Thursday 14 August 2014

Gran Paradiso - Pont to Rifugio Citta di Chivasso

Alpage de Selva
A few easy steps and a hand rail on the way to Grand Collet 






We woke to a white campsite covered in a very heavy frost. The thin flysheet was frozen stiff. We had a later start than planned as the campsite shop did not open until 8.00am, and we needed to buy provisions for the next few days.
We headed north up the Vallone di Seiva for a short way before turning off onto path 2a heading towards Alpage de Selva and Grand Collet. This really is a superb route, being very quiet (probably because of the height you climb to the col) with fantastic views east across to Gran Paradiso. Most seem to do it in the opposite direction.



We stopped at the derelict alpage to dry the tent and have a rest.
As we approached the col we stopped for lunch on a sheltered grassy ledge. Only then when we stopped walking, did we realise how cold it was, we had to put on our fleece and insulated jacket to keep warm.
The Grand Collet 2832m gives magnificent views in both directions so we decided to linger a while and head up the ridge on the south of the col to  Cima dell'Arolley 2996m.
View towards Gran Paradiso from Grand Collet




The descent down the Auberge du Grand Collet on the Piano del Nivole was surprisingly gentle.
The walk up the Dora del Nivolet was also gentle but straight into a cold wind despite the clear blue skies.








Cima dell'Arolley
On arrival at Rifugio Citta di Chivasso we had tea, biscuits and a chocolate cake sitting in the sun in their conservatory. The refuge has a magnificent wood burning stove a fine collection of books including Cicerone guides and the guardian visits each party of visitors giving advice about their onward journey.

View from Rifugio Citta di Chivasso south. 








The refuge has a shower  and fairly traditional toilet facilities. The rooms are warm and cosy which was welcome in the unseasonably cold weather that we were experiencing.
Our meal consisted of ministrone soup followed by pork and french beans. Lindsey had a cheese omlette. For desert there was a creme caramel and jam biscuits. for breakfast we had tea, bread jam and toasties with fruit juice.

Ascent 1140m
Descent 510m
Dist. 10.5km





The stove in Refugio Citta di Chivasso

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Good to have a nice warm refuge and rooms for a change.