Through some detours I managed to get up the hill this stage of the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. At the top, next to the Refugio, was an old small village with about 18 houses that were in varying condition. The owner of the Refugio had been living there for generations as the last one and once it was all full of families. The place is unique on the edge of a mountain and on a narrow cliff, but at the same time quite inaccessible. However, in summer quite a lot of hikers pass by the refugio to enjoy the view. The village continues to deteriorate until there is hardly anything left of it. These are testimonies of a sinking culture.
Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 7 – Refugio Rivetti – Refugio Madonna della Neve
From Rifugio Rivetti, the route descended nearly 1,800 meters into the valley below, ending in a small village. As it was a Sunday, the village was unusually lively, with a great deal of activity everywhere. Since I was moving quickly and the stage ahead was relatively short, I took some time to stroll through the village and restock supplies at the small local store.
Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 6 – Sant Antonio – Refugio Rivetti
The second part of the hike on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi began exactly where the first section had ended. I drove by car to Sant’Antonio, continuing on to the rifugio, after spending several hours stuck in heavy traffic caused by the peak holiday travel season.
Unlike my stay in June, when I had been completely alone, this time the refuge was occupied by at least four other hikers. After receiving my sleeping area, I turned in early to prepare for the demanding stage ahead.
Continue reading “Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 6 – Sant Antonio – Refugio Rivetti”Hiking To The 2700m High Col De Champillon In The Italian Aosta Valley 🇮🇹
DOUES, ITALY: For a hike we have chosen the Col de Champillon. The starting point of the route was only a few minutes by car above our house and situated at an altitude of approx. 2040m from the village of Doues. The start took place from a parking lot over high mountain meadows up to the mountain refuge Champillon. Then there was a very steep ascent of about 50 degrees to the end of the hike on the Col de Champillon ridge at 2700m altitude. The visit of the ridge is rewarded with a view to different peaks of the Alps, among them the Mont Blanc.