Classic Tour du Viso
Classic Tour du Viso — image 2
Classic Tour du Viso — image 3
Classic Tour du Viso — image 4
Queyras — PiemonteHiking

Classic Tour du Viso

75 km · +4,000 m · 4 days · Hiking · Moderate

Best: June–September

Four days circling Monte Viso — the 3,841-metre pyramid that dominates the border between France and Italy. The classic circuit starts and finishes at L'Échalp near Ristolas in the Queyras, sleeping in three mountain refuges at the foot of the highest peak in the Cottian Alps. Day one climbs to the Refuge du Viso at 2,460 metres, with the mountain's north face filling the horizon. Day two crosses to the Rifugio Quintino Sella at 2,650 metres — the most demanding stage, traversing the Col de la Traversette and passing through the historic Buco di Viso, a 75-metre tunnel carved beneath the Alps in 1480 to shorten the salt trade route between Provence and Piemonte. Day three descends past glacial lakes over the Passo di San Chiaffredo and Passo Gallarino to the Rifugio Vallanta at 2,450 metres. Day four pushes over the Col de Valante at 2,811 metres — the highest point of the circuit — and descends back into France. Free navettes connect the valley villages throughout the season, and Abriès at the base of the valley has food stores, restaurants, and everything you need before and after the trek. The Tour du Viso is one of those circuits where you see the same mountain from every angle, and it never looks the same twice.

When would you want to do this?

Would you go with your own group, or want VORA to find companions?

Also interested in any of these?

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