Overview
Hike reaching the highest of the three peaks of Monte Civrari. The effort of the ascent is rewarded by the spectacular 360-degree view over the mountains of Val di Viù and upper Val d'Ala, the peaks of Val Susa and, on the clearest days, beyond to Monviso, as well as over the Turin plain and the morainic amphitheatre of Rivoli-Avigliana.
Starting point
DirectionsFrom the hamlet of Niquidetto, the village of painted stone slabs, take the path that starts to the right of the church façade and climbs steeply toward the woods.
The route continues gently through a beech wood until reaching the junction for Alpeggio Frestè. From here the itinerary continues curving left; continue on level ground through the woods until encountering a scree field, which is crossed by a traverse.
Then climb over small rocks, crossing the slopes of the Civrari Massif, until reaching a small promontory, from which a wide grassy basin opens up. Continue on level ground encountering on the left the small Laghetto del Civrari (1956 m).
Shortly beyond the lake, heading south, the path curves right gaining elevation rapidly over scree, passing the Imperatoria spring, until reaching just below the Civrari ridge. With a final steep section traversing the slope, reach the large cairn with the cross (2302 m).
The descent can follow the ascent route, or by making a small loop continuing along the grassy Civrari ridge, heading south, thus reaching Colletto del Civrari (2169 m). From the pass take the descending path on the left which, along a faint grassy track, rejoins the outward path near the lake.
Curiosities
The village of Niquidetto, an open-air art gallery
Throughout the streets and courtyards of the village numerous works of art are displayed on stone slabs, the typical stones that characterize the roofs of mountain houses. The paintings tell of peasant life, local flora and fauna, also exploring contemporary themes related to society and human existence.
