Trek to Rifugio Cuney: a scenic hike to Europe’s highest sanctuary
Porliod, Valle d'Aosta · Valle d'Aosta•1 day•Hiking · 2,656 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Valle d'Aosta, Valle d'Aosta
On your own?
No problem
Points
+18
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Cuney, Europe's highest sanctuary
An exciting trek in the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy Valley, among boundless views and iconic places of mountaineering in the Aosta Valley. With the Guidders, we will climb toward the Cuney Refuge, located at 2,652 meters above sea level along the Alta Via trails of the Aosta Valley. The path crosses alpine pastures and high-mountain landscapes, offering spectacular views of the great Alpine peaks, from Monte Rosa to Gran Paradiso. Welcoming us, we will find the evocative Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, considered the highest sanctuary in Europe, and the refuge, overlooking one of the most beautiful panoramic balconies in the region. An ideal hike for those who want to experience the authentic mountains among nature, spirituality, and vast horizons. Book now and reach a place where the sky truly seems to touch the Alps.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
Panorama from Monte Rosa to Gran Paradiso
Highest sanctuary in Europe
Historic refuge along the Alta Via trails
Spectacular alpine setting
Guiddy experience at high altitude
What makes this hike unique The combination of landscape, history, and spirituality: few places in the Alps offer such a vast panorama alongside such an iconic sanctuary.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 2 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+18 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
800 m D+ · 12 km · 8 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8 h and 800 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
800 m
Max altitude
2,656 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
8 h
Day
12 km · D+ 800 m · 8 h
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
Nus, Valle d'Aosta, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
The trail climbs at a steady gradient through alpine pastures and lush green bowls to Col du Salvé, a spectacular panoramic viewpoint with sweeping views of the great peaks of the Aosta Valley. 4 km, +670 m, 2 hr 15 min
12:20MOUNTAIN HUT
Cuney Mountain Hut
From Col du Salvé, the trail continues through high-altitude terrain, crossing gentle grassy slopes and small glacial hollows. The route stays almost level, with moderate gradients and ever-expanding views over the peaks of the Aosta Valley, until it reaches the spectacular Cuney basin, home to the mountain hut and the famous sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows. 1.5 km, +100 m, 35 min
16:50RETURN
Return to the Porliod parking area – Saint-Barthélemy (Aosta Valley)
same route as the ascent.
How do you get to Porliod? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Federica A.
· 1 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Federica, an environmental hiking guide, and the mountains have been my life companion for as long as I can remember. I've been out in them for over 35 years: since my parents carried me in a rucksack along the trails and up the peaks of the Aosta Valley. And once I started walking on my own two feet, I never stopped. After years of experience and training I chose to make it my job, wanting to share this passion and to show people the genuine beauty of the mountains. On my outings I like creating experiences that are simple, honest and full of wonder, because every trail has a story to tell — and it's almost always more interesting than the elevation gain. 🥾🌿 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8 h with 800 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 2 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Trek to Rifugio Cuney: a scenic hike to Europe’s highest sanctuary
Porliod, Nus (23) · Valle d'Aosta
1 day · Hiking · 2,656 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
800 m
Max altitude
2,656 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
8 h
Guiddy points
+18
▣ 3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Cuney, Europe's highest sanctuary
An exciting trek in the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy Valley, among boundless views and iconic places of mountaineering in the Aosta Valley. With the Guidders, we will climb toward the Cuney Refuge, located at 2,652 meters above sea level along the Alta Via trails of the Aosta Valley. The path crosses alpine pastures and high-mountain landscapes, offering spectacular views of the great Alpine peaks, from Monte Rosa to Gran Paradiso. Welcoming us, we will find the evocative Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, considered the highest sanctuary in Europe, and the refuge, overlooking one of the most beautiful panoramic balconies in the region. An ideal hike for those who want to experience the authentic mountains among nature, spirituality, and vast horizons. Book now and reach a place where the sky truly seems to touch the Alps.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
Panorama from Monte Rosa to Gran Paradiso
Highest sanctuary in Europe
Historic refuge along the Alta Via trails
Spectacular alpine setting
Guiddy experience at high altitude
What makes this hike unique The combination of landscape, history, and spirituality: few places in the Alps offer such a vast panorama alongside such an iconic sanctuary.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
800 m D+ · 12 km · 8 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8 h and 800 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Transport
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 8:30Porliod
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
The trail climbs at a steady gradient through alpine pastures and lush green bowls to Col du Salvé, a spectacular panoramic viewpoint with sweeping views of the great peaks of the Aosta Valley. 4 km, +670 m, 2 hr 15 min
12:20MOUNTAIN HUT
Cuney Mountain Hut
From Col du Salvé, the trail continues through high-altitude terrain, crossing gentle grassy slopes and small glacial hollows. The route stays almost level, with moderate gradients and ever-expanding views over the peaks of the Aosta Valley, until it reaches the spectacular Cuney basin, home to the mountain hut and the famous sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows. 1.5 km, +100 m, 35 min
16:50RETURN
Return to the Porliod parking area – Saint-Barthélemy (Aosta Valley)
same route as the ascent.
How do you get to Porliod? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Federica A.
1 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Federica, an environmental hiking guide, and the mountains have been my life companion for as long as I can remember. I've been out in them for over 35 years: since my parents carried me in a rucksack along the trails and up the peaks of the Aosta Valley. And once I started walking on my own two feet, I never stopped. After years of experience and training I chose to make it my job, wanting to share this passion and to show people the genuine beauty of the mountains. On my outings I like creating experiences that are simple, honest and full of wonder, because every trail has a story to tell — and it's almost always more interesting than the elevation gain. 🥾🌿 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8 h with 800 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
