Hiking – Around Vannino

At the arrival of the Ponte bus, follow signs for the Sagersboden chairlift, which you take to climb comfortably to an altitude of 1772 m (5814 ft). On arrival, signposts point to the Miryam and Margaroli Refuges, which are located on the SI (Sentiero Italia – Italy Path) and VA (Via Alpina – Alpine Way) routes. The route winds along a trail, which then becomes a path, to the Margaroli Refuge, near the Vannino dam. On the way back, turn off to the meadows in the direction of the Miryam Refuge. Follow a path that, through lakes and peat bogs, comes close to the large wall of an old dam that never came into operation. Detour to the path that climbs up to the Miryam Refuge. From the refuge, we recommend you walk over the two view points over the Formazza Valley and the foothills of Monte Giove.
The route then continues along the outward route and returns to the top station of the Sagersboden chairlift, which takes you back to the valley in just a few minutes. Those who wish to continue walking can take the path that descends to Canza and then, through the variant of the Gries mule track, return to Ponte.

Sector G “Routes” – IG20

Domodossola FS International Railway Station (from Bern and Milan).
From the BUS terminal, take the Formazza Valley bus route, getting off in Ponte
Contact details: Municipality of Formazza
CAI contact details: Formazza Section
Refreshment areas: Margaroli Refuge and Miryam Refuge

Medium difficulty. The route is not particularly difficult. Be careful:
– in the return stretch from Miryam Refuge, with sections marked only with stone cairns
– in the section below the wall of the dam which is not in operation, on the return route

11 km

481 m

3 hrs 30 min

Walking boots and technical mountain clothing.

G99 – G31 – G99a – G00d

From late June to September

Map no. 10 or 11 scale 1:25,000 of the Geo4Map/CAI
Digital maps on the following apps: ViewRanger – Avenza Maps