From the Resinelli Plans to the Rosalba Refuge

Rifugio Rosalba is one of the most classic destinations in the Lecco mountains: the landscape it's nestled in truly resembles the Dolomites, thanks to the limestone towers and spires typical of the alpine environment of the Grigne. Moreover, three different paths lead to the hut: the comfortable Path of Foppe (1.45 hours, described here), passing through the Path of the Dead (1.30 hours, steeper and more exposed), to the spectacular and famous Direttissima (3.00 hours, an equipped route, relatively easy to traverse for experienced hikers, crowded in summer). The classic route is the Path of Foppe, starting from the former Rifugio Alippi: it's reached by descending south on the road from Piani Resinelli.

From Rifugio Alippi (1183 m), we walk into the woods, in spring filled with the scent of cyclamens. We then descend into the bottom of a wide alluvial gorge, where the first Dolomite views open up. The path, until now mostly flat, gradually becomes steeper. Once we reach the junction for the Path of the Dead, we start climbing more decisively. After a few minutes, we emerge from the woods: from now on, we have a truly interesting hour of walking ahead, on spectacular grassy slopes hosting a varied display of statues, spires, and limestone pinnacles. On the right, the imposing bulk of Torre Cecilia accompanies us, while at the top of the grassy slope, we can already see, seemingly close, Rifugio Rosalba.

The view from Rifugio Rosalba (1730 m, 1.45 hours) opens up to the massif of the Northern Grigna, Lake Como, and the line of mountains framing it, as well as the distant snow-capped mountains of Switzerland. In summer, we can enjoy the scene of hordes of climbers crowding the walls of Torrione del Cinquantenario, attempting to conquer its peak and the characteristic bell.

We return via the same route of ascent (1.15 hours).