At the arrival of the bus in Riale, terminus of the public transport line and also of the Formazza Valley state road (for those who choose to reach it using their own means of transport), follow the paved road up to the foot of the Morasco dam, passing by the wonderful Walser village of Riale. At the foot of the dam (the Toce river officially starts here), a path leads to the top of the dam and from here continues on a dirt road to the base station of the private ENEL cable car. Continue on a path that crosses over the Rio Gries and then continue on the G00 path to a junction: turning left, take the G39 path that leads to the refuges. When you reach a saddle, leave path G39a on the right that leads to the Città di Busto Refuge to go down towards a small hut and cross the Rio dei Sabbioni. Then go up to the Sabbioni Dam, where the CAI Somma Lombardo Refuge is located.
Head down to the dam, cross it and leave the path to the right for the Città di Busto Refuge. Continue along the lake, leaving on the right the path that climbs to Refuge 3A to reach Claudio e Bruno Refuge at 2710 m (8891 ft). Continue along route G39 in the direction of Refuge 3A, stopping at the view point indicated by the cross, before reaching the highest point of this itinerary, Refuge 3A at 2960 m (9711 ft). From this refuge begins a path that requires caution, passing over rocks, moraines and snowy stretches. Reach the Plain of Chamois: here the path is unimpeded and leads to the Città di Busto Refuge. Those who choose to complete the route in two days can follow the Castiglioni Trail on the second day, which leads to the Gries Pass, and then descend comfortably via the G00 path (Via del Gries). The simple route descends from the Città di Busto Refuge to the Battelmatt alpine pasture below, where exquisite cheese named after these splendid plains is produced. Continuing on the Via del Gries G00, you’ll join the route from your outward journey and from here go on to Riale.
