High Route 1 — Stage 15: Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses → Rifugio Frassati

Stage fifteen climbs from Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses toward Rifugio Pier Giorgio Frassati, the overnight stop immediately below the ascent to Col Malatrà, the highest pass on the entire Alta Via 1. The route rises through the Merdeux basin on a path that crosses well-maintained meadows, streamside vegetation and open slopes, with the outline of Petit Saint-Bernard visible to the west. The 905 m of positive elevation is distributed evenly across the distance, making this a stage of duration rather than acute difficulty. Rifugio Pier Giorgio Frassati (2540 m) is dedicated to the young Turinese mountaineer beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990, known as the man of the beatitudes for his life of service and love of the mountains. The hut provides comfortable accommodation with meals in a modern, welcoming setting. An overnight here is strategically essential: the ascent to Col Malatrà (2925 m) and the long descent into Val Ferret the following morning demand the earliest departure of the entire route.

Along the route: from Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses (1600 m), the path passes Conca di Merdeux (2100 m) — Pastoral basin with Petit Saint-Bernard views, to Rifugio Pier Giorgio Frassati (2540 m). Along the way you reach the Frassati refuge, a useful base. The skyline is dominated by Monte Bianco (4808 m), Grand Combin (4314 m).