From the Arp Refuge to Punta Valfredda

The Arp refuge is located in the valley of the Palasina, a branch of the Val d'Ayas, at 2446 meters high, in the midst of imposing immaculate peaks, and is a splendid destination for a snowshoe between the mountains of the valley of the valley Aosta. We described the by Brusson Estoul to the Arp refuge (and beyond!) At this link .

Here instead we talk about a somewhat challenger trip, from the Arp refuge to Punta Valfredda (2947 meters of altitude), which offers an extraordinary panorama of Monte Cervino, the Rose Glacier and other beautiful snowy peaks. Really an ideal destination for a trip with snowshoes or ski mountaineering.
The Arp refuge (where in winter weekends can be eaten and staying) is also the right place to ask for indications on the route to Valfredda and on the conditions of snow.

Admiring the rocky mountain wall behind the Arp refuge, we start walking towards the right side of this wall. Among the rocks, the simplest climb path is identified, which is still very steep. It is a real fatigue to climb as it sinks and slips into the snow despite the snowshoes, but the pendant stretch - the most complicated of the entire excursion - is still very short.

If you managed to pass this point, the rest is a walk! Unless strange snow conditions. Surely, the good ski mountaineers can be facilitated in this step compared to those with snowshoes. From here, the climb continues straight for straight along the side of the Valfredda tip.

An alternative excursion, but at least apparently less safe from the avalanche point of view, is the one that leads to the Cima Valner (going up, on the right).

The views are similar, and although from the Colle Vallera you then have the chance of snivling up to Estoul in a sort of ring itinerary, we have just preferred not to cross the canal and continue straight towards the Hill valfredda, between rocky spun.

Arrived at the Colle Valfredda, about 2800 meters of altitude, the view is sensational, both southwards and north (with the Monte Rosa chain in particular), while westernmost our destination stands out, the Punta Valfredda pyramid, now Nearby.

from the hill, you go up practically straight to the Punta Valfredda, gaining altitude very quickly, along a large and regular slope, on which you can choose the line to score.

The arrival at the top of Punta Valfredda opens the view of Monte Cervino and all the fantastic scenery of the Valle d'Aosta mountains.

In summer there are many possible hiking itineraries here: head towards Punta Valnera and then Brusson Estoul, or even walking down in the Gressoney Valley. With snowshoes, however, the most prudent option is to return to the ARP refuge for the same path. You could even come across a goose deer at the top of a mountain.

Obviously, ski mountaineers experts, evaluating snow conditions, can try other itineraries, perhaps with locals. Good trips!
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