Trekking – Chambeyron Tour
A magnificent 5-day trek around the Brec and Aiguille de Chambeyron, which can be tackled either clockwise or counterclockwise, starting from Valle Maira (Campo Base, Chialvetta) or Vallée de l’Ubaye (Maljasset, Larche).
Only one challenging section: Colle dell’Infernetto, on the stage between Maljasset and Refuge du Chambeyron, assisted by a steel cable but requiring attention and sure footing.
Starting from Campo Base, the first stage climbs to Colle Maurin and descends to Maljasset, in the upper Ubaye Valley, from where the next day begins the most demanding stage, crossing Colle Marinet, Colle Ciaslaras, Colle dell’Infernetto, and Colle Gippiera, to reach Refuge du Chambeyron. The following day allows some recovery, with a stage of less elevation gain from the refuge to Larche. From the Ubayette village, the route returns to Valle Maira via Colle della Scaletta, stopping in Chialvetta, and finally returns to Campo Base the next day via Colle d’Enchiausa.
THE STAGES
From Campo Base (1,650 m) to Maljasset (1,910 m)
Elevation gain: 1,020 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Maurin, 2,643 m
From Campo Base, follow the dirt road at the base of the Stroppia Waterfalls, then climb to the end of the Vallone del Maurin. After reaching Grange Collet, take the left-hand valley that leads to Colle Maurin, passing near Lago della Sagna del Colle. From the pass, descend the opposite side and, with no risk of going astray, arrive in Maljasset.
From Maljasset (1,910 m) to Refuge du Chambeyron (2,646 m)
Elevation gain: 1,450 m
Maximum altitude: Colle di Gippiera / Col de la Gypière, 2,948 m
From Maljasset, return on the trail from the previous day, in the direction of Colle Maurin, but around Bergerie Supérieure de Mary (about 2,300 m) turn right toward the Lacs du Marinet, reaching the pass of the same name. A mid-slope section followed by a steep ascent leads to Colle Ciaslaras, from where you descend the opposite slope into the Vallone dell’Infernetto. At around 2,600 m, leave the trail that descends to Chiappera and turn right to climb – in the most difficult section using a steel cable – the steep gully of Infernetto. Following an undulating route around Cima della Finestra di Stroppia, reach Bivacco Barenghi on the shore of Lago del Vallonasso. Colle Gippiera is now close, and from there descend to Lago dei Nove Colori and Refuge du Chambeyron.
From Refuge du Chambeyron (2,646 m) to Larche (1,690 m)
Elevation gain: 500 m
Maximum altitude: Pas de la Couletta, 2,742 m
A short climb from Lac Premier to Pas de la Couletta begins the day. From the pass, descend into Vallon de Plate Lombarde, turning left at the fork at 2,349 m. A further short ascent leads to Col du Vallonet; at the next fork, go left toward Col de la Portiolette, leaving the main trail at 2,463 m in favor of the path on the right that contours the northern buttresses of La Meyna and reaches the Viraysse barracks. A few switchbacks lead to the notch of Col de Mallemort, from where you descend to Larche. However, if time allows, a visit to the Batterie de Viraysse, an 1800s fortification on the summit of Tête de Viraysse (2,772 m), is highly recommended – a protagonist during the brief war of June 1940.
From Larche (1,690 m) to Chialvetta (1,500 m)
Elevation gain: 1,160 m
Maximum altitude: Colle della Scaletta, 2,642 m
From Larche, ascend north along the valley carved by the Riou de Rouchouse, ignoring in sequence the forks for the passes of Mallemort, Sautron, and Munie, always keeping right to reach Col de la Gipière d’Orrenaye. After the pass, descend across wide pastures, then climb again to Colle di Roburent, above the beautiful lakes of the same name. A short steep section leads to Colle della Scaletta, watched over by the remains of military structures. From there, descend for a long stretch toward Prato Ciorliero and the hamlets of the Vallone dell’Unerzio, where there are several options for overnight stay.
From Chialvetta (1,500 m) to Rifugio Campo Base (1,650 m)
Elevation gain: 1,300 m
Maximum altitude: Colle d’Enchiausa, 2,740 m
From Chialvetta, climb the Vallone dell’Unerzio following the beautiful trail among the hamlets. Above Viviere, reach the old military road and leave it shortly after by turning right through the larch forest toward Colle d’Enchiausa. Ignoring the forks for Il Colletto and Colle Feuillas, stay on the well-marked trail that, with a final scree section, reaches the pass overlooking the north face of Monte Oronaye. Descend over the ancient glacial moraine, skirting Lago d’Apzoi and, further down, Lago Visaisa. Upon reaching Sorgenti del Maira, follow the yellow marks of the Percorsi Occitani to return to Chiappera, along a beautiful flat woodland path, with stunning views of Rocca Provenzale.
Mountain sports are potentially dangerous activities and should only be undertaken with the proper equipment and preparation. We recommend checking the weather and avalanche forecasts before setting off on a hike and/or contacting a guide for accompaniment. Campo Base S.r.l. disclaims any responsibility for the advice and itineraries provided here, which should be personally assessed based on weather and snow conditions.