Description

This is by far the most satisfying way of skiing back to Pont and Valsaverenche from the Vittorio Emanuelle hut.

If you skied Gran Paradiso the previous day or have time and spare energy the same day it makes an excellent finale! The Vallone Della Seyva is steep sided with big slopes above you so consider the avalanche conditions and the time of day you will ski down carefully. From the Vittorio Emanuelle hut skin towards the ridge coming down from Ciarforon.

When you are at the base of the ridge transition into downhill mode.

Start the long downhill traverse - which is mostly mellow - but you will have to cross some ridges and they will be steeper on the sides in places.

When you reach the Glacier del Grand Etret put your skins back on.

From here it is mostly fairly mellow skinning to the top of the Tête du Grand Etret or one of the Cols either side.

Enjoy the views down towards the Val de Orco on the other side of the ridge and back towards the Gran Paradiso before the ski down.

The glacier is wide at first giving lots of opportunity for fresh tracks and then narrows into the valley below.

Play with the subtle changes in aspects to maximise the best snow before gaining the line of the summer path (Number 2) on the west side of the valley.

Follow this to the parking at Pont where there is a hotel and café.

Later in the season you will likely have to strap your skis to your backpack and walk this section.