A ski mountaineering excursion in Antrona Valley featuring stark contrasts: the tiring first part, which is sometimes difficult to tackle, is followed by gentle slopes and large spaces, the best environment that a skiing mountaineer could wish for. You can enjoy wonderful views of Antrona Valley and Monte Rosa.
Description
ASCENT:
From the hairpin bend referred to in the useful information at the bottom of the page, at an altitude of 1227 m, follow, in a north-easterly direction (a visible path with little snow), the left bank of the Rio Cantonaccio (this section is at risk of avalanches): cross the stream where possible and climb the slope until you reach a beech forest that is also visible from below. Cross a small stream and continue to the Cama mountain pastures at 1612 m. From the second group of huts, the foresummit of Pizzo Ciapè is visible to the north. Continue up the beautiful slopes, following an easy path with a final section on a ridge, until you reach an altitude of 2239 m, where you can leave your skis. Follow the obvious ridge, which can present some difficulties in the event of heavy snow, up to the summit.
DESCENT: Same route.
Download here the map
Useful info
Starting point
Hairpin bend on the road that leads from Antrona to Cheggio at an altitude of 1227 m.
Ascent
1167 m
Climb duration
4 hrs
Best time of the year
March – April
Difficulty
AD, crampons useful
Exposure
South – West
Maps
Kompass f. 88 Monte Rosa, f. 89 Domodossola / CNS f. 284 Mischabel, f. 285 Domodossola, f. 1329 Saas / CET n. 3 / G4M n. 7
Access
From Gravellona Toce, follow the Ossola SS33 motorway until the exit for Villadossola, then continue to Antrona and Alpe Cheggio. There is a fixed departure point near the bend, before the road enters the Alpi di Campo plain.
Alpe Cheggio
28845 Domodossola (VB) See map