Venture into the Maritime Alps Natural Park, a hidden treasure of southern Piedmont bordering France and the Mercantour National Park. This 3-day medium-level trek unfolds across rugged granite peaks, serene lakes, and vast meadows, offering one of the most authentic wilderness experiences in Italy. Though lower in altitude than northern Alpine regions, the area’s Argentera Peak (3200 m) dominates a landscape of towering cliffs and sparkling alpine waters. The route includes overnights in two charming mountain refuges — Rifugio Questa and Rifugio Elena — surrounded by silence and starry skies. Wildlife thrives here: chamois, marmots, ibex, and even wolves may cross your path. After your trek, unwind at the Thermal Spa of Valdieri or visit Entracque’s Wolf Centre. This off-the-beaten-path adventure perfectly blends Alpine solitude, scenic grandeur, and Mediterranean charm.
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Tour highlights



Route details
Start from Valasco Valley, surrounded by forests and rocky peaks, and ascend toward Rifugio Questa. The climb rewards you with expansive views of turquoise alpine lakes and the rugged beauty of the Maritime Alps. Spend the night in a warm, scenic mountain hut nestled above the treeline.


Difficulty 3/5 (medium)
Accommodation
The Unguarded Hut is the more suggestive option. It is like a small one room house in the middle of the mountains, usually at more than 2500 meters(8000 feets). Moreover is the cheapes one so if you are alone in planning the hike or you want to limit the costs this will be the best options. Most of the experienced trekkers coming with me or the young guys at the first experience choose this option. Also for children can be a very nice option for a single night. Sleeping in an unguarded hut is a bit like doing a comfortable camping but with the big advantage that all the unguarded hut(bivacco in Italian) have beds, blankets and pillows. Usually they have also a table where to sit, pllay card and eat.
In the unguarded hut there is no toilet, no shower and we’ll need to carry a sleeping bag. The food is usually cooked by me but you’ll need to help me to carry as nothing is sold up there.
There are different kind of Unguarded hut and actually depending on the season not every hut is reachable. Between November and April most of the huts are fully covered by snow.
Tickets to group meeting place
Weather during the tour
- the forecasts for this season
- the statistics from previous years’ trips
Conditions
- Hiking Guide
- Trasportation from Torino till the Mountain area and back (free service)
- Overnight staying (directly to the shelter)
- One meal per day (home made dinner at unguarded huts)
- Suggestions for the organization of your trip (free service)
- Other Meals
- Air ticket till Torino
Difficulty and duration of the hike can be changed and accomodation in bed and breakfast or hotel can be arranged.
It's important to know
- Backpack (30-50 liters) – Rent Possible
- Hiking Boots – Rent Possible
- Light Sleeping bag – Rent Possible
- 1 t-shirt per day
- 1 fleece
- 1 jacket against cold
- 1 jacket against rain
- 2 extra socks
- 1 comfortable trouser
- 1 shorts
- 1 water bottle
- Hat and gloves
- Suncream
- Sun glasses
- Spirit of Adventure!
Reviews
Dates and Prices
- Any dates on request during the season1 Mar – 1 Oct















