Punta Dante – Rocky Section

The Punta Dante – loop tour in Valle Varaita is a difficult hike spanning 10.2 miles (16.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 5187 feet (1581 metres), requiring about 9 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You will begin with a steep climb through the beautiful stone pine forest of Alevé, one of the largest in the Alps. As you ascend, the path leads into a wide detrital basin and then a stony trail, eventually reaching the challenging “canalone delle Forciolline” gully. The scenery is spectacular, offering panoramic views of the south face of Monviso and alpine lakes like Lago Bertin.

This demanding route typically starts near the hamlet of Castello in Pontechianale. Due to its difficulty and the potential for early season snow, especially given its western exposure, you should be prepared with an ice axe and crampons if hiking in spring. The trail includes sections that require easy climbing on side rocks and navigating unstable stony strips, so caution and experience are essential. You might find potential rest points at Bivacco Bertoglio and Bivacco Boarelli at Forciolline.

The Punta Dante hike is notable for following part of the historical ascent route to Monviso, allowing you to retrace the steps of past mountaineers. From the summit, you get an excellent vantage point for appreciating the majestic Monviso, which is the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps and a symbol of the Cuneo region. The challenging “canalone delle Forciolline” is a significant and demanding section that sets this route apart.