Coda Refuge

This route, with its upper section forming a loop, is particularly scenic and partially follows the route of the Tor des Géants.
During the summer afternoons, clouds often arrive from the Biellese side.
The environment is rugged, with some steep sections, but overall it is a very enjoyable hike.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin.
At the second roundabout, turn left in the direction of Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred meters before turning right onto the Lys Valley road, which you follow all the way to Fontainemore.
Pass through the town center and continue for less than two kilometres, then, on the right, follow the signs for Coumarial. Continue along this road until it ends at the large car park.

At the beginning of the car park, on the right, a trail climbs through a beautiful beech forest.
The path crosses a rural track and, after the next wooded section, emerges into the wide Vercosa clearing. From here, follow a mostly flat route to the left until you reach a rural road, which you follow for a few hundred meters before finding the trail to Coda Refuge on the right.
The trail descends slightly to cross a stream, then climbs more steeply up the valley. You will pass a charming section of stepped mule track before reaching a junction. The trail that ascends here is for the return; for now, cross the small bridge and climb the opposite slope.
After the steep section, the path levels out and traverses to the right through small clearings and rocky areas until reaching Alpe Carisé.
From this point, climb left into a small valley to join the Tor des Géants route coming from Lillianes. This leads to Col Carisé, where expansive views over the plain unfold. Continue left along the ridge, following the Alta Via no. 1, until reaching Coda Refuge.
From the hut, the trail descends slightly along the Biellese slope before ascending again to Colle Sella. The first descent is very steep and should be tackled with care. Pass to the right of Lake Goudin, then turn sharply left with a short ascent.
Cross the terrain before beginning the steep descent that leads into the Serrafredda basin. Without reaching the alpine pasture, descend left to the small bridge, and from there, retrace the morning route back to the car.