Wolf Trekking: the route by #ferrinogreatesttreks (EN)

It is night in the Maritime Alps, the last light has been swallowed by the surrounding rocky mountains. We are warm and cozy in the Ferrino tent and we think back to the emotions given by this magnificent trek that we are taking, called the “Trekking del Lupo”.
The Wolf Trekking is a circular itinerary of suggestive beauty that follows the “predator’s footsteps” through two natural parks with intact ecosystems: the Maritime Alps Park (Piedmont) and the Mercantour Park (France), both with sedentary packs of wolves that have returned to populate them after many years of absence.

The peculiarity of the itinerary is that at the start and halfway along the route it is possible to visit two wildlife centres which specialise in illustrating the life, behaviour and history of this extraordinary animal, symbol of the wilderness.
The first (planned at the start of the route) is the Entracque Wildlife Centre “MEN AND WOLVES” where, in addition to the permanent exhibition, it is possible to spot a pair of wolves above a covered structure in a fenced area. The second, in French territory, is the Wildlife Centre “ALPHA LOUP” in Le Boreon. In this case too, the centre includes, in addition to a permanent interactive exhibition, several observation stations of wolves in packs in a large forest area.
The route, proposed as an absolute preview with the collaboration of the Maritime Alps Park (www.parcoalpimarittime.it), has a total length of approximately 75 km and includes the passage over 5 spectacular hills at 2400 m above sea level, touching the characteristic Royal Hunting Roads built for King Vittorio Emanuele II.
The landscape that unfolds during the trek is first-rate, always grandiose and exciting with lakes, forests, waterfalls and rich in fauna. There is a concrete possibility of sightings of: chamois and ibex, but also marmots, ermines and the impressive bearded vultures with their silent solemn flight.
The route does not present any objective difficulty, it does not require mountaineering experience but only an aptitude for walking in the mountains and the necessary training to overcome the daily differences in altitude which in some stages are of a thousand meters.
It is possible to travel it self-sufficiently with a tent in tow (bivouacking is permitted inside the parks) or by using the refuges found at the end of each stage. The necessary equipment is that of a normal multi-day trek, with suitable rain covers and good mountain footwear.
For more information: “The Wolf Trekking for adults and children” by Annalisa Porporato and Franco Voglino, Terre di Mezzo Editore.

Trekking del Lupo: the route
STAGE 1 – Visit to the Uomini e Lupi Wildlife Centre, Casermette, from San Giacomo d'Entracque (1213 m) to the Soria-Ellena refuge (1840 m) [total: + 627m, 6km, 2.30 hours]
STAGE 2 – from the Soria-Ellena refuge (1840 m) to Le Boreon (1460 m) via the Colle di Finestra (2471 m), the Pas des Ladres (2448 m) and the Lac de Trecolpas (2150 m) [total: + 900m, -1100m, 12km, 6h] – note: the stage can be split in two with a small variant at the Refuge de Cogourde
STAGE 3 – visit to the Alpha Loup Centre, from Le Boreon (1460 m) to the Regina Elena refuge (1834 m), via the Col de Ciriegia (2543 m) [total: +1070m, -700m, 7.5km, 5.30 hours]
STAGE 4 – from the Regina Elena refuge (1834 m) to the Questa refuge (2388 m) passing through the Colletto di Valasco (2429 m) [total: +850m, -300m, 8.5km, 4 hours]
STAGE 5 – from the Questa refuge (2388 m) to Terme di Valdieri (1368 m) passing through the Vallone di Valasco refuge (1763 m) [total: +250m, -1270m, 8.5km, 3h]
STAGE 6 – from Terme di Valdieri (1368 m) to the Morelli-Buzzi refuge (2351 m) [total: +1080m, -100m, 7.5km, 3 hours]
STAGE 7 – from the Morelli-Buzzi refuge (2351 m) to the Genova-Figari refuge (2015 m) passing through the Colle del Chiapous (2526 m) [total: +300m, -640m, 6km, 2.30 hours]
STAGE 8 – from the Genova-Figari refuge (2015 m) to San Giacomo di Entracque (1213 m) passing through the Colle dei Fenestrelle (2463 m), visit to the Uomini e Lupi Wildlife Centre, Centro [total: +460m, -1265m, 11.7km, 5 hours]