Col Chaparelle

This is a little-frequented pass offering views over the Biellese area and providing a route down to the Vecchia Refuge.
The trail starts gently but becomes steeper in the second section as it climbs a steep valley.
In summer, clouds often arrive at the pass from the Biellese side, adding a dramatic touch to the scenery.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left following the signs for Gressoney.
The road climbs for a few hundred meters before turning right onto the Lys Valley road, passing through the municipalities of Lillianes, Fontainemore, and Issime.
Continue to the village of Gaby, where just before the bridge over the Niel stream, turn right onto the road leading to Niel.
Follow the stream, then cross it and ascend the mountainside via wide switchbacks up to Chanton.
The road narrows and continues all the way to the charming village of Niel, which marks the end of the drive.

Follow the path leading to La Gruba, continuing between the houses until you cross the stream.
Just after the stream, go up the beautiful mule track, which with a few switchbacks reaches the end of the pasture, then begins a stretch to the right through the larch forest.
Continue until you reach a small valley, where the mule track on the left begins and leads up to Col della Mologna Piccola.
The path is level for a short distance before starting the ascent through the larch forest to reach Alpe Pièna.
After a flat route, the trail climbs to the remains of Alpe Turia; shortly after, it crosses to the right and enters the steep, narrow valley.
The trail climbs steeply in switchbacks, overcoming this narrow section to reach a small basin. From this point, the pass is clearly visible, and the path ascends along the right side of the rocky valley until reaching it.
The descent follows the same route.