Barma Refuge – La Gruba

This is a very demanding stage that requires good physical preparation due to the steepness of the terrain. The environment is wild and remote, and some sections of the trail are hard to see and slippery.
The route crosses three passes: Marmontana, Crenna dou Leui, and Vecchia. The Crenna dou Leui is a narrow notch reminiscent of Col Malatra, but instead of Mont Blanc, it offers views of Monte Rosa.
Col della Vecchia was historically used for the passage of goods. Just beyond the pass, on the rocky face, an interesting carving depicts two women meeting.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right toward Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left toward Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred meters before turning right onto the Valle del Lys road, which you follow all the way to Fontainemore. Pass through the village center and continue for less than two kilometres, where you will find signs on the right for Coumarial. Follow this road to its end at the large car park.
To reach Rifugio Barma, please refer to the corresponding itinerary.

From the refuge, return along the previous day’s route to the small pass, where you turn right and follow a long traverse, initially over a rocky slope, until reaching Colletto del Pino.
From here, descend across the basin to reach the rural road at Met Ros. Follow the road for a short distance, then climb a steep small valley to the right. After a flat section, continue until reaching the new huts of Pierre Blanche.
Cross the next basin and climb the slope to Col di Marmontana, from where a steep descent leads to Lago Chiaro. From the lake, continue descending the valley, then take the branch toward Alpe Mianda—be careful not to follow the trail descending to Issime.
Now begins a very steep ascent, including a short equipped section at the end, leading to the narrow notch of Crenna dou Leui, from which Monte Rosa can be admired. Descend a narrow gully, then cross and climb a small rise to Col della Vecchia, overlooking the Biellese region.
Here you will find a beautiful mule track crossing a steep rocky face. The names of the road builders are carved into the rock, followed by two striking female figures representing the two valleys. Continue on level ground, then descend to a small pass and enter a damp, often slippery small valley, which leads near Alpe Grignatz to a junction where you must turn right.
Reach a gully and climb a rocky step using a convenient metal ladder, then ascend to Alpe Temeley. The trail descends steeply to Kocia, then traverses right along the steep mountainside to a small bridge. Climb a short section, cross the main stream, and shortly after reach Dortoir La Gruba.