Day 28 : Pialpetta to Fonti Minerali

Take the lane opposite hotel Pialpetta, past the Posto Tappa, winding your way through the old houses. At Casa Alpina, take the paved path behind the building and up. Keep going up towards the white church at Rivotti (1450m). Keep going up via Alpe Invers (1647m) and via stone-paved steps to old huts at Gias di Mezzo (2092m). From there go via Lago Vercellina to the Colle della Crocetta (2641m), with beautiful views towards Gran Paradiso, if the weather allows.

From there it is a clear and steady descent, via the upper valley and Pian dei Morti (2350m) and the forest down to the edge of the artificial lake (1584m). Turn right at the lake edge and follow the road towards the dam. Don't cross the dam, but follow the path down to Torrente Orco and Fonti Minerali, the bar-pizzeria which also houses the Posto Tappa in Cerosole Reale. A rewarding place to rest after a long day's hike.

Cerosole is the main hub for w few days to come, is a small shop near the Posto Tappe. It is a popular destination, so it can be busy in summer, but most people stay in one of the hotels or campsites in the main town.