Trekking – Sautron Tour
Imposing dolomitic massif, Sautron rises on the border between the Maira and Ubayette valleys at 3,166 meters of altitude. The many trails that surround it form a network of great beauty and variety, with a four-day tour or a shorter one perfect for a weekend!
The Gran Tour begins with the ascent of the Stroppia Waterfalls and the crossing into Ubaye via Colle di Nubiera toward Fouillouse. On the second day, the wild northern side of Sautron is followed to reach Larche, from where the trail returns to Valle Maira through Colle delle Munie and Colle d’Enchiausa. Finally, the last relaxing stage features the crossing from Chialvetta to Campo Base via Colle Ciarbonet.
The Piccolo Tour features a direct return to Campo Base on the second day through Colle Sautron, following the passes of Col du Vallonet and Col de la Portiolette.
THE STAGES OF THE GRAN TOUR
From Campo Base (1,650 m) to Fouillouse (1,880 m)
Elevation gain: 1,220 m
Maximum altitude: Colle di Nubiera, 2,865 m
From Campo Base, reach the base of the Stroppia Waterfalls and climb the rocky barrier of the falls, on a trail that is at times exposed, but never difficult, to Bivacco Stroppia and Lago Niera, at the lower edge of the grand hanging valley.
Continue on the main trail – yellow and blue marks of the “Dino Icardi” – leaving it at around 2,500 m to turn left toward Colle di Nubiera. After the pass, descend into French territory, quickly reaching the trail that descends from Col du Vallonet into the Vallone de Plate Lombarde, leading comfortably to Fouillouse.
From Fouillouse (1,880 m) to Larche (1,690 m)
Elevation gain: 915 m
Maximum altitude: Col de la Portiolette, 2,692 m
From Fouillouse, ascend the Vallone de Plate Lombarde on the right-hand trail (the fork is near the Maginot fortifications encountered along the climb), reaching with a fairly gentle ascent Col du Vallonet. Upstream of Lac du Vallonet Inférieur, leave the trail that descends to Saint-Ours and take the path to the right, which climbs again to Col de la Portiolette, set between Sautron and La Meyna.
After the pass, descend to meet the trail from Colle Sautron, then follow it to the right, downhill, and reach Larche along a panoramic and open route.
From Larche (1,690 m) to Chialvetta (1,500 m)
Elevation gain: 1,230 m
Maximum altitude: Colle d’Enchiausa, 2,740 m
From Larche, follow the same trail as the previous day in reverse, ascending the valley carved by the Riou de Rouchouse, but around 2,100 m turn right to continue along the valley floor. At the next fork at 2,274 m, keep left and, after a pleasant climb through pastures, reach Colle delle Munie.
Descend the wide plateau on the Italian side, reaching Lago d’Apzoi, then turn right to climb the steep glacial valley between the north face of Oronaye and Auto Vallonasso toward Colle d’Enchiausa. From the pass, descend the Vallone dell’Unerzio to Chialvetta, following the ancient connecting trail through the hamlets of Viviere and Pratorotondo.
From Chialvetta (1,500 m) to Rifugio Campo Base (1,650 m)
Elevation gain: 850 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Ciarbonet, 2,205 m
From Chialvetta, ascend the Vallone dell’Unerzio following the beautiful trail through the hamlets. Above Viviere, reach the old military road, leaving it outside the first switchback to continue on the dirt road, also built by the army, that leads to Colle Ciarbonet.
Descend through the larch forest on the opposite slope, on a pleasant and relaxing descent that reaches the Sorgenti del Maira. From here, following the yellow marks of the Percorsi Occitani, return to Campo Base with stunning views of Rocca Provenzale.
THE STAGES OF THE PICCOLO TOUR
From Campo Base (1,650 m) to Fouillouse (1,880 m)
Elevation gain: 1,220 m
Maximum altitude: Colle di Nubiera, 2,865 m
From Campo Base, reach the base of the Stroppia Waterfalls and climb the rocky barrier of the falls, on a trail that is at times exposed, but never difficult, to Bivacco Stroppia and Lago Niera, at the lower edge of the grand hanging valley.
Continue on the main trail – yellow and blue marks of the “Dino Icardi” – leaving it at around 2,500 m to turn left toward Colle di Nubiera. After the pass, descend into French territory, quickly reaching the trail that descends from Col du Vallonet into the Vallone de Plate Lombarde, leading comfortably to Fouillouse.
From Fouillouse (1,880 m) to Campo Base (1,650 m)
Elevation gain: 1,050 m
Maximum altitude: Col de la Portiolette, 2,692 m
From Fouillouse, ascend the Vallone de Plate Lombarde on the right-hand trail (the fork is near the Maginot fortifications encountered along the climb), reaching with a fairly gentle ascent Col du Vallonet. Upstream of Lac du Vallonet Inférieur, leave the trail that descends to Saint-Ours and take the path to the right, which climbs again to Col de la Portiolette, set between Sautron and La Meyna.
After the pass, descend to meet the trail from Colle Sautron, turning left uphill to reach the pass (2,687 m). Now descend into Valle Maira, in the wide Vallone della Pausa. Upon reaching the military road in view of Lago di Saretto, take the visible trail that, with tight switchbacks, descends directly to Chiappera, from where it is a short walk to the Rifugio.
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.