BALME Arnas Ring - Pian della Mussa

The route starts at the bottom of Pian della Mussa, taking the path to the left of the paved road before it climbs to the Città di Ciriè refuge. Head towards the characteristic Venoni rock (an ancient alpine pasture built against a huge rock), but once the stream is crossed, turn right following the signs for the Gastaldi refuge. Shortly after, the real ascent begins, climbing with many switchbacks to reach Pian dei Morti, where at an altitude of 2209 m, near a rock, a fork with signposts is found: take the path on the left. After several switchbacks, you reach an area with rocky steps equipped with rope handrails.

Continue climbing until you reach a saddle from where the refuge is in sight.

From the refuge, descend into the basin of Crot del Ciaussinè (heading south) to the base and cross the stream (bridge). Climb to the left of Rocca Affinau (signage Tour della Bessanese / 222a).

At about 2632 m, leave the Tour della Bessanese path to follow trail traces on the left. After crossing a first pass (2802 m), you can see Lago del Crotas; continuing towards southeast you reach Lago di Bessanetto and then the Mangioire pass (2765 m).

From this point, a long and steep descent begins to about 2120 m, where it is recommended to take the fork on the left. After a stretch of false flat, you face the last steep slope. Upon reaching a saddle in the forest, turn right and shortly after to the left. This leads to the middle of Pian della Mussa.

Immediately after the bridge on the Stura, turn left onto a path and shortly you end on the paved road and then at the starting point.

Non-slip sole footwear, wind/rain protection, one or more warm layers, hat and sunglasses, gloves, food reserves are recommended.

At the beginning of the season, crampons may be useful to cross remaining snowfields.

The route develops at high altitude: remember that the weather can change quickly and temperatures drop; the sun's ultraviolet rays are less filtered.
In many places there is no cellular network coverage.

Next to the main building of the Gastaldi refuge is the winter bivouac, equipped with 10 beds with blankets, in case of need outside the refuge opening period.

Coming from the plain, after passing the town of Germagnano continue straight towards Ceres - Balme. Just before Ceres, at the traffic light continue straight for Balme and travel the entire Val d'Ala, pass Balme and overcome the hairpin bends that lead to Pian della Mussa. At Pian della Mussa, continue until car access is prohibited near the Città di Ciriè refuge.

Pian della Mussa is reached in the summer period by a bus line (no. 188) departing from Ceres. Check the Cavourese website for schedules and costs.

Where the road ends, there are parking spaces.

WARNING: usually in July and August, parking is charged daily; only on Saturdays and Sundays in September. Consult the Balme municipality website for details and updated rates.

For more information about the area, visit the Tourism in the Lanzo Valleys portal

To split the route into two days, spend a night at the welcoming Gastaldi refuge