Day 15 : Rifugio Pian Melezè to Rifugio Bagnour

The official route goes via Colletta della Battagliola, but we followed an alternative route via the Colle del Bondormir (2650m).

From Rifugio Meleze, follow the road down the valley. Soon you will reach a side road (L) that goes up to a number of small hamlets, ending at Grange Saut. Follow the road along its hairpin turns and continue past the end on the path; we briefly lost track of the path, so you may want to deviate from the GPS trail here. Head towards the rocky cliffs if you are not sure. Gradually the path becomes more apparent and you reach a pass. From there it is fairly long descent, ending between trees, where you follow the stream to Pontechianale a small town, with a shop, Posto Tappa and some hotels.

From Pontechianale, take the path on the right side of the artificial lake (the road follows the left side) to Castello (bus connection to Saluzzo). From there, briefly follow the road down, to a path that leads up to Rifugio Bagnour via Rifugio Grongios Martre.

If you start in Castello, you might be better off taking the main GTA route leaves from the church and water well, U10.