Difference in altitude: 1,500 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
After breakfast we set off into the rubble field above the hut, guided by the light of our headlamps and the reflectors strategically placed on the rocks. We cross a short stretch of the glacier, then we climb up to the Fuorcla Prievlusa (3,445 m) before a stretch of roughly grade-III rock climbing takes us up to a plateau. Here we can enjoy a view of the legendary Biancograt in all its majesty. For the most part, we go along the ridge’s edge. The first peak we reach is the Piz Bianco (3,995 m), which marks the start of the most technically demanding section.
The route climbs and falls over stretches of rock and snow (grades I and II), then we pass a series of gendarmes, with some pretty exposed climbing (III+), before a section of easy, short pitches gives access to the summit of Piz Bernina (4,048 m).
We go down on the Italian side along the airy ridge that leads to La Spedla (or Punta Perrucchetti, 4,026 m).
A final, steep ascent over rocks and a snowfield will bring us to the welcoming Marco e Rosa Hut (3,609 m) for dinner and overnight stay.