Return trip to the Vittorio Sella Refuge from Valnontey

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A fairly popular hike that takes you close to the foothills of Gran Paradiso. You might spot some ibex if you’re lucky!

Details

n°10545673
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.91 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 941 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 941 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,584 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,659 m
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Photos

Waterfall
Chamois on the path on the way down
From the Vittorio refuge
Views of Gran Paradiso

Description of the walk

Park in the car park on Rue du Grand Paradis in Valnontey.

(S/E) From the car park, follow Rue du Grand Paradis, cross the wooden bridge and turn left. Signs point to the V Sella refuge (number 18)

(1) The path is well signposted. The estimated time to reach the refuge is 2 hours 30 minutes. Take the dirt track that runs alongside the alpine garden and then winds its way up through a wooded area. You will come to a bridge.

(2) Continue straight on after the bridge, leave the woodland and arrive at the hamlet of Toules.

(3) Cross the hamlet and continue along the path, passing in front of the two ruined houses. The path then climbs through a wooded section.

(4) Cross a stream via a small bridge and continue the climb.

(5) Turn left here.

(6) The old path is closed due to erosion. Turn right and follow the markings for number 18. Continue along the path to the Vittorio Sella Refuge.

(7) From the refuge, take the same route back down to Valnontey (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,659 m - Car park on the edge of Rue du Grand Paradis
  2. 1 : km 0.32 - alt. 1,678 m - Signs
  3. 2 : km 1.84 - alt. 1,977 m - Bridge
  4. 3 : km 2.07 - alt. 2,007 m - Toules
  5. 4 : km 3.26 - alt. 2,273 m - Bridge
  6. 5 : km 3.47 - alt. 2,341 m - Turn left
  7. 6 : km 3.74 - alt. 2,382 m - Path number 18
  8. 7 : km 4.96 - alt. 2,584 m - Refugio Vittorio Sella - Refuge Vittorio Sella
  9. S/E : km 9.91 - alt. 1,659 m - Car park on the edge of Rue du Grand Paradis

Notes

Water and toilets at the refuge.
The path is an old mule track: it is wide and presents no technical difficulties.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
yoguini
yoguini

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant route with waterfalls on the way up. The path is enjoyable despite the steep slope, and there are also two fountains along the way.
You can continue to Lake Lauson after the Sella refuge. There are lots of chamois there and it's not far away.
Be careful because the bridges were washed away during the heavy floods in December 2024, so it is not possible to make a loop via Alpe Money. Make a return trip as indicated.
There is no more confusion with the farm as there are now very clear signs.
great hike, thank you.

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Fontenotte
Fontenotte

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's hard to get lost as the path is in very good condition and easy to follow! Still, it's a huge relief when you arrive at the refuge.

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Pascale73
Pascale73

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A long and fairly difficult hike where you are unlikely to see any animals. The arrival point at the refuge is unclear (confusion with a farm below).

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muse_88_
muse_88_

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
There is a charge for parking: 4 euros per day.
The hike is lovely, but we have the same view of the Grand Paradis from start to finish; I would have preferred to see other slopes higher up once we reached the refuge.
There are plenty of chamois on the trail.
Not too difficult, fairly steady climb.
At this time of year, the refuge is not open.

Machine-translated

muse_88_
muse_88_

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
There is a charge for parking: 4 euros per day.
The hike is lovely, but we have the same view of the Grand Paradis from start to finish; I would have preferred to see other slopes higher up once we reached the refuge.
There are plenty of chamois on the trail.
Not too difficult, with a fairly steady climb.

Machine-translated

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