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VALTELLINA

Gianetti Refuge in Val Masino

An obligatory stop in the mountains of Lombardy, in the presence of the granite giants of Val Masino.

THE HIKE

MAP

PHOTO

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E/EE
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7:30 h
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15km
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1480
8
description

THE HIKE

Rifugio Gianetti is one of the most renowned mountain refuges in Lombardy. It is surrounded by the amphitheater of granite peaks of the upper Val Porcellizzo (including Pizzo Porcellizzo, Badile, and Cengalo, and Pizzi del Ferro on the right), and serves as a base for other excursions to Omio or Allievi refuges along the "Roma Path", of which the Gianetti Hut is a stop.


The journey begins from Bagni del Masino (1172 m, parking €5) and immediately starts ascending steeply along an ancient mule track dating back to the 17th century. The ascent is mostly through the forest until reaching the plateau of Casera Porcellizzo. A couple of interesting points along the ascent: the "Termopili" (1415 m), two enormous rocks leaning against each other, creating a narrow passage that suggested the toponym "Termopili," referring to the narrow pass of the famous Greek battle. And a little further ahead, the Cascate della Val Porcellizzo, rumbling on our left.


Once at Casera Porcellizzo (1899 m, 2 hours), we emerge from the forest, and the rocky amphitheater that closes the valley becomes more imposing with every step. Along a trail with a constant slope, somewhat monotonous, we reach Rifugio Gianetti (2534 m, 1.5 hours).


For more experienced and fit hikers, the traverse to Rifugio Omio via the equipped trail of Passo del Barbacan is recommended (about 3 hours), then descending from there to Bagni del Masino (2 hours).

Mappa

MAP

Foto

PHOTO GALLERY

HIKES IN THE SAME REGION

EQUIPMENT

The mountains are a dangerous environment: make sure you always have the right equipment — hiking or trail shoes, warm clothes and waterproofs in case of unexpected changes in weather conditions, a small emergency kit.

 

I've made an Amazon "shopping note" to make sure you have everything — ps if you buy from these links, 3% goes to support the development and maintenance of Hikes of the World 🙏.

 

  • Breathable t-shirt ( example )

  • Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket

  • Waterproof windbreaker (for example: men / women )

  • Gloves and hat (you never know)

  • Backpack with rain cover

  • Trekking poles (not essential, but they help to unload the weight of the backpack and ease the impact on the joints)

  • Trekking or trail running shoes (in great vogue lately because they are lightweight. These Salomon ones - for men and women - are an excellent entry-level, preferably Gore-Tex)

  • For via ferratas: complete via ferrata kit (I have this one , very light and compact, with this harness and helmet — or you can buy complete kits ). Buy in store to receive ad hoc support

  • To sleep a night in a refuge: sheet or light sleeping bag

  • Water bottle or thermos

  • Light crampons if you think you will find ice or snow on the route

  • Power bank or cell phone charger

  • Camera

  • Drone, for those who love to "fly" (used in moderation and at a distance from other people. I have had the DJI Mini 2 for over 2 years and have found myself very happy with it. The DJI Mini 3 also allows you to take vertical photographs)

  • Small emergency kit ( example )

  • Sun cream (essential)

  • Sunglasses

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