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Added to this is the fact that these new products are made available
for normal users to test in order to collect data and feedback in
different weather conditions, from people of both sexes and of as many
different builds and levels of physical preparation as possible.
In these 17 years, more than 3,000 people have stayed overnight in the tents at the High Lab Camp on Monte Rosa —
in the Aosta Valley, at the Quintino Sella Refuge on the watershed
between the valleys of Ayas and Gressoney (altitude 3585 metres).
The base camp, located on the edge of the Felik glacier, offers a
spectacular panorama thanks to its particular position overlooking the
heads of the two valleys, framed by the surrounding mountains, which are
all above 4000 metres. The camp is visited by many people, both as a
destination for excursions and as a base for climbs up to the summits of
Castore (4221 m) and Liskamm (4481 m) and for the traverse at the
Margherita hut (4554 m) across the Liskamm ridge. The climb up to the
refuge is an extraordinary experience in itself for those who have not
had many opportunities to come into close contact with high mountain and
glacier environments.
The Laboratory operates from in July until mid–August and it can be
reached from Colle Bettaforca (2672 m), using a panoramic route that is
marked in a few sections, with some parts over snow and aerial passages
on in–situ pegs in the final section.
The Quintino Sella Refuge is located at a high altitude and therefore,
before attempting an excursion, you should be suitably prepared in terms
of physical fitness as well as ensuring sufficient fluid intake and if
necessary, a suitable dose of the good–old multipurpose aspirin as soon
as the first symptoms of mountain sickness set in.
General Programme
Day 1: arrival at Gressoney (AO)/Champoluc (AO) in the evening, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 2: accompanied by Alpine and/or Mountain Guides,
departure for Colle Betteforca at 9.30/10.00 a.m. via the lifts at
Gressoney or using the Champoluc off-road taxi service.
Ascent to the refuge and picnic lunch. Accommodation in the refuge or,
for those wishing to do so, it is possible to sleep in sleeping bags and
tents from the High Lab camp. Presentation of material and activities
regarding the laboratory and illustration of the area’s topography.
Day 3: making an early start, the more physically
prepared can participate in an organised excursion to the summit of
Castore (4221 m) with 4-5 hours' walk on the glacier. Alternatively, it
is possible to choose one of the numerous shorter excursions in the area
around the refuge. Descent around midday or early afternoon and return
to Gressoney/Champoluc.
Difference in altitude: 850 m
Time: 3 ˝ — 4 hours for the ascent to the refuge
Difficulty: E/EE E = excursionists, EE = expert excursionists
Equipment required:
For the ascent to the Refuge only: trekking shoes, wind stopper,
backpack, clothing for excursions (cotton or Schoeller trousers,
T–shirt, shirt and/or sweatshirt, fleece), minimal change of clothing
(T–shirt, lightweight sweatshirt), gloves, fleece hat, cotton hat,
sunglasses, protective sun cream, flask and picnic lunch.
For the Excursions on the Glacier, clothing will be specified according to the agreed destination.
Useful equipment:
Trekking sticks, waterproof overtrousers.
HIGH LAB CAMP WILL BE OPEN FROM 15 JULY TO 20 AUGUSTFor more information: Tel. ++39 0125 366113
http://www.rifugioquintinosella.com/
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Ferrino
