Elevation gain: 850 m positive and negative

Starting point: Borgata Preit 1540 m – Municipality of Canosio

Highest point: 2396 m

Walking time: 4.5 hours

Exposure: varies

Type of itinerary: round trip

Route

Leave your car just beyond the village of Preit, at the point where the paved road is closed by a barrier that prevents vehicle traffic during the winter months. From here, put on your snowshoes and start climbing, following the paved road, which is normally accessible by car in summer.

The first section has gentle, regular slopes. Continue along the main road, which climbs with wide hairpin bends without ever becoming strenuous.

After the initial stretch, you pass close to the hydroelectric power station. From here, some hikers climb directly towards Grange Colombero, tackling a more direct and steeper ascent. In winter, however, this alternative route is often not recommended: the presence of water springs that freeze the ground can make the path treacherous and slippery. It is therefore preferable to continue along the main road.

Continuing along the road, you reach Grange Selvest, located at an altitude of about 1660 m. Here, the landscape opens up and the woods give way to snow-covered pastures. Cross the bridge over the stream and, immediately after, take the road on the left, which continues to climb at a steady gradient.

Continuing along this road, without being tempted by side roads, you continue to climb in a typically alpine environment. The route follows the summer dirt road, which is easily recognisable even in winter thanks to its wide and regular course.

This brings you to Grange Colombero, at an altitude of 1,700 metres. This is a good place to take a short break, especially on clear days, before tackling the next section.

Beyond Grange Colombero, the road continues with a series of more pronounced hairpin bends. It is important to pay attention on this section: you will often encounter deposits of old avalanches, especially after heavy snowfall or windy periods. However, the route remains logical and intuitive, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings.

After a few hairpin bends, you will reach a signpost indicating Lago Nero. In summer, from this point, take the path; in winter, the trail may not be obvious, but the change of direction is clear.

From here, the climb becomes more challenging: the gradient increases and the environment becomes more severe. Climb following the natural course of the terrain until you cross the road again higher up.

You will then reach the Chiacarloso mountain hut, located at an altitude of about 2080 m. The view here is already very wide and offers a beautiful view of the upper slopes and surrounding peaks.

From the hut, keep slightly to the left, heading north-west, following the summer trail. The climb now becomes steeper, with open slopes that are often windswept. You will reach a first hill, a natural crossing point. From here, continue keeping to the left, still following the summer trail, until you reach a second small hill. From this point, you can finally glimpse Lago Nero, completely covered in snow, nestled in a wide and picturesque basin.

A final short stretch takes you to Lago Nero (approx. 2240 m). In winter, the lake is a vast, silent expanse of white, framed by slopes and ridges that make the environment particularly fascinating and wild.

The return journey is usually along the same route as the ascent, paying attention to the steepest sections and slopes that are potentially affected by snow accumulation.

WARNING: Winter hiking, like all outdoor activities, is potentially dangerous.

You must be properly equipped and know how to use an avalanche transceiver.

For information on snow conditions and avalanche risk, consult the AINEVA bulletin: https://bollettini.aineva.it/bulletin/latest.

For weather forecasts: www.arpa.piemonte.it/bollettino/previsioni-meteorologiche