This is the most frequented excursion of the Cogne valley; in fact, it offers an amazing view on the Valnontey's glaciers. Moreover, all along the mule-track, you can admire steinbocks, chamois, marmots and other species of the fauna in the Grand Paradiso National Park.
From the parking of Valnontey, go across a bridge and up to the tableland where the botanic garden "Paradisia" is situated; here, we suggest a visit. In the beginning, the mule-track runs all along the fence of Paradisia and then it goes into the wood. The ascent is easy and characterized by wide hairpins. It goes up to a rocky wall, where you find a cascade whose waters flow down to the valley. At the end of the wood, a long oblique traverse leads to the last slopes defending the access to the area where the hut is situated. Some hairpins run along the sharpest part of the path. Then, you can see the lodge of the Park. Shortly afterwards, you find the Vittorio Sella hut.

Itinerary
Start: Valnontey 1666 m
Drop: 922 m
Time of ascent: 3 hs
Difficulty: E (table of degree of difficulties)
Best period: June-September