around 1.00 pm, Ostana
Ski touring week in Ostana with a mountain guide | Valle Po
Experience unspoilt nature in the shadow of Monviso, fantastic free-touring and Piedmontese hospitality in the valley where the River Po rises.
Technics
Endurance
Valle Po, Italy
The Valle Po lies tucked away in the west of Piedmont, dominated by the imposing Monviso, the “King of the Cottian Alps” and the source of the River Po. The small village of Ostana is regarded as the jewel of Piedmontese Alpine culture: With lovingly restored stone architecture, unobstructed views of the north face of Monviso and no mass tourism, the valley offers an idyllic, almost magical setting. What makes this week special: we combine classic ski touring with freetouring. We’ll make use of two nearby, small ski resorts (Crissolo and Pian Munè) as a convenient way to gain altitude on the ascent. In the Valle Po, secluded slopes, untamed nature and authentic Italian culture of indulgence await us. This week is ideal for you if you appreciate relaxed ascents and prioritise untracked descents as well as the overall alpine experience. The cosy Rifugio Galaberna in Ostana serves as the perfect base, where we’ll enjoy authentic local traditions, excellent comfort and a stunning view.
Procedure and meeting place
We’ll either meet directly in Ostana at the Rifugio Galaberna or travel in car-shares from Switzerland to the Valle Po. The journey from Zurich takes around 6 hours.
After a brief welcome, we get ready for our first leisurely ski tour, setting off straight from Ostana. This gives us a chance to stretch our legs after the long journey and get to know each other as a group. As we make our first turns, we marvel at the breathtaking view of the north face of Monviso. Back at the rifugio, we settle into our rooms and treat ourselves to a meal in the restaurant. Each evening, we plan the next day’s tour together.
After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our varied days of touring. Depending on the conditions and how we feel, we’ll use the small ski lifts in Crissolo or Pian Munè as a convenient springboard to reach vast, untracked cirques and slopes via manageable ascents. Possible tour destinations include the sunny slopes around Punta Ostanetta, panoramic peaks such as Bric Mutin above Pian Munè, or Punta Ghersi, situated directly in the shadow of Monviso. In the afternoon, we return to the Rifugio Galaberna, round off the day on the panoramic terrace with a cappuccino or a glass of Barbera, and enjoy the excellent local cuisine in the evening.
After checking out, we set off on one last ski tour in the valley to enjoy the powder snow and the tranquillity of the Alps at the foot of Monviso one last time. Over an espresso, we look back on our eventful week.
We set off for home together or in car-shares, revelling in the many wonderful memories of the snow-covered Cottian Alps.
Requirements
- Mastering the ski touring technique with its basics (skins, hairpin turns).
- Safe downhill technique in open terrain and in different types of snow.
- Fitness level required for ski tours covering 800–1,000 metres of elevation gain at a leisurely pace (~300 metres of elevation gain per hour).
- You’ll need to be fit enough for a 1,200–1,400-metre descent on various types of snow.
- Splitboarders are welcome.
Price and services
- CHF 1,740.00
- Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
- Includes accommodation in a twin room and half-board.
- Including professional planning and realisation with a mountain guide and his travel expenses.
- Travel costs not included, any train tickets, taxi fares, and personal expenses.
Material and equipment
- For this tour you need the material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us the whole time. Only pack the essentials.
- General material and packing tips we have also put together for you.
Bergschaft tours and courses are conducted in German as standard. However, our mountain guides speak good English, as do many of the participants. If you speak English, you are of course very welcome. Depending on the tour, it may be worth asking us in advance whether the guide and the group are comfortable speaking English.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form.
Accommodation
Galaberna Mountain Hut
The Rifugio Galaberna is situated in the idyllic mountain village of Ostana, directly opposite the impressive north face of Monviso. The modern building combines traditional stone and timber architecture and blends harmoniously into the Alpine surroundings. The lodge is characterised by a warm and family-like atmosphere. The cosily furnished rooms feature plenty of wood, modern comforts and a fantastic panoramic view. Traditional Piedmontese and Occitan dishes are given a contemporary twist and lovingly prepared using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. An all-round harmonious retreat for carefree days in the Valle Po.
Highlights: Ski touring in the Valle Po
Here’s how you can join us on ski tours in the Valle Po:
- 19–24 January 2027, Tuesday–Sunday, 6 daysFreie Plätze
Mountain guideCHF 1,740.- - 9–14 February 2027, Tuesday–Sunday, 6 daysFreie PlätzeMountain guideCHF 1,740.-
As Private Tour on your desired date with your group:
As Voucher give your favourite as a gift:
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