Snowshoeing San Bernardo-Monscera
Difficulty
Medium
Period
Winter

Famous for its water and extraordinary landscape, the Bognanco Valley is also the perfect place for snowshoeing trips and excursions. This rugged, inaccessible valley starts in Domodossola, but don’t be intimidated by its narrow gorges… the landscapes that you will find at a high altitude will truly amaze you!
From Bognanco, follow signs for San Bernardo.
Our snowshoeing routes, designed by Marina Morandin, will guide you towards Passo del Monscera and the Paione lakes, whose “remote-area water” is monitored and studied, since the lakes are located in areas that are not polluted and contaminated by human activities. This summer route to reach them is easy and very popular. However, in winter it requires experience in snowy environments and above all, snowpack stability. Other rewarding, highly scenic routes can be easily accessed from San Bernardo.

The following routes were created by Marina Morandin and taken from the guide “Ciaspole nelle Valli dell’Ossola” (Snowshoeing in the Ossola valleys) by Marina Morandin and Marco De Ambrosis, published by Danilo Zanetti Editore.

Description

From the car park, take the well-trodden track on the left. Continue along the trail, which winds through a picturesque, ancient larch wood, until you exit the wood and reach the wonderful Piana di Ridorosso plateau (1831 m). Start the final uphill stretch that leads to Lago di Ragozza, a lake that gleams with the whiteness of its winter blanket. From here, it is just a few minutes further to the Gattascosa refuge, a good resting spot that is open on the weekends. Continuing, you come to the detour via Passo del Monscera on the left, which can be reached via Lago del Monscera. This alternative route is only recommended when the snowpack is settled and the track is well-trodden. Continue, keeping right, and, after passing Alpe Micalcesti, you will reach the Alpine pasture of Monscera (1979 m), which is still has abundant snow in the summer. Descend via the road groomed by the snowcat to Alpe Arza and the Il Dosso refuge, and from here to the bridge over Rio Rasiga. Finally, a short ascent brings you to Alpe San Bernardo.
You can obviously also follow the route in reverse.

Useful info

Starting point

Alpe San Bernardo (1630 m)

Refuge

Gattascosa and Dosso

Access

From the A26 motorway, follow signs for the national border until Domodossola and then towards Bognanco. Continue along the road that ascends to Alpe San Bernardo, parking near the church.

Difficulty

MR

Ascent

363 m (477 m coming from Passo del Monscera)

Total duration

4 hrs

Signage

D0-SFT to Passo del Monscera, D8 to San Bernardo

Notes

It is advisable to always contact the refuge before departure for precise information about the route and snow conditions. You can follow the circuit in both directions.

Info: www.rifugidellossola.com

Ideal for
Couples
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
Ideal for
Couples
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
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mountain guide
IAT di Bognanco
Via Cavallini 28842 Bognanco (VB) See map
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