Gran Paradiso - Bien in Valsavarenche to Rif. Vittoria Sella via. Col Lauson

The final few meters to Col Lauson looking west

The exposed part of the descent on the east
 side of of Col Lauson

We set the alarm for 6 but it was raining so we turned over and had another hour in bed. We left at 9 and it was still drizzling. The track opposite the campsite gave a link to route 10b that climbed through the forest to join the AV2 near a National Park chalet at 2303m (Casotto PNGP Levionaz). Once in the hanging valley of Costa de la Tsau the path climbed a grassy tongue with zig zags making the climbing gentle. Only the final 300m were steep on stony scree. A narrow gap formed Col de Entrelor (3299m) and from this height the other cols that we had grossed looked small and low in comparison.

Looking back to Col de Entrelor on the east side

The first part of the descent required a good head for heights as it took a narrow sloping path on loose gravel with a rope in some places for reassurance. After this the descent was much easier and took a short time for us to reach Rifugio Vittoria Sella (2588m).

The refuge was one of the hunting lodges used by Italian nobels in the past. It consists of two large blocks rather like military barracks and a small cafe with a sunny and sheltered outside seating area where we sat drinking tea and beer and eating cake. It was very quiet this late in the season so again we had a large and comfortable room to ourselves. The restaurant was in the other building and it was being run by a family with their children helping out.

We were served vegetable soup and a veggie burger with an excellent salad and potatoes.

Ascent 1700m
Descent 760m
Dist. 15km

Col Lauson

Gran Paradiso - Rhemes Notre Dame to Bien (in Valsavarenche) via Col di Entrelor

Looking back to Col Fenetre from Vallone di Entrelor

After the usual breakfast of bread and jam we set off across the river Dora di Rhemes, and up through  through the forest on route 10 climbing quickly as it was cold and the path took an easy but steady gradient. We emerged onto open meadow at about 2000m into the Vallone di Entrelor. The ascent continued past Alpage d'Entrelor and the fine arches of Alpage Plan des Freya.

Looking SW from the Col di Entrelor

The final approach to the col used some metal rungs bolted into into a rock that blocked the path. From here we had an eagle eyes view back down the route we had ascended. It makes the effort worthwhile and a certain feeling of self satisfaction.
The descent from Col di Entrelor (3007m) was an easy and pleasant gradient past Lac Noir (2666m) and Lac Djouan (2516m). The path headed NE on a high balcony path with fine views of Gran Paradiso and the route up from Rif Chabod that we had descended last Wednesday 13th Aug.

Col di Entrelor

We passed a large farm called Alpage Sopranaz at 2283m then a National park property before dropping into the forest for the final 600m of descent on route 7 to Creton and our campsite near Bien.
The campsite was camping Grivola at 1635m. It was next to a large hotel with a nice bar and restaurant and a small general store. The campsite facilities were excellent. After such a tough day we chose to eat in the hotel which was a good choice.
Lindsey had potato soup, followed by a quiche and walnut salad and a chocolate desert. I had a pancake for starter that had cheese and ham in it, followed by beef with roast potato then apple tart for desert. The meals cost 19euros each. One of the best meals we had this holiday.

Ascent 1352m
Descent 1435m
Dist. 15km

Looking east to Col Lauson

Looking SE from the col

Gran Paradiso

Gran Paradiso - Rif. Vittoria Emanuele to Rif. F. Chabod

All seven other occupants of our room had left for Gran Paradiso by 4.00am. We slept on to 6.30am having breakfast in the lovely new conservatory.

We headed up the path at the end of the glacial L. di Moncorve towards La Tresenta. The path was steep and loose but once we were on top of the moraine the path was well compacted and an easier gradient.

We followed the path to the north side of the stream flowing out of the glacier and up onto the snow on the slopes of La Tresenta, going as far as we dare without crampons and ice axes reaching about 3200m. I would like to return with appropriate gear to reach the top as it looked reasonable. 

Morning
Ascent 454m 
Descent 454m
Dist 4km

On our return we headed down the large rock slabs into the valley crossing back to our path that we had used for the ascent but further down.

By the time we arrived back at the refuge Darren (our son) and his friends had arrived back as well. They had reached approx. 3700m before turning back due to the high winds on the final slopes of Gran Paradiso.

In the afternoon we headed off to Rifugio Chabod. A lovely walk that contoured a high above Vallone di Seiva on path 1a. The views across the valley were apectacular and the rock scenery on our side was shaped by the glaciers with large smooth domed slopes.

We were offered a lovely room to ourselves as the refuge was quiet. The staff entertained us with singing and dancing in the evening which was fun. The refuge had a large warm basement for drying clothes and wet boots. There seemed to be plenty of electricity as they had a water turbine and large storage batteries. The showers were excellent. 

Afternoon
Ascent 354m 
Descent 306m
Dist. 4km

 

la Trasenta from Rif. Vittoria Emanuele

Gran Paradiso - Rif. Savoia to Pont via Punta Violetta o Nivole

We left at 8.15am leaving the camping gear at the refuge as we decided to explore Costa di Menta (2819m) in the morning and hopfully get to the top of Punta Violetta o Nivole (3031m). On the ascent we were heading into low cloud and the route became indistinct over large boulder fields. As a result we ended up below the Costa di Menta on the north side which meant scrambling up a loose rock gulley to get back on track. Once we were back on the ridge the route became more obvious and we kept as close to the ridge line as possible. Again there is no real path you just have to pick and choose where you think it looks best. 

Rocky ridge up to Punta Violetta o Nivole

We reached the cross on top and stopped to enjoy the partial view that was mostly shrouded in cloud.

There is a good path that returns to the refuge along the east side of L. del Nivolet.

Morning
Ascent 569m
Descent 569m
Dist. 6 km

Summit of Punta Violetta o Nivole 3031m

We returned to the refuge to collect our abandoned gear. 

After some tea and jam tart at the refuge we headed NE down the Piano del Nivolé. A very pleasant, mostly grassy path through the valley to Croix de l’Arolley. it follows the Dora del Nivolet which has some spectacular waterfalls through rocky outcrops. At the end of the valley we arrived at a viewpoint at La Croix de l'Arolley.  From here we had a steep descent on a rough path down to Pont. We encountered an Italian cyclist  on a tour from Verona tackling this on his road bike with a full set of paniers, needless to say he had to carry it most of the way. The rock scenery on the descent is very dramatic, with overhanging cliffs and waterfalls.

Afternoon
Ascent 40m
Descent 580m

Dist. 6km

We pitched the tent in the busy campsite (Camping Pont Breuil) and went to the Alberge Gran Paradiso for a beer. 
The campsite has a small shop selling almost anything that you could need on a walking holiday. There is a large shower and toilet block with good warm showers. 

 In the evening we ate Pizzas and had ice cream and tart for desert washed down with red wine.

During the night I was awoken by a rustling sound outside the tent. I was reluctant to get out as it was raining. Through the thin wall of the tent I could see the outline of a fox so I quickly got out of the sleeping bag to chase it off. It had managed to steal our supply of cereal bars and toasties bread and cheese.