Punta Patrì
Resorts: Cogne
The Punte Patri rise on the divide between Valnontey and Valeille and are an extension of the Apostoli mountain range. These are two rocky peaks, the Northern Peak (3,561 m) and the Southern Peak (3,581 m), separated by a snow-covered gap. The climb to the higher peak is described here with an easy but extremely wild route, not well-traveled. The Money camp provides a great place to break up the significant difference in height from the valley floor and lets you better appreciate the sun rise over the eastern slope of the Gran Paradiso, standing out in all its glory.
Technical information
How to get here
Aosta Ovest highway exit. Continue along the Valle di Cogne road. At the center of main town, turn right for Valnontey: park at the large lot at the end of the road.
Description of the route
First day
From Valnontey, follow along the right side of the valley watershed. You’ll find a fork for the Money bivouac after Valmianaz: keep to the left along an easy mule route that starts to climb in hairpin curves to the plateau where the Money cottages stand. From the shelters, start climbing south-east towards the bivouac. Follow the moraine to the end and skirt around the left side of the rocky ledge to the Money bivouac (2,872 m).
Second day
From the bivouac, hike the Coupé Money glacier - being careful of the crevasses – to the East heading for the pass. The southern ridge of the Punta Patri starts here on the left. Skirt around a few unsafe rock piles to your left to reach the 3,507 meter side. Continue almost flat paying attention to the ledges on the Valeille side to the last part of the ridge with the large stacked blocks that leads to the Southern Peak.
Descent along the ascent route.
The route requires alpine climbing experience. Alpine guide assistance is recommended.