Zwischbergen - Alpe il Laghetto

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On leaving Zwischbergen, a fairly steep climb under the larch trees will take you to Passo Monscera. From this pass, which marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, you can see the Fletschhorn, the Lagginhorn and the Weissmies and, further to the left, the Pizzo d'Andolla. After passing the charming Rifugio Gattascosa, you will descend to San Bernado along a pleasant path. You will continue through alpine pastures to reach Vallaro and then Il Laghetto.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Fletschorn Tour

Technical sheet

n°5360930
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.41 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,589 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 904 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,101 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,296 m
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Photos

Alpe Vallaro
San Bernardo
Lago Ragozza
Alpe Vallaro

Description of the walk

(S) From the Berggasthaus Zwischbergen, head north on the small road to reach the start of a trail on the right.
Via Alpina, GTA and SFT red and white markings.
Turn right and follow the signs for Passo di Monscera. Continue along this trail until you reach a small road. Cross the road and join the bridge over the Grossus Wasser.

(1) Cross the Grossus Wasser and begin the climb towards Passo di Monscera. Cut across the switchbacks four times. Join the trail again for the fifth time at an elevation of 1684 metres.

(2) Continue along the track for about 500 m and rejoin the trail before a bend.

(3) Take the trail again and cross the track one last time at the Pussetta mountain pasture. Heading east, continue the ascent towards the Passo di Monscera.

(4) At the pass, enjoy the panoramic view of the Fletschorn massif. Begin the descent towards Lago Monscera. Heading south-southeast, walk to reach the Rifugio Gattascosa.

(5) From the Rifugio Gasttascosa, follow the signs for San Bernardo. Pass Lago Ragozza and descend gradually to the Rifugio San Bernardo (1,630 m).

(6) The San Bernardo Refuge is accessible by road. Ignore this road and the first path that leads to the San Bernardo chapel. Head south opposite the refuge and follow the signs for SFT Rifugio Alpe Laghetto. After about 50 m, ignore a path on the right. Continue and join the path that comes from the San Bernardo chapel. Continue to Alpe de Pragio.

(7) Stay on this beautiful, almost flat path through the pastures and reach Alpe de Oriaccia (1,651 m).

(8) Head south, then west towards Vallaro, an old mountain pasture, then the Bivacco Marigonda (1,823 m).
Signposting: red markings.

(9) Begin the final climb and head to the Rifugio dell'Alpe Laghetto (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,356 m - Zwischbergen
  2. 1 : km 0.52 - alt. 1,296 m - Bridge over the Grossus Wasser torrent
  3. 2 : km 2.04 - alt. 1,692 m - Trail
  4. 3 : km 2.47 - alt. 1,710 m - Leave the trail
  5. 4 : km 3.96 - alt. 2,101 m - Passo di Monscera (2,103 metres)
  6. 5 : km 5.27 - alt. 1,991 m - Rifugio Gattascosa
  7. 6 : km 8.36 - alt. 1,637 m - Rifugio San Bernardo
  8. 7 : km 9.39 - alt. 1,544 m - Pragio
  9. 8 : km 12.85 - alt. 1,687 m - Oriaccia
  10. 9 : km 14.41 - alt. 1,826 m - Bivacco Marigonda (CAI)
  11. E : km 15.41 - alt. 2,050 m - Alpe il Laghetto

Practical information

? Red-white SFT and blue Via Alpina markings.
? Mountain equipment, including good shoes.
? The IBP statistics for the route give an index of 163 HKG
? Food available at Rifugio Gasttascosa and Rifugio San Bernardo
? Bivouac possible at Bivacco Marigonda (CAI, unmanned)
? Stopover lodge: Alpe il Laghetto Rifugio Alpe il Laghetto (CAI)

In the nearby area

  • Passo di Monscera.
  • Lake Monscera.
  • Gattascosa Refuge.
  • Lake Ragozza.
  • San Bernardo mountain refuge.
  • Bognanco Valley.
  • Marigonda Bivouac.
  • Alpe il Laghetto.

Reviews and comments

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