Monte Albergian

Access: From Briançon, cross the Col de Montgenèvre and, at Cesana Torinese, head towards Sestrière. Drive through the resort along the main road or Via Pinerolo towards Bergata Sestrière. Head down towards Pragelato and, at the end of the village, turn right onto Via Trieste towards the Pista Auto and the Mercato.
Park either in the Market Square car park on the left-hand side of the road, or at the edge of the forest after crossing the bridge.

(S/E) From the Market Square, cross the bridge over the Torrente Chisone and then take the path that climbs to the right of the information board. The path climbs up a steep, south-facing wooded slope before veering left and reaching a junction.

(1) Follow the path up to the left towards the north-east. After a steep climb, the gradient eases; the path, marked as a^GR®® with red-and-white paint markings, leads out into the pastures where it joins the lane leading to the sheepfold.

(2) Follow the lane to the right up to the Pré Damont sheepfold.

(3) At the crossroads of paths above the sheepfold, take the path on the right, following the red-and-white markings. Cross a lane that is not shown on the map. Head east, carefully following the red-and-white markings, then, after a switchback climb, reach the western ridge of the peak.

(4) Climb up the ridge, then follow a ledge on the left to go round a rocky outcrop. The markings wind their way through the boulders before reaching the right-hand flank of the summit bastion’s ridge. Climb towards the cross as the terrain suggests, pass through the small gap, then, with a few very easy climbing moves using your hands, reach the summit.

(5) Return in the opposite direction via the same route to the car park (S/E).

I have made a video commentary of the route, showing the key points along the way, as well as the panorama and the names of some of the peaks.

Map: Fraternali No. 2 Alta Valle Susa, Alta Val Chisone

The climb to the summit is very easy and requires no special skills.

The route is very well marked with red-and-white markings, which you simply need to follow to the summit. The route is therefore easy and even obvious.

However, due to the elevation gain and the steep gradients, this route requires a good level of fitness.

The summit plateau is large enough to accommodate a group of walkers.

A génépi-based liqueur is named after the summit and is produced in Pragelato.