VALLE PO EVERGREEN
EVERGREEN
The Great Classics of Monviso
The Evergreen Experiences of Viso A Viso are the “great classics” of hiking in the Monviso Park.
In the heart of the Cottian Alps, the park preserves landscapes of extraordinary beauty, unique biodiversity, and ancient traces of human presence. Hiking experiences in this protected area offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic natural environments, crossing forests, alpine pastures, and valleys shaped by water and time.
Walking in the Monviso Park means rediscovering a deep connection with the mountains: from the most accessible trails to high-altitude routes, every itinerary is an invitation to wonder. The hikes are designed for various ages and skill levels, emphasizing a connection with nature, local culture, and environmental awareness.
It is an opportunity to slow down, breathe, listen, and walk in one of the most enchanting places in the Alpine region.
Ascent to the Viso Hole
Ascent to the Viso Hole
An experience that traverses the historical narrative of our mountains.
The first alpine tunnel in history, at 2,882 m above sea level and 75 meters long, carved into the rock, connects Italy with France – the Monviso Park with the Queyras Park. It represents one of the oldest civil engineering works carried out in high mountains.
A key site in the great wars, today it serves as an important link between the trails around Monviso.
This historical and naturalistic hike retraces the history of the Marquisate of Saluzzo and marks the legendary passage of Hannibal, while also offering observation opportunities for the park’s sovereign wildlife, notably eagles and ibex.
The landscape unfolds across alpine meadows and rocky sections typical of the upper Po Valley, while crossing the tunnel opens up views of the immense peaks of the Queyras Park.
When: Day hike (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) from June to September (depending on ascent conditions and tunnel accessibility).
Description:
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Route: Pian del Re – Viso Hole – Pian del Re
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Elevation gain: 930 m
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Starting altitude: Pian del Re, Crissolo 2020 m a.s.l.
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Maximum altitude: Viso Hole 2,882 m a.s.l.
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Difficulty: Hike without technical difficulties, requires good leg strength and stamina as the ascent takes a minimum of 3 hours and involves mountain trail walking. Approximately suitable for children aged 10 and above.
Required equipment:
Hiking boots or trekking shoes, layered clothing suitable for variable conditions (windproof shell/jacket, fleece, gloves), sunglasses and sunscreen, water bottle, packed lunch.
Optional extras:
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse
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Packed lunch for the hike
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(For groups of at least 10 people) Book presentation “Il Buco di Viso” with the author, followed by dinner at the Alpine Snack Bar
Activity costs:
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Coordination and guiding: €250 (up to 12 people)
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Packed lunch: €12 (sandwich, energy bar, beer or soft drink or juice)
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Dinner and book presentation: €20
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Overnight stay at the guesthouse: €27 with sleeping bag / €37 with sheets and towel
Our of the Lakes of Monviso
An Experience in the Glacial Ages
A hike with naturalistic and geological highlights among the highest lakes of the Monviso Park: Lago Fiorenza, rich in legend and reflecting Monviso itself; Lago Chiaretto, heart-shaped with turquoise waters; and Lago Grande di Viso, overlooked by the east face of Monviso—glacial wonders surrounded by high-altitude nature. An experience to admire Monviso up close, appreciating both its majesty and its fragile geology.
Finally, the Quintino Sella Refuge, steeped in mountaineering history, serves as the ultimate base for ascending Monviso—a true high-mountain refuge.
When: Day hike (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) from June to October, depending on weather conditions.
Description:
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Route: Pian della Regina – Lago Fiorenza – Lago Chiaretto – Lago Grande di Viso – Quintino Sella Refuge
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Elevation gain: 900 m
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Starting altitude: Pian della Regina (Crissolo) 1,750 m a.s.l.
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Maximum altitude: Quintino Sella Refuge 2,640 m a.s.l.
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Difficulty: Hike without technical difficulties, requiring good physical condition and readiness for mountain trail walking. Approximately suitable for children aged 10 and above.
Required equipment:
Hiking boots or trekking shoes, layered clothing suitable for variable conditions (windproof shell/jacket, fleece, gloves), sunglasses and sunscreen, water bottle, packed lunch provided by the Alpine Snack Bar or refreshment at the Quintino Sella Refuge.
Optional extras:
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse
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Packed lunch for the hike
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(For groups of at least 10 people) Presentation of photographic publications about Monviso by author Fulvio Beltrando, followed by dinner at the Alpine Snack Bar
Activity costs:
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Coordination and guiding: €250 (up to 12 people)
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Packed lunch: €12 (sandwich, energy bar, beer or soft drink or juice)
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Dinner and book presentation: €20
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Overnight stay at the guesthouse: €27 with sleeping bag / €37 with sheets and towel
The Three Peaks of Ostana
An Experience on the Balcony of Monviso
A circular hike that explores the heights of Ostana, where the trail runs along the watershed between the Po Valley and the plain below, allowing views that stretch from Monviso as far as the plain allows.
The view over the surrounding valleys makes the landscape unique in its simplicity and the peace it conveys.
Alpine meadows and granite rocks alternate with seasonal blooms and summit crosses that tell the story of the people who passed through. Each cross has a summit logbook that visitors can sign, leaving a memory of their experience.
When: Day hike (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) from May to November, depending on weather conditions; also suitable in winter if snow conditions allow.
Description:
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Route: Borgata Durandini of Ostana – Punta Selassa (2,040 m a.s.l.) – Punta Razil (2,385 m a.s.l.) – Punta Ostanetta (2,385 m a.s.l.)
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Elevation gain: 800 m
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Starting altitude: Borgata Durandini of Ostana 1,620 m a.s.l.
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Maximum altitude: Punta Ostanetta 2,385 m a.s.l.
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Difficulty: Hike suitable for everyone, without technical difficulties; requires good fitness and experience with mountain trails. Approximately accessible for children aged 10 and above.
Required equipment:
Hiking boots or trekking shoes, layered clothing suitable for variable conditions (windproof shell/jacket, fleece, gloves), sunglasses and sunscreen, water bottle, packed lunch.
Optional extras:
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse
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Packed lunch for the hike
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Snack at the Alpine Snack Bar at the end of the hike
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(For groups of at least 10 people) Dinner at the Alpine Snack Bar
Activity costs:
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Coordination and guiding: €250 (up to 12 people)
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Packed lunch: €12 (sandwich, energy bar, beer or soft drink or juice)
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Dinner: €20
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Overnight stay at the guesthouse: €27 with sleeping bag / €37 with sheets and towel
In Search of the Green Stone
In Collaboration with MONVISO 360
From the cave to the villages of Ostana, a day as a geologist – activities for families and beyond!
The day begins by “becoming real explorers” with a visit to the magnificent Grotta di Rio Martino, a natural site at the foot of Monviso where you can fully immerse yourself in nature.
Accompanied by Cave Guides, participants will traverse 500 meters in the heart of the earth, illuminating their steps with headlamps provided on the helmet! At the end of the route, a natural surprise makes the cave truly unique.
Technical details: The route has no significant technical difficulties, making it suitable for children from 6 years old. Inside, handrails and walkways are provided.
Entrance is only allowed with proper equipment: helmet and headlamp (provided at entry), clothing suitable for the cave’s constant 5°C, sturdy hiking boots, gloves (not wool, suitable for humid conditions), jacket/outer shell.
When: Daily activity (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) from May to October, depending on weather conditions; also suitable in winter if snow conditions allow.
Lunch at the Alpine Snack Bar in Sant’Antonio di Ostana
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk with an Environmental Nature Guide through the villages of Ostana, searching for and observing the valley’s stones in countless shades of gray, green, and blue.
The route will reach the panoramic viewpoint “Balcony on Monviso” at Borgata Serre, where participants can admire the landscape overlooking the cave and feel as if they could touch Monviso with a finger!
Technical details: The trail follows paths through forests and pastures, with no technical difficulties. Approximately suitable for children aged 8 and above.
Duration: 2 hours – about 4 km
Optional extras:
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse
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(For groups of at least 10 people) Dinner at the Alpine Snack Bar
Activity costs:
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Guided cave entrance: €20
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Coordination and guiding: €130 (cumulative price up to 15 people)
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Lunch at the Alpine Snack Bar: €18 (drinks not included)
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Overnight at the Guesthouse: €27 with sleeping bag / €37 with sheets and towel
Adventures Beneath Monviso
Adventures Beneath Monviso
From the adventure park in Crissolo to orienteering among the villages of Ostana, an adventurous day immersed in the greenery of the valley – activities for families and more!
In collaboration with MONVISO 360
The day begins with the “Adventure Park” course in Crissolo!
An experience for both adults and children, anchored to the tall trees at the foot of Monviso!
Walkways, wooden platforms, jumps, and zip lines offer a full 360° adventure experience.
Technical details: The course is supervised by trained guides and is completely safe. Staff will accompany participants step by step throughout the experience.
Recommended clothing: Sportswear.
Lunch at the Alpine Snack Bar in Sant’Antonio di Ostana
In the afternoon, enjoy an ORIENTEERING activity in the villages of Ostana, guided by an Environmental Hiking Guide. Participants will learn basic mountain navigation using a compass and will move step by step toward the checkpoints in a friendly race to reach the final destination first!
Technical details: The trail follows paths through the villages of Ostana, with no technical difficulties. Approximately suitable for children aged 7 and above.
Duration: 2 hours – about 4 km
Recommended clothing: Sportswear
Optional extras:
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse
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(For groups of at least 10 people) Dinner at the Alpine Snack Bar
Activity costs:
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Entry to Crissolo Adventure Park with trained guides: €15
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Coordination and guiding: €130 (cumulative price up to 15 people)
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Lunch at the Alpine Snack Bar: €18 (drinks not included)
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Overnight stay at the Guesthouse: €27 with sleeping bag / €37 with sheets and towel
