Toesca Refuge, from City

Access

On reaching the exit of the Val di Susa highway, at Borgone, turn left and after a few kilometres, turn left again in the direction of San Giorio. When you reach the village of San Giorio, turn right at the main crossroads following the signs for Borg. Balma, Fraz. Pognant, Fraz. Città, Fraz. Adret, after about ten kilometres, just before the built-up area of Città, turn right and follow the signs for Travers a mont and the Toesca refuge, one kilometre from the crossroads the road ends in a convenient lay-by where you can leave your car, 1285 m.

Introduction

Interesting route within the Orsiera Rocciavré Nature Park. The ascent to the Toesca Refuge is accompanied by a number of didactic panels that provide in-depth knowledge of the animal world present in this protected area.

Description

Leaving the car behind, we proceed to the right, taking the path indicating the Toesca refuge (1h 30'); we begin to descend the path, bordered by a beautiful dry stone wall, and soon reach the first lake, Paradiso delle Rane (1265 m). The descent continues, passing an equipped area located near the second Frogs' Paradise Lake (1252 m). Here begins the first stretch of ascent through dense woodland; after a few minutes you join the Sentiero dei Franchi (1290 m, 0h10'), turning right. Proceed along the wide, level path, passing a beautiful grassy clearing and reaching the Basin mountain pasture (1338 m, 0h30'). Leave the mountain pasture and continue slightly uphill through the cool woodland, turning southwards: pass another small clearing and finally reach the Amprimo Refuge (1371 m, 0h45') in Rio Secco.
A little after the refuge, you will find a signpost indicating to turn left and start climbing up Rio Gerardo, immediately encountering the didactic panels of the "Sentiero faunistico del Parco Orsiera Rocciavrè" (Orsiera Rocciavrè Park Fauna Trail). The wood is now entirely of conifers and after crossing it you reach a wide plateau in the centre of which is located the Balmetta Inferiore alpine pasture (1515 m, 1h10'): from here you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Rocciamelone, Grand'Uja and Punta Lunella. Having passed the alpine pastures, now continue slightly uphill along the pastures, passing the crossroads for Monte Cormetto and the Vallone di Gravio (not to be missed), until you reach a stretch of woodland again: the hut is now close by. Go past a small ford and up a larch wood, finally reaching the Toesca hut (1710 m, 1h 30').