Hike to Rifugio Balma from Forno di Coazze - Orsiera Rocciavrè Park

Start on foot from Case Agostino-Cara 'd Tajè (park before the gate of the Pian Neiretto ski resort even when it is open). The trail, indicated as 415a on Fraternali maps, climbs through a birch grove until it reaches the right bank of the Balma River in a few minutes. At this point, there are two options: either cross the stream via the “tibetan bridge” and ascend through the woods until reaching the path coming from Molé; or do not cross the stream and continue along the path indicated as “partisan trail” or “military trail,” crossing the river further upstream once out of the wooded area.

When the two trails reunite, continue always on the left bank near the stream, reaching a first fountain; the trail then climbs with switchbacks up to quota 1650, where it proceeds diagonally among the last birches and skirts a ridge from which the next section of the valley appears.

The trail alternates diagonal sections and short switchbacks, crossing some scree fields, then makes a final series of short zigzags before the ridge from which the refuge appears. After a few hundred meters, you will encounter a second fountain, the “Funtena du Roc,” and continue along a pleasant traverse that leads to the Balma Refuge.

For the descent, the same ascent route can be used with some possible variations, but always returning to Case Agostino.

INFO: https://www.rifugiobalma.it/