The mountain hut, owned by C.A.I. – Turin Branch, is situated in a magnificent natural hollow, surrounded by some of the most beautiful summits of the Lanzo Valleys, and benefits of a breathtaking panorama.
The Rifugio is opened continuously from June to September and offers daily bar and restaurant service.
The neighboring Vecchio Rifugio is the separate branch of Museo della Montagna di Torino. It bears proof of the Lanzo Valleys and Gastaldi’s mountaineering history through rare photos and vintage finds.
Indications
Suggested period
June 15th – September 15th
Starting point
Pian della Mussa
Recommended for
- Mountaineers
- Hikers
- Skilled hikers
Access
Follow the county road SP1 past the Balme village to the Pian della Mussa’s end (about 6 km). Park the car in proximity of Rifugio Gastaldi trail’s starting point (at the foot of Rifugio Città di Ciriè).
Itinerary
Take the dirt road to the left, cross the Stura stream on a wooden bridge, flank Alpe Venoni, a characteristic “bergeria” (shepherds’ shelter) protected by an odd boulder dominating it.
The trail (EPT222) proceeds along the lower Canale delle Capre and soon enough turns left. Through many hairpin turns it quickly gains altitude. At about 2100 meters of altitude you will reach Pian dei Morti, a wide grassy pass from where the view broadens to the whole Pian della Mussa and the remaining itinerary.
Leave to your right EPT223 trail to Pian Gias and, at first diagonally and later through wide hairpin turns, reach the base of a small rocky wall where an area is equipped for climbing.
The trail avoids it and, moving to the right, overtakes some easy rocky steps equipped with rope handrails and continues, through some hairpin turns along the small valley edge. Reaching a small pass from which it is already possible to see the mountain hut, walk through the last flat stretch that will take you, in a few minutes, to your destination located in a breathtaking position with view on the wide Crot del Ciaussinè hollow and in front of the surrounding summits.
