Punta Rossa della Grivola
Description
The tour starts in Cogne in the Aosta Valley. Framed by the mighty three-thousand-meter peaks, the route begins in the direction of Valnontey. The small, idyllic village with its impressive rock formations in the background is the next striking point before the actual uphill to the summit begins. At the beginning, you can still ride a few sections on a serpentine path before you have to push or carry your mountain bike for the most part.
Past the Rifugio Vittorio Sella, the ascent continues in a similar way up to the Colle della Rossa. Here you have already passed the 3000 meter mark above sea level and are in high alpine terrain. From there to the summit, there are some difficult passages to overcome before you finally reach 3630 meters above sea level. In good weather and with clear visibility, the panorama is breathtaking with countless striking peaks all around.
The descent from the summit is initially very challenging up to an altitude of around 3,500 meters above sea level and requires maximum concentration. A fall or uncontrolled descent would be risky in this terrain. The route then descends in difficulty levels S2 to S3 to Colle della Rossa. From here, you can alternatively descend via the Vallone di Vermiana and finally return to Cogne in the Aosta Valley, or you can choose the variant along the ascent route. This so-called "Direttissima" from Colle della Rossa also offers sections of difficulty S2 to S3, but is somewhat less technically demanding.
All in all, this is a very strenuous tour, which is mostly on trails and offers a distinct high alpine ambience. It should only be undertaken in stable weather conditions and includes a difficult summit ridge, but rewards you with one of the highest accessible three-thousand-metre peaks in the Alps.
Details of the tour
24 km
2030 m
2030 m
1488 above sea level
3546 above sea level
1 day
Cogne
Cogne
3600
not suitable
More information
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User comments (1)
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.
I also climbed Grivola this year. At 3630 m, it is one of the highest hiking mountains in the Alps. From Valnontey, you have to struggle for about 2000 m, carrying your gear and occasionally riding a little. After Colle della Rossa (3193 m), there is an unpleasant traverse through scree terrain, which can be avoided by a short descent. The last 50 to 100 meters of elevation gain to the summit are also scree fields, and even in summer/autumn, snow and/or ice on the north face can be a problem – don't forget! You also have to carry your bike downhill until you can start trail riding at around 3500 m. The descent through the Vallone di Vermiana is absolutely beautiful.
As Martin wrote: high alpine! Only in stable weather! Early start! Sure-footedness, experience, and fitness essential! For me, alongside the Grand Sassiere, the best tour in the Alps. There's a lot to write about – documentation -> https://strava.app.link/abiWsiE3zYb