Top 4 Mountain Passes around Réserve naturelle de Ristolas - Mont-Viso

Spectacular pass that allows passage from the Guil Valley to the Po Valley; the ascent from France is not particularly difficult from a technical point of view, while the descent into Italy requires great attention as the first section takes place on steep scree. On clear days, from the summit of the pass, it is possible to admire a panorama that reaches as far as Gran Paradiso. This pass, according to the most recent reconstructions, is said to have been crossed by Hannibal with his elephants on the descent towards Rome.

If you plan to cross the pass as part of an Alpine cross-country bike ride, it's essential to lift and carry your bike over large boulders and rocks. Simply pushing isn't enough. The exit is very steep. An alternative route would be via the Col Agnel road.

Beautiful hill reachable from Buco di Viso (about 10-15 minutes) with a view of Monviso and France. I recommend the ascent from the Italian side, more exposed and steep, and the descent from the French side, returning to Italy through the tunnel.

Done in two days it remains less demanding with an overnight stay at the Vallanta refuge

Be attentive, the ibexes are present and if you are lucky you will even be able to witness a fight of large males who stand on their hindquarters before throwing themselves at their opponent, the sound of the horns hitting each other is impressive.

The view is magnificent from this pass

High mountain ski mountaineering trip on very suggestive sceneries. Some sections a little steep uphill, but generally spring snow, skiable at the end of the season

Tunnel dug into the mountain and renovated on the French side years ago. It is now much more accessible than before it was actually a snow and ice hole (depending on the season). Inside I recommend the phone's flash and headlamp because for a few meters he sees absolutely nothing. The temperature is obviously very very low inside with wind currents.