RAID 3 DAYS MAXIMUM HEIGHT 3005MT

In detailing this crossing, we honour Bruno Rosano, a celebrated writer, alpinist, and pivotal figure in the Maira Valley. His books and maps, highlighting various routes, have left an invaluable legacy.
Drawing inspiration from the guide ‘Charamaio Mai en Val Mairo’ (‘It Still Snows in the Maira Valley’), we embark on a stunning three-day trek, delving into a secluded and wild setting that reveals the upper valley’s hidden gems.
Before setting out on this journey, it’s wise to gather insights from local guides and utilise resources in the valley to plan your tour effectively.

Start: 1475m Chialvetta 44°26’58,11’’N 7°0’3,42’’ E

Elevation gain: 1st day 1280m – 2nd day 1110m – 3rd day 470m

Descent difficulty: 2.3-E1

Ascent time: 1st day 4h30 – 2nd day 6h – 3rd day 4h30

Exposure: All

Period: March-early May

Mountaineering difficulty: PD

Day 1: From the Chialvetta parking area (or Viviere in the late season), ascend the Unerzio Valley. Head up the road to Prato Ciorliero from a memorial plaque and signpost at 1840 metres, then veer right into the Enchiausa Valley. In the valley’s heart, by a sizable boulder at 2130 metres, turn left towards the Valmaggia bivouac at 2335 metres.
With the bivouac on your left, climb the steep valley sides to reach the Enchiausa Pass at 2736 metres, then descend to Lago d’Aspoi at 2296 metres. Circling the lake, you arrive at the Bonelli Bivouac at 2323 metres, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 2: From the bivouac, bypass the first valley leading to Colle di Villadel and head northwest towards the Munie Lakes. Traverse the plateau to reach the Munie Pass at 2531 metres. Once in the French Montagnette, keep your altitude steady as you traverse northwest. After crossing the vast plateau of Lac della Reculaye at
2775 metres, skirt the southern slopes of Punta della Reculaye to find the entry to the next valley, which leads to the southern ridge of Monte Viraysse near Colle Sautron at 2650 metres.
Continue towards Col de la Portiolette at 2700 metres, then veer right to Colle della Portiola at 2900 metres, entering the Stroppia valley and back into Italy. Beyond the Monte Sautron’s chute at 3060 metres, descend north into the depression flanked by Rocca Blancia and Monte Baueria.
Gently rise along the eastern sides of Buc Nubiera, Tête des Cibiroles, Pariàs Coupà, and Brec de Chambeyron to reach Bivacco Barenghi at 2815 metres near Lago Vallonasso di Stroppia.

Day 3: From the bivouac, navigate around Cima della finestra di Stroppia to the south, then arc around Lago della Finestra at 2790 metres. Target Colle dell’Infernetto at 2783 metres, which leads into the Infernetto valley.
Carefully make your way down the steep channel to the basin housing the Infernetto Lakes at 2602 metres. Heading along the western branch, approach the trapezoidal face of Tête de l’Homme, finding the final slope to Colle del Ciaslaràs.
At the pass, keep right and move onto the southern ridge for the summit. After returning to the pass, begin descending through the north channel into the Maurin Valley, bringing your adventurous traverse to a close.