Via Alpina Red R137

Via Alpina Red R137 is a point-to-point alpine stage in Piedmont, Italy, running from Pontebernardo (1,297 m) in the Valle Stura to Rifugio Zanotti through the Cottian Alps. Rated T3 (moderate-to-challenging), it gains approximately 900 m of elevation over roughly 14 km — one of 161 stages on the Via Alpina Red Trail, the longest alpine long-distance route in the world, linking Trieste to Monaco.

About the Via Alpina Red R137

The Via Alpina Red Trail — marked with the letter R — is the flagship route of the Via Alpina network, a pan-European long-distance hiking system threading through all eight Alpine nations: Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Monaco. Established in 2000 and co-funded by the European Union from 2001 to 2008, the network is now managed by the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA), which has hosted its secretariat since January 2014.

The Red Trail spans 161 numbered stages, starting at Muggia near Trieste on the Adriatic coast and ending at the Palais Princier in Monaco on the Mediterranean — a traverse of the entire Alpine arc. At stage 137, hikers are deep into the Cuneese Alps of northwestern Italy, approaching the final third of the route. The stage connects the small hamlet of Pontebernardo, at 1,297 m in the Valle Stura (the valley carved by the Stura di Demonte river in Cuneo Province), with Rifugio Zanotti, a mountain hut anchoring the next valley system in this remote section of the Cottian Alps.

Unlike the more-visited eastern stages of the Red Trail — where the Dolomites attract international crowds — this stretch through Cuneo Province rewards hikers with genuine solitude. Wildflower meadows blanket the valley floors in July, ibex pick their way along ridgelines above 2,500 m, and the rolling Cottian passes feel far removed from the tourist infrastructure of better-known ranges. If you're planning a full thru-hike and thinking carefully about your pack weight for 2026, this stage is a reminder of why ultralight matters in terrain where the nearest resupply can be a full day's walk in any direction.

Route Overview & Stages

Stage R137 sits within the broader Italian section of the Red Trail, which traverses Piedmont from northeast to southwest before crossing into France via the Maritime Alps. The stage departs Pontebernardo (1,297 m) and follows the trail south and westward, climbing steadily through alpine pastures and rocky couloirs to a high col before descending to Rifugio Zanotti. The terrain is classic Cottian Alps: long approach valleys, abrupt climbs to exposed passes, and brief descents to the next hut or village.

Stage distances and elevation figures are approximate based on typical terrain in this section of the Cottian Alps. Always verify current waymarks and exact route data on the official Via Alpina website before departure.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Pontebernardo (1,297 m) — The stage's starting hamlet sits where the Stura di Demonte narrows between steep valley walls. A small stone settlement with a fountain for water refills, it has the characteristic Piedmontese alpine character: slate roofs, narrow lanes, and an absence of tourist infrastructure that tells you immediately this is serious mountain country.
• Valle Stura di Demonte — One of the least-touristed major valleys in the Cuneese Alps, the Stura valley runs northeast–southwest for over 60 km from its source near the French border to Cuneo. The valley floor at this section sits at 1,200–1,400 m, flanked by peaks rising to 2,800–3,100 m.
• Cottian Alps Pass Crossing — The stage climbs to at least one high col above 2,300 m, where panoramic views open across the Maritime Alps to the south and the higher Graian Alps to the north. On clear days, the unmistakable pyramid of Monte Viso (3,841 m) dominates the northern skyline.
• Monte Viso Panorama — At 3,841 m, Monte Viso is the highest peak lying entirely within Italy and the source of the Po river. Its isolation and distinctive profile make it a landmark visible across much of this stage's high ground, particularly from the pass crossing.
• Ibex and Chamois — The high slopes between Pontebernardo and Rifugio Zanotti provide prime habitat for Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Start before 07:00 to cross the high ground during the cooler morning hours when wildlife activity peaks.
• Alpine Flora — July brings exceptional wildflower displays on these passes: edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), Alpine rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum), gentian, and dozens of other species thrive at these elevations in the mineral-rich soils of the Cottian Alps.
• Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime — The adjacent Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime protects 28,000 hectares of pristine alpine terrain immediately to the south. The protected wildlife corridor that extends into this area contributes directly to the density of large mammals hikers encounter on R137.
• Rifugio Zanotti — The stage's endpoint, a mountain hut set in high-alpine terrain that serves as a critical resupply and shelter point for Via Alpina thru-hikers. Like most Italian rifugios, it offers hot meals, dorm beds, and the chance to check the next day's forecast before committing to another pass crossing.

Best Time to Hike the Via Alpina Red R137

The Cottian Alps snowpack typically lingers on high passes until mid-June, and the first autumn snow can arrive at col level as early as late September. As of 2026, the reliable hiking window for R137 runs from mid-July through mid-September.

July delivers the best wildflower displays and the longest daylight hours — sunset falls after 21:00 in this latitude. Snow patches on north-facing slopes above 2,400 m may still require care in early July. Rifugios are open but not yet at peak occupancy, making last-minute bookings more realistic.

August is the single best month for this stage. All passes are reliably clear, every rifugio operates full services, and afternoon convective storms — while possible — follow a predictable daily pattern: clear mornings, cloud build-up from 13:00, often a short sharp shower by 16:00, then clearing by evening. Start before 07:00 to clear the high pass before midday. Pass temperatures typically range 8–16°C; valley starts can hit 28°C.

September offers stable high-pressure systems, superb visibility, and the first larch colour on lower slopes. Night temperatures at Rifugio Zanotti drop below 0°C from mid-September, so a four-season sleeping bag liner is advisable. Several smaller rifugios in this section close after the first weekend of October.

June and October carry genuine snow risk on the high col and should only be attempted by experienced alpinists carrying crampons and an ice axe. The reward of solitude does not offset the objective hazard for trail hikers.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Alpine hut accommodation is the backbone of the Via Alpina Red system, and R137 relies entirely on the rifugio network. There are no hotels or guesthouses between Pontebernardo and the next substantial village beyond Rifugio Zanotti. Book well in advance for August. Typical 2026 costs:

Booking in advance is non-negotiable for August. Rifugios on the Via Alpina Red route fill completely weeks ahead during peak season. Most accept reservations by phone or email; the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) maintains contact details for affiliated huts at cai.it.

Getting There & Back

Reaching Pontebernardo: The nearest rail hub is Cuneo, connected to Turin (Torino Porta Nuova) by trains running roughly hourly, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Cuneo station, local bus services (operated by Autolinee Cuneesi) run up the Valle Stura toward Vinadio and Pietraporzio, the municipality containing Pontebernardo; the bus journey takes around 1 hour. Taxis from Cuneo to Pontebernardo cover the 55 km in approximately 50 minutes and cost roughly €60–80.

Returning from the endpoint: If hiking R137 as a standalone stage, return transport depends on the next valley reached beyond Rifugio Zanotti. Bus connections are infrequent in these remote valleys — check timetables carefully before committing to a return route. The nearest international airport is Turin Caselle (TRN), approximately 120 km from Cuneo by road; allow 2 hours by car or a combined train-and-bus journey of around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Permits & Fees

No hiking permit is required for Via Alpina Red R137. The trail crosses open alpine terrain on public mountain land. Where the route passes through zones adjacent to the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, standard park visitor rules apply: no drones, fires permitted only in designated areas, and dogs must be kept on a lead. Italian Alpine Club (CAI) membership is not required but is recommended: at €45–60 per year for adult membership, it reduces rifugio costs by €4–6 per night and includes mountain rescue insurance — effectively free on any multi-day alpine trip.

Gear & Packing List

R137 is a demanding alpine stage with significant elevation change and exposure above 2,300 m. Your gear should reflect that without punishing you on the ascent. For a detailed look at the best options for this terrain, see HikeLoad's 2026 ultralight backpack ranking. For multi-day Via Alpina thru-hikers, pack volumes of 50–65 L work well; hikers doing individual stages can go considerably lighter.

• Backpack (multi-day thru-hike): The Osprey Aether 65 (2,040 g) offers a supportive frame for full thru-hikers carrying a week of food. Ultralight thru-hikers favour the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L (510 g), which saves over 1.5 kg versus traditional options. For a balance of support and weight, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 (1,850 g) is a proven Cuneese Alps choice.
• Footwear: Stiff-soled mountain boots with ankle support and a waterproof membrane. Lightweight trail runners are not recommended for the rocky col terrain at the heart of this stage.
• Layers: Merino base layer, mid-layer fleece, and a packable hardshell. Temperature swings of 20°C between valley start and pass summit are normal on summer days.
• Navigation: Offline maps downloaded to your phone (the Via Alpina app or a topographic mapping app) plus a printed 1:25,000 IGC (Istituto Geografico Centrale) map covering this section of the Cuneese Alps.
• Water: 2-litre minimum capacity. Springs are frequent below 2,000 m but scarce on the high pass itself; fill at Pontebernardo before the climb.
• Food: Rifugio half-board covers dinner and breakfast, but carry full trail food for the stage — typically 5–7 hours of sustained exertion. For calorie planning, HikeLoad's guide on how many calories you actually need on a full hiking day gives practical targets for alpine terrain.
• Emergency: Whistle, emergency bivouac bag, a fully charged phone, and the Italian mountain rescue number (118) saved. Mobile coverage is intermittent above 2,000 m in the Valle Stura area.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Cottian and Maritime Alps form part of a broader family of Italian and European alpine long-distance routes, several of which share R137's combination of high passes, rifugio culture, and relative solitude. The Dolomites routes below offer the same multi-day alpine structure with dramatically different geology. For something wilder and more budget-friendly, the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania shares this stage's remote character and dramatic mountain scenery at a fraction of the rifugio costs.

• Alta Via n. 2 delle Dolomiti — 185 km through the eastern Dolomites; Italy's most dramatic and demanding high-alpine long route
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti — 180 km traversing less-walked Dolomite ridges away from the main tourist corridors
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti — Stage XI — a standalone day stage for hikers sampling the route without committing to the full traverse
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti — Stage X — another individual stage on one of the Dolomites' quieter long-distance routes
• Alta via n. 9 delle Dolomiti — 140 km, the most remote and least-visited of the nine numbered Dolomite high routes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to hike Via Alpina Red R137?
August is the single best month: all rifugios are fully open, the high pass crossing above 2,300 m is reliably snow-free, and daylight extends past 21:00. Mid-July to mid-September is the safe overall window. Outside this period, lingering snowpack on the col and possible rifugio closures make the stage significantly more demanding and potentially dangerous without specialist alpine equipment.

How difficult is R137?
The stage is rated T3 on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale — demanding mountain hiking — requiring surefootedness on rocky terrain, the ability to navigate in low cloud, and basic alpine mountain sense. No technical climbing, rope, or crampons are required in normal summer conditions, but the sustained elevation change and exposed pass make this unsuitable for inexperienced hikers without prior alpine trail experience.

How many kilometres can I expect to cover per day on this section of the Via Alpina?
Via Alpina Red stages in the Cuneese Alps typically cover 12–18 km per day with 700–1,100 m of elevation gain, translating to 5–8 hours of moving time. Strong mountain hikers can link adjacent stages; most thru-hikers stick to one stage per day to account for altitude, afternoon weather windows, and rifugio check-in requirements (usually before 18:00).

Do I need to book accommodation in advance for this stage?
Yes — booking 2–3 weeks ahead is essential for August. Rifugios on the Via Alpina Red route are popular with international thru-hikers and fill completely during peak season. Most rifugios accept reservations by phone or email; the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) maintains a directory of affiliated huts with current contact information. For shoulder-season hiking in July or September, 1–2 weeks' notice is usually sufficient.

Are there any permits required to hike R137?
No permit is required. The trail crosses open alpine terrain and public mountain land. Where the route borders the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, standard visitor rules apply: no fires outside designated areas, dogs on leads, and no drones. Italian Alpine Club (CAI) membership is not mandatory but is recommended for rifugio discounts and the included mountain rescue insurance, which covers helicopter evacuation throughout the Italian Alps.