Coda Refuge – Barma Refuge

This is a moderate stage that allows you to explore the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, although the terrain can be steep and rocky in places.
The valley leading to Col della Barma, which hosts the Oropa procession every five years, is dotted with several beautiful lakes.
After Alpe Deré du Crest, as an alternative to the Alta Via route descending to Lago Vargno, you can also take the new trail to Rifugio Barma, which rejoins the official path just before Alpe Lé Lounc.

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.

From the refuge, the trail gently descends on the Biellese side before climbing up to Colle Sella. The initial descent is quite steep and must be tackled with care. Pass Lago Goudin on the right, then turn sharply left with a short ascent.
Continue across the slope before beginning the steep descent into the Alpe Serrafredda basin. Pass to the right of the alpine pasture, then climb two hairpin bends to reach a wooded ridge. From here, a long descending traverse leads to Alpe Goillas.
Follow the rural road on level ground until above Alpe Leretta, where the trail climbs again to the right. The path continues with gentle ups and downs until reaching Alpe del Crest, then crosses the ridge into the valley leading to Col della Barma.
Descend briefly, but at the junction, do not take the new trail to Rifugio Barma on the right. Instead, descend left through the forest until reaching Lago Vargno. Follow the left side of the lake along the dam, then climb back onto the rural road. At the next junction, turn left for a few dozen meters, then take the right-hand mule track of the Oropa procession.
Ascend the wide clearing, then veer right to cross a characteristic rocky slope, where you can see the impressive work done to construct the mule track, arriving at the baita del Lé Lounc. Continue on level ground before climbing a steep gully to reach a small pass, where Lago Barmetta and Rifugio Barma are visible. The refuge is reached after a short descent followed by a final ascent.