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

Details

n°5360930
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–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.57 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 5,213 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,966 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,893 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,252 ft
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Photos

Alpe Vallaro
San Bernardo
Lago Ragozza
Alpe Vallaro

Description of the walk

(S) From the Berggasthaus Zwischbergen, head north along the small road to reach the start of a path on the right.
Signposted Via Alpina, GTA and SFT (red and white).
Turn right and follow the sign for Passo di Monscera. Continue along this path until you reach a small road. Cross the road and head for the bridge over the Grossus Wasser.
(1) Cross the Grossus Wasser and begin the climb towards Passo di Monscera. Cut across the track’s hairpin bends four times. Join the track again for the fifth time at an elevation of 1,684 metres.

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

(3) Return to the path and cut across this 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, make your way to Rifugio Gattascosa.

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

(6) The San Bernardo Refuge is accessible by road. Ignore this road and the first path leading to the San Bernardo Chapel. Head due south opposite the refuge, following the sign for SFT Rifugio Alpe Laghetto. After about 50 m, ignore a path on the right. Continue and join the path coming from the San Bernardo Chapel. Carry on to Alpe de Pragio.

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

(8) Heading south, then west, head towards Vallaro, an old mountain pasture, then the Bivacco Marigonda (1823 m).
Signposting: red markings.

(9) Begin the final ascent and head to the Rifugio dell’Alpe Laghetto (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 4,449 ft - Zwischbergen
  2. 1 : mi 0.32 - alt. 4,252 ft - Bridge over the Grossus Wasser stream
  3. 2 : mi 1.27 - alt. 5,551 ft - Trail
  4. 3 : mi 1.54 - alt. 5,610 ft - Leave the track
  5. 4 : mi 2.46 - alt. 6,893 ft - Passo di Monscera (2,103 metres)
  6. 5 : mi 3.28 - alt. 6,532 ft - Rifugio Gattascosa
  7. 6 : mi 5.19 - alt. 5,371 ft - Rifugio San Bernardo
  8. 7 : mi 5.83 - alt. 5,066 ft - Pragio
  9. 8 : mi 7.99 - alt. 5,535 ft - Oriaccia
  10. 9 : mi 8.96 - alt. 5,991 ft - Bivacco Marigonda (CAI)
  11. E : mi 9.57 - alt. 6,726 ft - Alpe il Laghetto

Notes

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

Worth a visit

  • Passo di Monscera.
  • Lake Monscera.
  • Gattascosa Mountain Hut.
  • Lake Ragozza.
  • San Bernardo Mountain Hut.
  • Bognanco Valley.
  • Marigonda Bivouac.
  • Alpe il Laghetto.

Reviews and comments

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