Routes

Hiking

Itineraries with a stopover at the hut

• “Great Crossing of Alps” (GTA – official website): a long-distance hiking trail covering over 1,000 km across the Western Alps, from the Antrona Valley (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola) to the Tanaro Valley (Cuneo).
• “Great Crossing of Mercantour” (GTM – official website): starting in the Upper Var Valley and descending to Menton, this route crosses the Italian-French border. The “Questa” Hut is located on Stage 10.
• “Via Alpina” (official website): a network of five international hiking trails spanning 8 countries, with 342 stages and over 5,000 km of routes ranging from 0 to 3,000 meters above sea level. The “Questa” Hut is part of Stage 141 on the Red Trail.

Crossings to other huts

• To Livio Bianco Hut (1910 m) – Tel. +39 0171 97328
  • Via Colle Est della Paur (2890 m): 700 m ascent, EE difficulty, approx. 6h30
  • Via Colle di Valmiana (2922 m): 800 m ascent, E difficulty, approx. 7h30.
• To Malinvern – Città di Ceva Hut (1839 m) – Tel. +39 0171 959605
  • Via Colletto di Valscura (2520 m): 250 m ascent, E difficulty, approx. 4h00.
• To Le Boréon (GTA Hostel) (1526 m, France) – Tel. +33 493 03 27 27
  • Via Passo del Prefouns (2620 m) and Colle di Saleses: 400 m ascent, E difficulty, approx. 4h30.
• To Remondino Hut (2430 m) – Tel. +39 0171 97327
  • Via Colletto di Valasco (2429 m), descending across Pian della Casa (1743 m) and past Regina Elena Hut (1800 m) – Tel. +39 0171 97559: 850 m ascent, E difficulty, approx. 5h30.
• To Bozano Hut (2453 m) – Tel. +39 0171 97351
  • Via Colletto di Valasco (2429 m) and Gias delle Mosche (1591 m): 1000 m ascent, E difficulty, approx. 6h00.

One-day tours from the Hut

• Circular hike to the Negre and Fremamorta Lakes
  A spectacular loop through the Valle del Prefouns and over the Passo del Prefouns (2620 m), descending into France to reach Lago Negre (2354 m). From there, the trail climbs to the Colle di Fremamorta (2615 m), passing the French Fremamorta Lakes, before descending back into Italy past the Italian Fremamorta Lakes and returning to the hut via the Colletto di Valasco (2429 m).
  Ascent: approx. 900 m | Difficulty: E | Duration: ~7h30.
• Circular hike to the Tavels and Valscura Lakes
  This scenic loop starts with a climb to the Portette Pass (2557 m) via a steep, rocky gully, then descends over scree slopes to the French Lac des Tavels (2235 m). The trail continues up to the Col Mercière (2342 m), then to the Bassa del Druos (2628 m), before descending into the Valscura Valley, passing several beautiful alpine lakes and closing the loop at the hut.
  Ascent: approx. 600 m | Difficulty: EE | Duration: ~5h00.

Trekking

Alta Via dei Re

The Alta Via dei Re (literally “High Route of the Kings”) is a challenging seven-stage trek that offers a complete immersion in the Maritime Alps Park. Most stages follow excellent, well-marked trails, though some sections are more demanding — such as the Colle di Brocan and the Passaggio dei Ghiacciai.

A spectacular variant of the Alta Via dei Re stays at higher elevation and adds more panoramic value. It leaves the official route shortly after the Colle di Valmiana (midway through Stage 2), then rejoins the main itinerary at the Colletto di Valasco (Stage 3), with an overnight stay at Rifugio Questa. This variant follows the route of the Alta Via Alpi Mare (see description below).

[Alta Via dei Re – full description (english version available)]

Alta Via Alpi Mare

The Alta Via Alpi Mare (literally “High Route of the Sea Alps”) is a long-distance trekking route divided into 16 stages, starting in Sant’Anna di Valdieri and ending in Menton, after crossing the Alps and four nature parks.

The first three stages offer a beautiful crossing from Sant’Anna di Valdieri to Terme di Valdieri, with overnight stays at Rifugio Livio Bianco and Rifugio Questa.

The return to Sant’Anna from Terme can be made by public transport or via an on-demand shuttle service.

[Alta Via Alpi Mare – full description (english version available)]

Mountaineering

Closer peaks

• Testa Sud di Bresses (2820 m) – via Passo del Prefouns, approx. 3h
  Little more than a walk, this ascent offers a splendid view of the Argentera massif.
• Testa di Tablasses (2851 m) – via Passo del Prefouns, approx. 3h
  An easy climb, with the final stretch over scree.
• Testa Margiola (2831 m) – via Colle della Margiola, approx. 3h
  A route over rocky scree and an easy ridge to the summit.
• Testa delle Portette (2821 m) – via Portette Pass, return possible via Colle della Margiola, approx. 2h30–3h
  A varied route across rocks and ridges.
• Testa del Claus (2889 m) – via Bassa della Lausa, approx. 4h
  Mostly on a well-defined path, with the final section on loose scree — walk carefully.
• Cima di Tavels (2804 m) – via Bassa della Lausa, approx. 3h30
  A pleasant and scenic hike along an old military trail.
• Testa Malinvern (2939 m) – via Bassa del Druos, approx. 3h30
  A panoramic peak offering sweeping views of the Alps and the Dauphiné. The route follows well-built WWII-era military paths past ruins of barracks and bunkers. At around 2600 m, a grassy gully (easy) leads to a rocky terrace that takes you to the summit.

Climbs on classic routes

You’re spoilt for choice — this is one of the historic climbing areas of the Maritime Alps. While some faces require longer approaches (from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours), they often lie in wilder, more secluded zones, far from the crowds. Descent routes are generally straightforward.

Below are a few selected climbs, but consult the bibliography for a full list. These routes require pitons, nuts, and friends, as protection is partial and must be carefully evaluated.

• Testa di Tablasses (2855 m) – Calcagno-Gogna Route, 500 m, TD
  Follows the NW ridge to the right of the gully leading to the south summit. A beautiful climb opened in 1965, with sustained difficulty on the first two towers, easing off in the upper section.
  Approach: ~40 min from the hut.
  Descent: Easy, via the south scree slope.
• Aiguilles du Lac Nègre – East–West Traverse, 400 m, D inf
  From Passo del Prefouns to Cima Prefouns, along a line of towers and the final east ridge. First ascended in 1948 by Livio Bianco, Campia, and Ellena. Wild, atmospheric terrain and a spectacular, satisfying ridge climb.
  Approach: ~1h20 from the hut.
  Descent: North face into Valle Margiola, either from the pass or by following one of the ridges. Belay recommended for a 20 m rappel from the summit to the shoulder.
• Cresta Savoia – North–South Traverse, 250 m, AD
  An enjoyable granite ridge with some loose rock on easier sections.
  Approach: ~30 min from the hut.
  Descent: Easy, via rocky ledges or short rappel. Several exit points along the ridge in case of bad weather.
  First climbed in 1924 by Frisoni and Zapparoli Manzoni.
• Cresta Savoia – Punta Maria (2790 m) – Guderzo–Pettinati Route, 250 m, TD
  A fine route on the east face, following a line of cracks and yellow corners.
  Approach: ~1h30 from the hut.
  Descent: Via the west face, down easy ledges from a notch in the ridge.
  First climbed in 1954.
• Cayre de Prefouns (2835 m) – Central Route, 250 m, TD
  A classic granite climb on the south face, opened in 1958 by Cravoisier, Demenge, and Dufranc. Continuous in the central section. The easier initial stretch can be bypassed by starting from the prominent ledge cutting across the face.
  Approach: ~1h30 via Colle della Margiola or direct ridge route to the scree basin.
• Cima Giegn (2888 m) – Gran Diedro Route, 300 m, D
  A remote and stunning west face climb, noted for excellent rock and continuity. First ascended in 1934 by the Vernets and Charignon.
  Approach: ~2h via Colle della Margiola and Brèche du Giegn.
  Descent: Eastward via short ledges leading quickly back to the brèche.
• Testa delle Portette (2823 m) – North–South Traverse, 220 m, D-
  A rewarding ridge route.
  Approach: ~4h via Bassa della Lausa. Final stretch over loose scree – caution advised.
• Testa del Claus (2889 m) – East Ridge, 500 m, AD-
  First climbed in 1925 by Sabbadini and Stagno. The route begins just behind the hut with a brief scree approach. Not particularly technical, but highly rewarding for its views and setting. Includes some third-class sections near the summit.
  Descent: Northward to Bassa della Lausa, then follow the marked trail.

REMARKS: Ensure proper gear and conditions before attempting. / A helmet is recommended on all routes due to loose rock in some areas.

Modern climbing

There are few partially or fully bolted routes with fixed anchors and belay chains in the area, but some sectors offer excellent sport and semi-sport climbing opportunities.

The Valasco slabs are particularly interesting, with routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. There are also a few equipped routes on Testa di Tablasses and Cima Giegn, including climbs graded around 6a–6b.

On the west face of Testa del Claus, you’ll find longer routes of 300–400 meters, starting from grade 6b and up. A notable line is Paolo Cavallo’s route on the southeast face of Claus, graded 5+ to 6a, offering an excellent mix of technical climbing and scenic exposure.

Questa Hut training walls

Several cliffs around the hut offer single-pitch climbs ranging from 30 to 50 meters, equipped with bolts and chains at the belay stations.

There are around fifteen routes in total, with grades starting from UIAA IV near the lake, 4+ to 6a/b on the walls at the base of the Margiola Valley, and 6a–6b on the faces overlooking the Prefouns Valley.

Detailed route information and topos are available at the hut.

Winter Snow gullies

• Testa di Tablasses (2851 m) – North-West Gully
  Ascent: 600 m | Difficulty: F | Approach: ~1 hour from the hut
  A wide, satisfying gully climb, best tackled early in the season while snow coverage is still abundant.
• Cayre de Prefouns (2840 m) – North-West Gully
  Ascent: 200 m | Difficulty: PD | Approach: ~1 hour from the hut
  A shorter and less engaging line compared to the Tablasses gully, but still suitable for early-season outings.

Ski mountaineering

Due to the steep terrain of the Gesso Valley, logistical challenges, and limited winter road management, ski mountaineering in this area is typically feasible only later in the season, with the exact window varying from year to year.

Access to Valasco is often restricted: vehicles usually cannot go beyond Terme di Valdieri, as the road is either blocked by avalanches or officially closed. In winter, the road is closed further down at the hamlet of Tetti Gaina, making these outings best suited for spring conditions.

At times, it is advisable to walk up the road to Valasco in light footwear (e.g. trail shoes or trainers) if the road is snow-free, and then begin ski touring from the snow-covered upper valleys on the other side.

Despite these limitations, the area offers several highly rewarding ski tours in a stunning natural setting, all starting from Terme di Valdieri. A selection of recommended routes is listed below.

• Bresses South Peak (2820 m)
  Ascent: 1642 m | Difficulty: BS (Good Skiers)
  A rewarding tour that can be approached via the Fremamorta Lakes and the Colletto di Bresses.
  Descent options include returning via the Tablasses Valley or the Prefouns Valley, depending on snow and avalanche conditions.
• Tablasses (2851 m)
  Ascent: 1483 m | Difficulty: BS (Good Skiers)
  The ascent follows Val Morta to the Tablasses Pass, or alternatively, the north-west gully, which can also be used for the descent.
  The gully reaches inclines of up to 40°, offering a more technical and direct line for experienced skiers.
• Testa Margiola (2831 m)
  Ascent: 1463 m | Difficulty: BS (Good Skiers)
  The route ascends the valley leading from Rifugio Questa to the Margiola Pass, then continues along the ridge to the summit.
  A scenic and satisfying tour with a classic alpine feel.
• Testa Malinvern (2939 m)
  Ascent: 1571 m | Difficulty: BSA (Good Skiers – Alpinist Level)
  As with the Testa Margiola tour, this route can be done as a two-day excursion with an overnight stay at Rifugio Questa.
  A more alpine and committing outing, ideal in stable spring conditions.

The hut serves as a base for the Traversata delle Marittime and the Giro dell’Argentera, both of which have several known variants. We can provide detailed information based on your needs and the season.

Bibliography and maps

Bibliography

• A. Parodi, R. Pockaj, A. Costa, Sentieri e meraviglie delle Alpi Marittime, Parodi Editore, Cogoleto, 2010.
• AA.VV., La guida del Parco Alpi Marittime, Blu Edizioni, Peveragno 2000.
• E. Montagna, L. Montaldo, F. Salesi, Alpi Marittime, Volume II, CAI-TCI, Milano 1990.
• A. Gogna, La Valle Gesso, Tamari Editori, Bologna 1975.
• A. Gogna, G.Pastine, Zona del Préfouns, Alpi Marittime, Tamari Editori, Bologna 1974.
• Michel Dufranc, Massif de l’Argentera, CAF Alpes-Maritimes, Nice 1970.

Maps

• Fraternali editore, carta 1:25.000, n.15 Valle Gesso Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime.
• Blu edizioni, carta 1:25.000, n.1 Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime.
• Alpi senza Frontiere (IGN, IGM, CAI, CAF), carta 1:25.000, n.5 Mercantour – Valle Gesso.
• IGN, carte topographique 1:25.000, n.3741OT Vallée de la Vesubie / Pn du Mercantour
• IGC, carta 1:25.000, n.113 Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime, Entracque, Valdieri, Mercantour, Gelas.
• IGC, carta 1:50.000, n.8 Alpi Marittime e Liguri.
• Didier et Richard, carte 1:50.000, Haut Pays Nicois.