4.9
(164)
1,051
hikers
Climb to Rifugio Vittorio Sella from Cogne
05:37
11.1km
910m
Hiking
Embark on a difficult hike to Rifugio Vittorio Sella from Cogne, a journey of 6.9 miles (11.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2994 feet (913 metres), typically taking 5 hours and 37 minutes. Starting from Valnontey, you will first wind through a beautiful pine forest, following old royal hunting trails on a mule track with wide hairpins. As you climb, the path transitions to high-altitude meadows, offering views of rocky sections, streams, and impressive waterfalls like the Grand Loson Waterfall. The route provides spectacular vistas of snowy peaks, particularly the Valnontey glaciers, and the surrounding majestic mountains. You might also spot abandoned stone houses and an alpine lake as you ascend towards the Alpe Lauson basin where the hut sits.
This difficult hike demands good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy hiking shoes due to its continuous and constant slope. Alpine experience is also recommended for this excursionist trail. The journey begins from Valnontey, often near the Paradisia Alpine Garden, which serves as the primary access point. While not overly technical, the significant elevation gain requires preparation.
The trail is particularly famous for the abundant wildlife within Gran Paradiso National Park; you might frequently spot ibex, chamois, marmots, and even golden eagles. The Rifugio Vittorio Sella itself has historical significance, originally built in the 1860s as a royal hunting lodge for King Vittorio Emanuele II before becoming a public alpine hut. This route is one of the most frequented excursions in the Cogne valley, serving as a vital base for exploring the park and a key stop on multi-day treks like the Alta Via della Valle d'Aosta n. 2.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.13 km
Grand Loson Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.60 km
Pascieux: abandoned hamlet
Highlight • Settlement
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Tip by
5.44 km
Vittorio Sella Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
In the summer of 1850, the young Vittorio Emanuele II explored the Champorcher valley and developed a passion for hunting during an expedition to Cogne. Since then, the king promoted the creation of hunting trails and hunting lodges around the Gran Paradiso. The hunting tradition continued with Umberto I and Vittorio Emanuele III, but subsequently the park became a nature reserve and the Lauson alpine refuge was dedicated to Vittorio Sella, famous photographer, mountaineer and explorer from Biella, in 1922.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.2 km
480 m
304 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
10.3 km
404 m
196 m
164 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,570 m)
Lowest point (1,660 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 13 May
6°C
-2°C
66 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
The ibex hike through the Gran Paradiso Natural Park to Pascieux and Gran Lauson is an unforgettable experience, in a very beautiful natural paradise. The route offers breathtaking views of the Alpine region and, with a bit of luck, the opportunity to observe ibex, chamois and golden eagles/bearded vultures in their natural habitat. The starting point of the hike was in the heart of the Gran Paradiso Natural Park, one of the oldest national parks in Europe. From here the route led through the impressive landscape of mountains, valleys and forests. The path was well marked and had a steady climb (830 meters in altitude) that rewarded with impressive landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In Pascieux, a long-abandoned settlement awaited us at the foot of the mountains. The further steep climb to Gran Lauson was worth it because we saw a large number of chamois on the lower slopes. I suspect there wasn't an ibex there, unfortunately. But I can only determine this at home when I evaluate the images from the camera. A pair of bearded vultures drew attention with their unmistakable call as they circled close to the rock walls and looked for prey. After a while of wildlife watching we left Gran Lauson. Past an inhabited house that was guarded by two powerful, “chained” livestock guard dogs, we walked at a distance from the building, the same way back to our starting point. We rejected the return route I had originally planned in favor of my wife, as the alpine path down the valley would have been too difficult. This ibex tour through the Gran Paradiso Natural Park to Pascieux and Gran Lauson was an unforgettable experience that thrilled us. With the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to observe chamois and bearded vultures in their natural habitat, this route offered us a sustainable experience.