Ciarforon, Mountain summit in Aosta Valley, Italy
Ciarforon is a mountain summit in the Gran Paradiso massif reaching 3,642 meters elevation with a distinctive dome shape and extensive ice sheets across its upper slopes. Four glaciers descend from its northern, eastern, southern, and western faces, creating a heavily iced appearance year-round.
Mountaineers F. Vallino and A. Blanchetti first reached the summit on August 25, 1871, establishing it as a climbing objective in the Gran Paradiso area. The first winter ascent took place on December 30, 1941, showing how the peak attracted climbers with varying levels of experience over decades.
The mountain sits within Gran Paradiso National Park, where glaciers shape the landscape and visitors encounter traditional alpine farming and mountain craftsmanship practices maintained by local communities across generations.
Climbers typically start their ascent from Pont at 1,960 meters, progressing to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele at 2,730 meters before continuing to the summit. Routes are well-established through the Gran Paradiso area, though conditions vary considerably depending on the season and weather patterns.
The peak serves as a natural watershed dividing two valleys and takes its name from local geographic features documented in alpine mapping for generations. This role as a border summit makes it an important landmark for travelers crossing this mountain region.
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