Race to Vittorio Sella Refuge from Cogne

Embark on the challenging Race to Vittorio Sella Refuge from Cogne, a difficult jogging route that spans 6.9 miles (11.1 km) with a significant 2995 feet (913 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding ascent, typically taking around 2 hours and 24 minutes, begins with a gentle climb through a peaceful pine forest before opening up to high-altitude meadows. You will pass the Grand Loson Waterfall and the abandoned hamlet of Pascieux, with expansive views of snowy peaks and the Gran Paradiso glacier unfolding as you climb.

This route is classified as difficult and requires very good fitness and sure-footedness, especially given the continuous uphill gradient. While the trail primarily follows well-maintained mule tracks with wide hairpins, some sections are alpine and unpaved. Experienced trail runners can attempt this as a power hike or jog, but be prepared for a sustained effort on the ascent and careful footing on the downhill return.

The trail is set within the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's oldest national park, offering exceptional opportunities to spot wildlife like ibex, chamois, and marmots. You are following historic royal hunting trails that lead to the Vittorio Sella Refuge, a mountain hut originally built in the 1860s as a royal hunting lodge. The refuge, situated at 2,588 metres (8,491 feet), provides a welcoming stop with amenities like beds and a restaurant.