Day 1 – Alagna, Gressoney and the Ayas Valley
We will start from Alagna and enter the Monterosa Ski area.
During the day, we will progressively cross Valsesia, the Gressoney Valley and the Ayas Valley. We will use the lifts to move between the different sides of the mountain, adding the best off-piste descents available according to the conditions.
The day will not follow a fixed sequence of pistes and routes. The guide will decide where the skiing is most worthwhile and how best to build the connection towards the next valley, while maintaining the continuity of the traverse.
In the afternoon, we will reach the Saint-Jacques and Résy area.
Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Ferraro.
Elevation gain: variable depending on the routes chosen
Duration: full day
Day 2 – Ayas Valley, Col Pillonet, Chamois and Valtournenche
From Rifugio Ferraro, we will descend towards the valley floor and reach the Antagnod area.
After using the lifts, we will gradually leave the ski area and switch to ski touring. With climbing skins, we will ascend towards Col Pillonet, the pass that allows us to leave the Ayas Valley and cross towards Chamois and Valtournenche.
From the col, we will begin the descent on the opposite side. The guide will choose the line according to snow cover, stability and snow quality.
We will then reach Chamois and continue towards Valtournenche, where the second stage will end.
This day captures the logic of the tour particularly well: using lifts, skins and descents in the way that best suits the terrain in order to make a true mountain crossing.
Dinner and overnight stay in Valtournenche.
Elevation gain: variable; an ascent on skins is planned to reach Col Pillonet
Duration: full day
Day 3 – Valtournenche, Cervino Ski Paradise and Rifugio Teodulo
From Valtournenche, we will enter the Cervino ski area and begin gaining altitude.
We will use the lifts to move through the area, alternating pistes with possible off-piste descents. The choice of sectors will depend on the conditions: in spring, aspect, temperature and wind can change snow quality within just a few hours.
We will gradually move into higher mountain terrain until we reach Rifugio Teodulo, located above 3,300 metres.
The night at Teodulo marks the transition from the part of the tour more closely linked to the ski areas to the final traverse through glaciated terrain.
Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Teodulo.
Elevation gain: variable depending on the routes chosen
Duration: full day
Day 4 – Rifugio Teodulo, Piani di Verra and Saint-Jacques
From Rifugio Teodulo, we will begin the return traverse towards the Ayas Valley.
Before setting off, the guide will assess glacier conditions, snow cover, wind, temperature and visibility. This will be the stage most influenced by high-mountain conditions, and the route may need to be changed even on the morning of departure.
We will cross the glaciated terrain following the line best suited to the conditions and make our way towards the Piani di Verra. From there, we will continue the descent to Saint-Jacques.
Arriving in the Ayas Valley will complete the journey that began four days earlier in Alagna: a continuous traverse across four Alpine valleys, combining lifts, ascents and descents.
Elevation gain: variable depending on the line chosen
Duration: full day