Places
Hike·Hard·Sporty·Popular
Rifugio Gastaldi, Val d'Ala
Piedmont
The path leaves the Pian della Mussa meadows and climbs steep grass then boulder-fields into a stony amphitheatre ringed by the Bessanese, Croce Rossa and Uja di Ciamarella. Rifugio Gastaldi is a classic Lanzo-valleys base for glacier routes but a fine hard day-walk on its own.
Duration
Full day
Distance
12 km
Elevation
+900 m
Best season
July – September
Parking · Paid
Paid summer parking at Pian della Mussa, end of the Val d'Ala road.
Water
Streams on the climb and a fountain at the refuge.
Highlights
- High glacial cirque of the Ciamarella group
- Marmots on the moraine
- Historic 1880s alpine refuge
With your dog
Fit dogs on leash; rocky moraine path, check the refuge's pet policy before staying.
