Monviso

Introduction

At 3841 metres, Monviso is the highest peak in the Cottian Alps and one of the most emblematic mountains in the entire Alpine range. Located in Piedmont, near the border with France, in the municipality of Crissolo (Po Valley), Monviso towers over the landscape with its characteristic pyramid shape and stands out as a landmark for those travelling in the Po Valley, being visible from great distances, even as far as the spires of Milan Cathedral on clear days. The toponym derives from the Latin 'Mons Vesulus', meaning 'clearly visible mountain', precisely to emphasise its dominant geographical presence.

Description

The earliest documented habitation of the area dates back to the Iron Age, while in recent times Monviso has become a place of international interest due to the presence of the source of the Po, Italy's longest river, at its foot near Pian del Re. The natural environment is rich in different habitats, including alpine pastures, rocky ledges and glacial basins, and is home to unique ecosystems protected by the Monviso Natural Park and the transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The flora includes some of the most extensive cembranes in Europe (the Alevè forest), and the fauna includes species such as the bearded vulture, Lanza salamander (endemic), ibex, chamois and wolf. The severe high-altitude climatic conditions, with abrupt weather variations and the presence of snow for much of the year, strongly influence hiking and mountaineering, concentrating summer ascents between July and September.
Monviso has a remarkable mountaineering history. The first documented ascent was made on 30 August 1861 by the Englishmen William Mathews and Frederick Jacomb with the guides Jean-Baptiste and Michel Croz, via the Varaita Valley. The first entirely Italian ascent took place two years later, on 12 August 1863, by Quintino Sella, who conceived the foundation of the Italian Alpine Club on this very peak. Other historical milestones: the first woman on the summit was Alessandra Boarelli in 1864, while the first winter ascent was made in 1878 by Leopoldo Barale with the guides Castagneri and Bogiatto. Subsequent exploits include ascents by Achille Ratti (the future Pope Pius XI), the second winter ascent by the Duke of the Abruzzi and numerous new route openings between the end of the 19th and 20th centuries, up to the steep skiing exploits of recent decades and the ascent records set in the 21st century. The summit also has two peaks, Nice and Trieste, symbolising the cities at the extremes of the Alpine arc.
The main ascent routes include the 'normal route', which climbs the south face from Pian del Re, passing through the Quintino Sella refuge (2,640m) and the Andreotti bivouac (3,225m). The itinerary is classified PD in terms of mountaineering difficulties (II/III passages on rock) and, in the absence of snow, does not necessarily require crampons or an ice axe, but is still reserved for experienced hikers. Alternatively, access is possible from the Varaita Valley. Other historic routes climb the east face (inaugurated in 1902) and the north face, which are of a higher technical level and are only frequented by established mountaineers. The mountain is also a destination for circumnavigating treks known as the 'Giro del Monviso', in 3-5 days, which allow you to discover the entire massif and its supporting refuges: Quintino Sella Refuge (2640 m), Vallanta Refuge (2450 m), Alpetto Refuge (2261 m), Andreotti Bivouac (3225 m), Pian del Re Refuge (2020 m), Refuge du Viso (2460 m, French side). Monviso also boasts numerous popular legends and a rich symbolic imagery linked to Piedmontese and Occitan identity, celebrated in literature and art. The mountain is also celebrated for its hydrographic and historical importance, having constituted a reference point for transalpine peoples and a border between cultures in past eras.

Information

Highlight: 3841m
Alternative name: Vizʊl
Mountain group:Monviso
First ascent: 30/08/1861
First ascenders: William Mathews, Frederick Jacomb, Jean-Baptiste Croz and Michel Croz
First winter ascent: 22/01/1878
 First winter climbers: Leopoldo Barale, Giuseppe Castagneri, Antonio Castagneri, Antonio Bogiatto

 Description

 Supports

•  Rifugio Quintino Sella al Monviso
•  Rifugio Vallanta
•  Rifugio Giacoletti
•  Refuge du Viso
•  Bivacco Forciolline
•  Bivacco Andreotti