Ristolas walks

A 4 day trek on a high mountain route. The trek around Monte Viso (one of the highest summits in the Italian alps) is a sight for sore eyes. Crossing through some of the most authentic and wild high valleys of the Alps is delightful. This trek is almost identical to another trek by another hikiideas hiker which is done over 5 days. A big thank you to him and his description which inspired me.

First stage starting at Queyras National Park (Parc National du Queyras) passing through Col Lacroix, then a beautiful Italian valley and ending up at a shelter near a lake where the real trek around Monte Viso will start the next day.

Trek around Monte Viso in 5 stages.

A beautiful high mountain hike.

Hike over a 5 day period.
An exquisite high mountain trek.

This first stage is a warm-up for the rest. It's a medium mountain trek starting through larch trees before reaching alpine pastures surrounding the pass. A beautiful view over Pellice valley during the hike down.

Three days walking through the passes and cabins in this region and opportunities to explore this lovely area. Enjoy an Italian tradition: agroturismo by residing overnight in one of the farms alongside calves, cows, pigs, chickens etc.

First stage of Circuit Franco-Italian border "Queyras in Val Pellice" punctuated by passages through three interesting passes: Malaure, Bouchet and Vampréveyre.

The second stage of our trek around Monte Viso starts with a hike through green foliage at the bottom of the valley. Then a passage through beautiful alpine pastures near a delightful little lake. Stunning view point at Col Sellière.

3rd and last stage of this Franco-Italian circuit. It meets with a variation of the Queyras circuit above the Jervis Refuge to reach Valpréveyre by the Col d’Urine.

2nd stage is entirely in Italy allowing you to walk alongside the many military buildings that protect the nearby border. The long descent before the shelter lets you enjoy the Italian pastures that appear much greener than the French. This is due to the more abundant moisture from this side of the border.

Quite a long high mountain stage today, set in a mineral landscape passing through "les sources du Pô" and near beautiful mountain lakes. Exploring the north-east side of Monte Viso (3841m) will be the highlight.

A short circuit from the hamlet of Pierre Grosse through the ski slopes to reach and discover Saint-Véran.

High mountain stage.
Progress within a mineral setting.
A hike up to the highest pass of the trek.
Stunning view over the Pô water sources from "Sentier du Postier."

Beautiful stage, green at first, covered by neve at the pass then very floral in Guil Valley.

This stage involves a pass with neves and crossing Refuge du Viso high berm then Guil valley.

A fine hike, not too strenuous, with a pretty lake in a high-mountain landscape. The last part, a little harder, takes you up to 2800m and offers magnificent views. A few marmottes can be seen on the way to the pass.

This stage gives you a frontline view over Monte Viso on one side and Pô prairie (plaine du Pô) on the other. Then a climb through Vallanta's small green valley.

Italian stage through wild upper valleys and rocky wasteland, scattered by beautiful mountain lakes, consistantlyaround Monte Viso.

You'll take the Aiguillettes path up to the two major passes above Ceillac, then join the Col de Fromage via the Souillet path on the Guil valley side, on a beautiful balcony path.
⚠️Caution: the Aiguillettes path crosses 3 ravines that may pose problems for some. If this is the case, you can take the GR® which starts nearby and ends at the same point. Less interesting but quieter.