at a small spur, picking out a route to the base of the Saint Robert Crag, that we will climb on the left side (grade IV, bolted). Then, we will cross the small gully that separates it from a smaller crag and continue by climbing a small couloir that leads to the ridge. Going forward, we will reach the base of another crag, sporting a yellow writing: “Via della lepre, verso la normale” (Route of the Hare, to the normal route). Beyond this point, the trail joins the normal route for the last few metres of ascent. After the classic peak photo, we will take the long normal route to go down.
The descent requires as much effort and concentration as the ascent. It is long, with several stretches where to pay great attention.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- loan of shared safety material
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation) to be covered by participants
- transfers, meals and accommodation
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
