MONTE ESTELLETTA 2316MT

As we journey into the valley’s upper reaches, we pass through Acceglio, the valley’s final town, and shortly arrive at the quaint hamlet of Ponte Maira. This charming place is a treasure trove of Occitan tradition, evident in its homes and structures.
Gazing south, Mount Estelletta is gracefully blanketed by a stunning larch forest. Its gentle slopes are typically safe, even post-snowfall, offering exhilarating downhill runs on soft, powdery snow.
On the right side of the Maira Valley, Estelletta is also accessible from the Unerzio Valley, presenting a thorough and mesmerising journey.

Start: 1401m Ponte Maira 44°28’37,37’’ N 6°57’48,97’’E

Elevation gain: 917m

Descent difficulty: 1.1-E1

Variant difficulty: 1.3-E2

Ascent time: 2h30

Exposure: N

Period: December-March

Mountaineering difficulty: F

Ascent: The adventure starts at Ponte Maira. Head south across the plain to locate the S12 summer trail, which winds up to Colle del Ciarbonet. A mild ascent from here leads to the Grangia Rossetto at 1534 metres and a solitary building at 1580 metres. A
path through the thick larches takes you to a forest road at 1630 meters, near the Rio Ciarbonet crossing.
The route then tackles the more challenging terrain upstream of the road, moving along a steeper forested ridge between Rio Ciarbonet and Rio Selletta until reaching around 1850 metres, where the landscape opens into several clearings.
Continuing south and passing several hillocks, the trail veers left at about 1950 metres, steering away from the path to Monte Midia. Beyond a steep forested stretch, the trail emerges onto sparser upper slopes, leading to Monte Estelletta’s peak at 2316 metres, marked by a weather station.

Descent: Retrace your steps back down the ascent path.

Alternative Descent Route: From the summit, descend north to the 2260-metre saddle. An intuitive path here leads to a secondary peak near Monte Midia’s rocky summit at 2341 metres.
Depending on conditions, the summit can be reached on foot or skis.
This descent diverges from the ascent route. Near the secondary peak of Monte Midia, descend northwest through open clearings towards the Rio Selletta valley floor. Cross the river around 1950 metres and veer left, where you’ll reconnect with the ascent trails leading back to Ponte Maira.