Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 10 – Refugio Coda – Pont Saint Martin

This was the last stage of the second tour on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. The start was in the early morning from Refugio Coda, where I had recovered during the night. At altitude it was really cold and I had somehow hypothermia. Anyway, I was fit again early. This time, unfortunately, everything was first in the fog. The route was not difficult, but dangerous because of the fog and the exposed places on the ridge. The route went in the beginning constantly on the ridge up and down. On one mountain you had a spectacular view of the Aosta Valley and some other valleys. From there, secured with ropes, it went down again quite steep and dangerous. This time it should go down about 2000 meters in altitude to the Aosta Valley. The lowest point of the entire GTA. I had no desire to stay overnight on the Agritourismo, but wanted to descend directly to Pont Sant Martin. At about 1900 m was an alp on which there was cheese to buy. Since it should now only go downhill, I packed 5 kilos Toma for 50 euros in the backpack. Later I should still consume two months of it. The further down it went, the warmer it became. The route took no end and you see again what you can run so everything. 2000 meters in altitude are also a word. The landscape was unique in the Aosta Valley. Above was cattle farming and further down agriculture and old paved mule tracks through forests. At 2500m it was still quite cold and down in the village it was finally 30 degrees again. I was glad to have a decent bed again in my meager room. Before was almost only Refugio as accomodation.