Highlights and tour details
From Rifugio Balma, follow path 415, which climbs towards Monte Robinet and up to the Fontana del Lupo, or Fountain of the Devil (2360 m), the last point for a safe water supply.
The path continues on a gentle slope, under the steep walls of the Robinet peak, until it enters a series of narrow hairpin bends that lead to Colletto del Robinet (2635 m).
From Colletto del Robinet, the itinerary of the Tour continues on path 341 that descends the valley on the Val Chisone side to the wide glacial terrace (seasonal spring in the ground) and tackles the rocky step below (EE section equipped with chains).
Halfway along the canal, after a water catchment from a stream, the path forks off: leave path 341 on the left, which descends to Prato del Colle, and continue on path 366, which descends further into the canal and then, to the right, crosses the valley basin of Vallone di Rouen on the flat.
After an ascent and a long stretch halfway across the slope, the path quickly descends to the crest of Costa di Glantin.
After leaving the crest, cross the Vallette valley and pass the two forks to the little village of Seleiraut and Colle di Prà Reale (2529 m). Carry on northwards, still on path 366, with a splendid view of the Val Chisone floor, the Val Germanasca ridge and Monviso in the background.
You then climb up slightly to Lago Laus (2274 m), where there is a surveillance hut and a bivouac open all year round. From here, descend along path 339A, which later merges with path 339, to Rifugio Selleries, in pastures that are also home to bergerie (sheep pens) where the renowned Plaisentif cheese is produced.
Attractions
A path begins in a southerly direction from Colletto del Robinet, which shortly leads to the summit of Monte Robinet, where there is a chapel and a bivouac; to the north, a path goes up the detrital slope and leads to the eastern peak of Monte Rocciavrè in 30 minutes.
Support points
Permanent bivouac at Lago Laus (2274 m)
Access
The Balma Refuge is reachable from Borgata Molè of Coazze on trail 415. Alternatively, from Forno di Coazze, it is possible to continue by car in the direction of Pian Neiretto and reach Cara ‘d Taiè (1179 m); take trail 415D which enters a birch and beech forest. Having arrived close to the Rio of Balma cross it, and reach the moraine on the hydrographic left, rejoining trail 415 coming from Molè.
Other information
Source: Ente di gestione delle aree protette delle Alpi Cozie (2018)
Itinerary code: GDO
Phone coverage:
Present but with points that are not covered
Recommended period: June, July, Auguat, September
Classification: Provincial with high mountain development
Provinces crossed: Torino
Departure, arrival and municipalities crossed
Stages
- Giro dell'Orsiera G.O. (55,96 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 1: Borgata Molè - Rifugio Balma (4,50 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 2: Rifugio Balma - Rifugio Selleries (9,16 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 3: Rifugio Selleries - Rifugio Toesca (6,71 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 4: Rifugio Toesca - Rifugio Amprimo (13,13 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 5: Rifugio Amprimo - Rifugio Geat Val Gravio (7,93 km)
- Giro dell’Orsiera G.O. Stage 6: Rifugio Geat Val Gravio - Borgata Molè (14,53 km)