High Route 1 — Stage 10: Rifugio Jean Barmasse → Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney

Stage ten is the wild heart of Alta Via 1: 17 kilometres of high mountain terrain between Valtournenche and Val Saint-Barthélemy, crossing three passes above 2700 metres in a succession of vast, silent landscapes. From Rifugio Barmasse the trail climbs to Fenêtre d'Ersa (2290 m), descends briefly before rising to Fenêtre de Tsan (2736 m) — one of the AV1's finest cols, with the Matterhorn to the east and Grand Combin to the west — then continues to Col Terray (2775 m) to complete the pass trilogy. A final long descent leads to Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney (2652 m), one of the most atmospheric overnight stops on the entire route. The hut stands beside the Sanctuary of Cuney, the highest Marian chapel in Europe, whose medieval altar has witnessed centuries of alpine devotion; every August a high mountain mass draws hundreds of the faithful. The stage demands an early start, adequate water supplies — very few sources along the high traverse — and constant weather awareness, as the exposed ridgelines offer little shelter from afternoon thunderstorms.

Along the route: from Rifugio Jean Barmasse (2157 m), the path passes Fenêtre de Tsan (2736 m) — Panoramic pass between Matterhorn and Grand Combin; Col Terray (2775 m) — Stage high point, to Rifugio Oratorio di Cuney (2652 m). Along the way you reach the Jean Barmasse refuge, a useful base. The skyline is dominated by Cervino (4478 m), Grand Combin (4314 m), Dent d'Hérens (4177 m).