The Maritime Alps (together with the Ligurian Alps) are the part of the Alpine chain closest to the sea. The highest peak (the Argentera, 3281 m) dominates complex, wild valleys with typical high altitude landscapes, not far from the Piedmont plain and the sea. The light is the magic light of the Mediterranean, or of Provence, but the mountains are severe and important. There is a world of opportunities for mountaineers and climbers of all levels and for all desires: crests, great classic rock routes and modern multi-pitch routes. And in winter and spring, there are dozens of itineraries on snow and skis.
The refuges are secluded and comfortable, real mountain huts for mountaineers and not only high altitude restaurants. They offer a very "old style" holiday experience, in partial contrast to the "modernity" of many climbing routes, made for maximum aesthetic pleasure.
However, we are in a high mountain environment and even modern routes are never taken for granted and offer an excellent appetizer for future challenges...
On these mountains, many big names of Italian and European mountaineering have formed!
3 day schedule:
The base will be the hut Rifugio Bozano, 2453 m, at the base of the mighty west face of Corno Stella (3061 m). The alpine hut can be reached with a beautiful hike of about 1:45 h from Gias delle Mosche (parking) in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Maritime Alps.
Already from the first day, we will climb a first route of 4-5 pitches on the nearby Catena delle Guide.
On the second day, weather permitting, we will face the west face of the Corno Stella in order to enjoy the full day and on the last day a route on the Catena delle Guide which will allow us to have the right time for the descent and the return trip.
From the end of this route, we will face the dizzying Canalone di Lorousa which, besides being one of the most important glacial climbs of the massif, is today the southernmost glacier in the Alps.