Pizzo di Quarazzola (west ridge) – Standard route from Carcoforo

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A hike combining a forest walk with rockclimbing . Great fun, but requires a good level of hiking ability and experience of rockclimbing . Magnificent views on arrival of the north face of Monte Rosa, and numerous 3,000- and 4,000-metre peaks in Switzerland. Total duration of the hike :9 hours 30 minutes(including the break at the summit).

Details

n°95964323
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.65 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 10 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Extremely difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,580 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,580 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,065 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,485 ft
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Photos

View from the start
View of the south face
Passage along the ridge (east)
View from the ridge (east)

Description of the walk

(S/E) Approach via the Massero Refuge (2 hours), follow the marked hiking trail to the refuge.

(1) Continue along the path until you reach an altitude of approximately 2,200m.

(2) Head right towards the western ridge.

(3) Follow the scree slope to the cirque.

(4) At the foot of the first ridge (south) which joins the final ridge (east).

(5) Begin the ascent of the (southern) ridge on your right.

(6) Finally, once you reach the ridge (East), this is the tricky section considered to be rock climbing (II+ sections). However, it is doable without equipment, provided you have sure-footedness. Reach the summit.

(7) The descent follows the same route (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,485 ft - Start from the dirt car park
  2. 1 : mi 1.84 - alt. 6,821 ft - Massero Refuge
  3. 2 : mi 2.18 - alt. 7,287 ft - Exit from the path
  4. 3 : mi 2.45 - alt. 7,621 ft - Start of the scree slope
  5. 4 : mi 2.75 - alt. 8,110 ft - Cirque
  6. 5 : mi 2.81 - alt. 8,222 ft - South ridge start
  7. 6 : mi 3.13 - alt. 8,704 ft - East ridge start
  8. 7 : mi 3.32 - alt. 9,065 ft - Summit of Quarazzola
  9. S/E : mi 6.65 - alt. 4,485 ft - Return to the dirt car park

Notes

In spring, there may be some snow, which makes the ascent more difficult.

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