MONTE OSEROT 2861MT

In the realm of steep skiing, Monte Oserot stands out as an ideal training ground, especially for its northern slopes that present very interesting channels suitable for this discipline without being
overly extreme.
Perched on the dividing line between the Maira and Stura Valleys, Monte Oserot offers routes on all sides that resemble the Dolomites in their grandeur.
This guide will detail the route running along the northwestern channel, which can be a fantastic descent with inclines up to 40°, depending on careful assessment of the snow conditions.
Monte Oserot is just one of many peaks in the valley, offering a range of slopes and channels, from easier to more technical and delicate descents. This variety allows for gradual skill progression in steep terrain.
The Unerzio Valley is a hub for ski touring in the valley, providing a plethora of routes for enthusiasts to match their skill level.

Start:1475m Chialvetta 44°26’58,11’’N 7°0’3,42’’ E

Elevation gain: 1348m

Descent difficulty: 3.3-E1

Ascent time: 3h30

Exposure: NE-N-NW

Period: December- April

Mountaineering difficulty: PD

Ascent: Starting at the Chialvetta parking lot, follow the road past the bridge into the hamlet, reaching a small church at its end. Here, pick up the old mule track leading to the Pratorotondo hamlet at 1622 metres on the left bank of the Unerzio stream.
Crossing the hamlet to the right, you’ll arrive at Viviere at 1709 metres.
Passing this final cluster of houses, continue until a wide bend in the road heading to Colle Ciarbonet appears. A modest ridge from here leads to a fork for Prato Ciorliero. The gently ascending road crosses the stream on the right bank and, near a votive pylon, reaches the expansive Prato Ciorliero plateau at 1950 metres,
surrounded by imposing peaks.
Beyond the old military ruins, the route crosses the plateau towards steep slopes and channels. Carefully choose a safe path between the Cobre slopes and the rock bars on the left to ascend to Comba Emanuel at 2250 metres (depending on snow conditions, this section can also be navigated by passing the rock bars on the extreme left, climbing part of the valley towards the avalanche sheltered Gardetta pass).
Sticking to the right edge of the depression, the route continues to the Upper Comba at 2384 metres and then to the confluence of the valleys leading east to Colle Oserot and west to Colletta Vittorio. Leaving this behind, tackle a steep southern slope, skirting a rocky outcrop. Head southeast at the last plateau, framed by the long ridge from Oserot’s summit to the Eastern Cross Pass. The slope here steepens, splitting into two main channels.
Take the wider, less steep left channel to the saddle at 2823 metres, the end of the skiable terrain. To reach the summit cross at 2861 metres, follow the easy mixed rock and snow ridge (crampons recommended).

Descent: Descend from the summit back to the saddle on foot. Here, put on your skis and navigate the steep channel, watching out for any ice patches from the northern winds. Then, follow your ascent tracks back down.