Figure 1 - the approximate route seen from Punta Rasciassa (2664m asl) toward the West. Valle Po to the right, Valle Varaita and Valle Maira to the left. We traverse around Monte Granero and “behind” Viso via France.
Figure 1 - the approximate route seen from Punta Rasciassa (2664m asl) toward the West. Valle Po to the right, Valle Varaita and Valle Maira to the left. We traverse around Monte Granero and “behind” Viso via France.

High Traverse - Alta Valle Po to Mercantour

A Ski Traverse as an Unconference in Motion

7-15 March 2026, Cottian Alps

This is a moving gathering of adventurous minds engaged in holistic resilience building and regenerative futures.

Tour description

Over the course of a demanding, high-alpine ski traverse, we cross the Cottian Alps from the Po Valley, circling the striking, pyramid-shaped Monte Viso, and continue westward to the Stura Valley, where the Ligurian Alps and the Maritime Alps begin. We travel hut to hut along snow-rich ridgelines and the Franco-Italian border crest, with one night spent in and around a high-altitude bivouac.

Each day takes us through wild, remote terrain along the French–Italian border, ascending and traversing between roughly 1,800 and 3,200 meters. The journey begins in Ostana, in the Po Valley, at the Monviso Institute.

The total distance is about 67km, and the summed-up vertical is around 6600m.

The Unconference format

At the start in Ostana, and as a daily routine, we consciously interweave stimulating topics from place-specific knowledge, to cultural narratives of the Occitan region, to living systems labs as holistic types of experimental places and spaces, on holistic resilience building in an urban-alpine (rural) context, and provide a flexible framing of scale-linking, fractal design, where eight (spatial) scales of governance meet six types of circular flows. Such framing may serve as seeds for various dialogues amongst this carefully curated group of mountaineers with their rich knowledge base and work schemes.

Tour guides and facilitators

The tour is led by Tobias Luthe (PhD), who has been locally rooted in the region for over a decade as the founding director of the MonViso Institute, together with Philipp Schneider (PhD). Tobias and Philipp are both scientists by training and certified ski mountaineering guides (German Alpine Club) with guiding experience of close to thirty years each. We will curate a safe, explorative, science-design-curious, dialogic ski touring unconference with a carefully curated group.

How the journey unfolds

Day 1, Saturday 7: We arrive on Saturday March 7 around midday via Turin in Ostana and warm up with a short ski tour above the village, getting a first feel for the Po Valley landscape. In the evening, we gather to align on conditions, routes, and ideas for the days ahead.

1st night: Ostana

Day 2, Sunday 8: On Sunday morning, we start with an electric van transport to Pian del Regina, heading for the Giro del Monte Granero via Pian del Re (the source of the Po), ascending via Rifugio Monte Granero and crossing into France to the Refuge du Viso. This opening day already sets the tone: demanding, spectacular, and deeply rewarding, with about 1,700 meters of ascent.

2nd night: Refuge Viso

Day 3, Monday 9: Traverse to Refuge Agnel (~600 m ascent). Acclimatize and rest in a well-equipped hut.

3rd night: Refuge Agnel

Day 4, Tuesday 10: A long, committing stage to Rifugio Meleze in Val Varaita (~1,400 m).

4th night: Rifugio Meleze

Day 5, Wednesday 11: Into the remote Valle Maira, reaching a bivouac at 2,300 m after ~1,500 m of ascent—our night is in a bivouac box, surrounded by silence and stars. Depending on group size, a super-light mini tent is an option to bring for more privacy and less CO2.

5th night: Bivouc

Day 6, Thursday 12: Around 800 m of ascent, reaching another small bivouac on 2300m. Touring a long traverse for about 12km and another 500m vertical between France and Italy toward Passo dell’Argentera. Arriving in the village with a warm shower, a full dinner, and a comfortable bed.

6th night: A small hotel.

Day 7, Friday 13: A freeride day in the small off-piste ski area of Argentera, right on the edge of the Mercantour National Park. Depending on conditions, we may add another ski tour from the lifts.

7th night: The same small hotel

Day 8. Saturday 14: Option of another morning ski tour or freeride session. Departure early afternoon for a cultural stroll and cafe-early dinner in Cuneo. Returning late to Ostana.

8th night: Ostana

Day 9, Sunday 15: Waking up once more with the view to Monte Viso’s iconic pyramid and a mindful tea closure at the MonViso Institute. Relaxed departure and journeys home.

Figure 2: The high ski traverse route from North to South

 

What to expect and how to co-create

Difficulty: ZS (advanced ski touring)

This is a high-alpine route in serious terrain. You need to be confident using ice axe and crampons on short, exposed sections.

The guides carry a short rope for ridges or passages where additional protection may be needed, depending on conditions.

For the night at the bivouac, you’ll need a light sleeping bag and a small mat. A mini tent may allow for a more private night out in the snow.

Total ascent is approximately 6,600 vertical meters and 67km distance, not including the optional tours around Ostana at the beginning and end.

We weave in topics beyond the skiing and the terrain itself. We hope to co-curate a group setting where together we experience more than mountaineering - curious exchanges, learning from each other, with patience for holding a dialogue a little longer when conditions and routing allow.

Think of this week as an unconference on skis: moving through a powerful landscape, sharing experience, ideas, and curiosity—while earning every turn. If that resonates, you’ll feel right at home.

Logistics

Arrival: Saturday March 7, until 13h, by train via Turin to Savigliano. An electric van of the Ostana Comune will pick you up.

Departure: Sunday March 15, by e-van to Savigliano, with trains leaving around 10am.

Costs

The participation fee is 400€/person for members of Alpine Clubs (DAV, SAC, CAI,...) or of the MonViso Institute Association. Non-member fee is 600€. This is a non-profit program that is cost-carrying for the MonViso Institute, guides insurance, organizing the program, local transportation with an e-van. Costs are calculated according to DAV standards. Personal costs for accommodation for eight nights and food account for approximately 700€. International travel from/to Savigliano is at own costs.

Insurance: Personal rescue, accident and health insurance needs to be self-organized. Our guides carry professional liability insurance.

Communication: Upon settling the group, we will open a group chat in a messenger tbd

Questions? Tobias +41765686442

Application to participate

Please apply by 28 Feb 2026 by email to apply@monviso-institute.org.