The Valle Maira has long been an insider tip for ski and snowshoe tours. Not only in the high mountains, but also in the lower areas, on the plateaus and in the larch forests, are there excellent opportunities for snow experiences.
Today, Renato, a mountain guide of more than 20 years, introduces you to his three favourite ski tours in the Valle Maira:
1 - for beginners
- Tour name: Monte Cappel (2,363m)
- Distance and altitude: 6.5km, 850m
- Difficulty: Easy, for beginners
- Highlight: Great view over the Valle Maira, perfectly wide slopes, safe from avalanches
Brief description: From Lausetto, the road is closed in winter and you can climb it. After approx. 900m you reach a bridge, cross it and climb slightly upward on the forest path. At an alpine hut you leave the forest path and climb over meadows and more meadows. This area serves as pastures in the summer, but in winter it is a great climb for ski tourers. Here you can create the best tracks very nicely, and to the right, past the larch forest and never steeper than 30 °, climb to the summit of Monte Cappel. The view from Monte Cappel, at 2,363 meters, is extensive and the ski tour is perfect for beginners or those who want to do an easy but rewarding tour.
2 - for the ambitious
- Tour name: The tour Cima delle Manse (2,737m) and Monte Soubeyran (2,587m)
- Distance: 14km, 1,600m elevation gain
- Difficulty: Medium / difficult
- Highlight: Alpine ambience, 2 peaks, classy descents, round tour
Brief description: If you want to conquer two peaks in one day and also experience “classy” descents, this tour is the right choice. You start in Saretto, which is only 5 minutes by car from the Locanda Mistral. The path corresponds pretty much to the Piergiogio Frassati path, but you also climb the peaks Cima delle Manse 2,737m and Monte Soubeyran 2,587m. In good conditions you not only experience unique views, but can also tackle great, north-facing and steep descents twice.
3 - Renato’s favourite ski tour
- Tour name: Monte Ciaslaras 3.005m
- Distance: 14km, 1,500m elevation gain
- Difficulty: Medium / difficult
- Highlight: Alpine ambience; beautiful, wide and large slopes
Brief description: Renato’s favourite ski tour starts in Chiappera, which we can reach in 10 minutes by car from the Locanda Mistral. You first climb up forest paths and then you can decide how to tackle the crossing. The ascent leads over the Valle del Maurin to France, then on the north side steeply up to the Colle del Ciaslaras, and then to the summit at 3,005m. The strenuous and steep ascent is rewarded with spectacular panoramas - from this three-thousand-meter peak you have a wonderful 360-degree view. The descent is south-facing over beautiful and wide firn slopes, which were once formed by the glacier, back to the starting point.
We are well-equipped for ski tourers in the Locanda Mistral: all the necessary information is available for planning, which Renato will of course help you with. Furthermore, snowshoes, sticks, avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels are available to borrow. Every year we also organise special winter tour weeks, and for individual packages or group weeks you can contact us directly.
Ski safe and see you soon in the Locanda Mistral,
Renato
