Col de Larche – Rifugio della Gardetta

(S) From Rifugio della Pace, cross the road and head to the far end of the car park.
Look out for the path that climbs northwards into the Orrenaye valley. Follow the stream on your left, then, after crossing the Orrenaye, you’ll reach the junction with the path on the right bank.

(1) Walk at a leisurely pace to Lac de l’Orrenaye.

(2) Follow the path around the lake’s edge to reach the Col de Ruburent.

(3) Head down towards Lac de Ruburent on its western shore.

(4) Walk round the lake to reach the eastern shore, then continue northwards until you reach a junction with the Pas de la Scaletta path.

(5) Take the hairpin bends of the Pas de la Scaletta and pass the path leading up to the summit of the Scaletta to reach the pass.

(6) From the Pas de la Scaletta, heading east-southeast, begin the descent to the Passo de l’Escalon (2,415 m).

(7) Continue the descent, passing a path on the right that leads to Colletto Vittorio and Bivacco Due Valli. Continue down to a junction with another path leading to Bivacco Due Valli (signpost).

(8) The Gardetta valley is clearly visible opposite, running east then north-north-east; reach a cattle shed (Grange Calandra, 1,940 m) at the very bottom of the valley.

(9) Cross the stream and join the track, continuing to a junction after a sharp bend.
At the junction, take the path leading uphill to the east (signposted for the Rifugio della Gardetta). Continue to the Passo della Gardetta.

(10) From the Passo della Gardetta, the Rifugio is clearly visible. You can reach it quickly by following the few hairpin bends (E).

Accommodation:
Rifugio della Gardetta

• Lake Orrenaye.
• Ruburent Pass and Lake.
• Colle della Scaletta, Monte Scaletta.
• Gardetta Pass.
• Gardetta Mountain Hut.
• Rocca la Meja.