Hiking - Rifugio Questa - Piedmont, Italy

Hiking - It doesn't matter that I've lost count of the many times I've reached the Rifugio E. Questa in the splendid Park of the Maritime Alps (Parco delle Alpi Marittime). It's always a great experience which this time I could share with a decently sized group of 13 participants, from 7 different countries, from the Torino CouchSurfers' Group. A wonderful occasion to take advantage of perfect weather and daylight galore next to the summer solstice.
the Rifugio is nested above the Portette Lake, one of the three glacial lakes which are part of the Valscura Lakes. These sit on a "balcony" overlooking the Valasco flats where the ancient Royal Hunting Lodge has now recently been converted into the Rifugio del Valasco (bar, food and rooms).
Gorgeous views, among others, over the Matto and Argentera peaks.

Tips:
Day hike.
Parking at Terme di Valdieri, elevation 1,380 m.
Destination Rifugio E. questa, elevation 2388 m.
This track shows a loop hiking route. Way up via shortcuts to the road leading to the Piano del Valasco. From here, there are three possible ways to reach the Rifugio. We chose the southernmost of these for it's the most shaded and for one part of our group was heading to the Passo di Prefouns at 2,620 m while we (this track) followed the trail to the Rifugio. From here we returned via the northernmost way to enjoy the Claus and Valscura lakes, treading the spectacular military road - now partially in ruins - built by the Italian Alpine Troops in early 1900. Overall vertical drop for this hike, including minor ups-and-downs between lakes, nears 1300 m (4,265 ft).