Refuge Benevolo
Introduction
Long and very rewarding journey that can be considered as a variant of the High way of Aosta Valley Nr. 2 which is passing to the north through the Fenêtre de Torrent. Scenically beautiful, it connects two popular Refuges, the Bezzi and the Benevolo and can easily be done in two days in linkage with some ascent to the peaks at the southern end of the Valleys Grisenche and of Rhemes (e.g. the Granta Parei or the Becca Traversiere ). It is marked by an excellent path and takes place in the vicinity of large glaciers reaching also some beautiful lakes.
Description
The path which leads from the Rifugio Bezzi to the Col Bassac Dere can roughly be divided into two parts. The first one climbs on a good path on the left side of the Valley of Vaudet in constant gradient and reaches the near of the rocky spur that seems to seal the valley and winding up then until you reach the ridge. Here the scenery changes abruptly and the rest of the itinerary will take place on a great rolling plateau, bordered at the base of the impressive glacier of Gliaretta. Early in the morning we climb the slope that remains in the shadows, making it possible to overcome the first half without much effort. After leaving the refuge we proceed directly to the Valley on the path 12C, well marked, which begins to rise in costs with features alternated to plans in order to climb in a quiet and very open environment, with beautiful views behind in the foothills of Valgrisenche . After crossing a stream on a small bridge, a further ascent leads to a flat area dotted with large boulders (the "City of Stone"), then we emerge in full sun passing a first step and the view expands toward the head of the valloon and also pointing then directly the largest seemingly impassable rocky ridge, that hides our destination which is on the left. The slope of this buttress is a bit hard because of the ground debris which makes it more arduous, but all in all safe and well guided by signs. Some quick turns allow to gain altitude up to a large protruding rock. Leaving it to your right, you cross on the rise and then curve south again to move to the top of the ridge, trespass it and, after a short ups and downs and a new twirl to the left, you reach the beginning of the great plateau summit at an altitude of 2750 m. approx.
The environment gets chiefly alpine and grand: at the bottom, the great falls of the Gliaretta glacier, covered with crevasses, on the great plateau in broad daylight, and in view of high peaks at the head (Traversiere, Grand Sassiere), the trail makes its way to lapels and almost flat with airy and comfortable path to reach two small ponds. The ground becomes morained and is decidedly more sour. Climb rocks and debris from curving slightly to the left and, after passing several rounded bumps, you get a view of the valley bordered by a moraine, which relies on the Col side. The path points to this moraine, continues to make its way through large boulders and climb the sandy slope before the Col. A final steep climbs up on safe and strong track guide to the target, characterized by the usual little pyrsmide made of stones. Besides, on the right, stands the rocky Becca Traversiere, left a steep rock cliff with yellowish in front, towards the Val di Rhemes, a small channel sinks down towards the lake of Goletta and in view of the schooner pyramids of Grivola and the Gran Paradiso to Ciarforon, which, hence, introduces its unusual southern rock wall. The climb up the Col from Bezzi hut requires at least three hours, even for those who are trained, I recommend to go slowly during the final part of the climb in order to enjoy better the wonderful view and the environment: a stop on the Col really gives the impression of a mountain environment.
To complete the crossing between the two shelters now let's descends in a steep, steep gully along a track having as gray and the underlying direction of the Lake Goletta. At the end of the steepest part, turn left and, with wider turns, go downhill quickly finding some vegetation and a rough torrent that has to be crossed. The trail takes decidedly to the north and down again to reach the vast moraine plateau and the partly marshy shores of the beautiful lake. Leave it to the right and goes across the emissary on a bridge of stones and continuing the descent to the Valley of broad backs of Rhemes. After a short horizontal line backs up to a crossroads. The left path continues north and goes directly to Thumel near Rhêmes Notre Dame, the right one proceed overlooking the valley where stands the Refuge Benevolo, refuge which is reached with a steep downhill switchbacks and crossing some short spurs,in constant view of the Granta Parei, ending then near the ruins of the Alpage of Soches. From this you go to reach a road that makes a wide circle to the left and ends a few meters from the Refuge Benevolo.
Author
- Check all the excursionism reports of Giovanni Consigli
- Go to the page ofGiovanni Consigli
Bibliography
- Luca Zavatta: Le Valli del Gran Paradiso e la Valgrisenche L'Escursionista Editore, 2006
Cartography
- Valgrisenche, Val di Rhemes, Valsavarenche Ovest 1:25.000, L'Escursionista Editore, 2010
Photo gallery
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