PROGRAM
Ski touring in Formazza valley: uncontaminated valleys, in one of the most enchanting resorts of Ossola valley. The Formazza valley is located at the very edge of Ossola valley, in the far north of Piedmont. Crossed by the Toce river, that rises from the mountains on the border with Switzerland, it’s part of the province of Verbania-Cusio-Ossola. Hidden by the Lepontine Alps, this valley is dominated by the Blinnenhorn (the valley’s highest peak, with its 3,374 meters). Historically speaking, the Formazza valley is known as part of the Walser community lands . This population, of Germanic origin, inhabits the valleys around Monte Rosa: the Formazza valley has been their first settlement in Italy.
The tour touches some of the most iconic peaks of the area, immersed in an authentic and wild environment. A 5-day adventure with skis and skins surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Dinners and overnight stays will be at Margaroli hut, in the Vannino valley. The hut will be the starting point for our excursions, as well as the reference base for the tour.
A unique experience to enjoy sunrises and sunsets at high altitudes, exploring a different itinerary everyday.
If you are interested in discovering more itineraries in the area, you can also check our tour “Ossola Valley – Haute Route“.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Ponte (Formazza valley) – Margaroli hut, 2,197m
Elevation gain: 800m
Time: 3/4h
Meeting point: Baceno (VB), Antigorio valley (Piedmont-Italy)
Meeting with the Guide and group.
Briefing for logistic organization, gear check.
Transfer by car to Ponte, in Formazza valley, optimizing the number of cars depending on the number of participants. The tour starts from Canza, a Walser village, from there we will climb up to Margaroli hut.
We will easily approach the hut, by foot or with skis on, for a lunch break.
Accommodation in the rooms, then in the afternoon we can decide to go for a short trip to Sruer lake.
Return to the hut for dinner and overnight.
Ponte (Formazza valley) – Margaroli hut, 2,197m
Elevation gain: 800m
Time: 3/4h
Meeting point: Baceno (VB), Antigorio valley (Piedmont-Italy)
Meeting with the Guide and group.
Briefing for logistic organization, gear check.
Transfer by car to Ponte, in Formazza valley, optimizing the number of cars depending on the number of participants. The tour starts from Canza, a Walser village, from there we will climb up to Margaroli hut.
We will easily approach the hut, by foot or with skis on, for a lunch break.
Accommodation in the rooms, then in the afternoon we can decide to go for a short trip to Sruer lake.
Return to the hut for dinner and overnight.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Mount Giove, 3,009m
Elevation gain: 900m
Time: 5h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
Beautiful and interesting first ascent, in a remote environment. The view from the peak is one of the most stunning of the entire Lepontine alps. With a funny and satisfying descent we will reach Busin lake. After a short climb, to the homonymous pass, we will retrace the same itinerary of the ascent, for a cool and funny descent.
Back to the hut for some relaxing time before dinner and overnight.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Mount Giove, 3,009m
Elevation gain: 900m
Time: 5h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
Beautiful and interesting first ascent, in a remote environment. The view from the peak is one of the most stunning of the entire Lepontine alps. With a funny and satisfying descent we will reach Busin lake. After a short climb, to the homonymous pass, we will retrace the same itinerary of the ascent, for a cool and funny descent.
Back to the hut for some relaxing time before dinner and overnight.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Punta D’Arbola, 3,236m
Elevation gain: 1,050m
Time: 5h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
We will leave for the wonderful iced Srùer lake, then from the Lebendun pass we will reach the peak at 3,236m. The Punta d’Arbola represents the perfect ski touring adventure in Formazza valley. The itinerary grants a great and satisfying ascent, for a “5 star” skiing enjoyment.
We will return to the hut by following an alternative itinerary, passing near Vannino lake.
Relax, dinner and overnight at the hut.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Punta D’Arbola, 3,236m
Elevation gain: 1,050m
Time: 5h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
We will leave for the wonderful iced Srùer lake, then from the Lebendun pass we will reach the peak at 3,236m. The Punta d’Arbola represents the perfect ski touring adventure in Formazza valley. The itinerary grants a great and satisfying ascent, for a “5 star” skiing enjoyment.
We will return to the hut by following an alternative itinerary, passing near Vannino lake.
Relax, dinner and overnight at the hut.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Punta del Forno, 2,919 m
Elevation gain: 750m
Time: 3/4h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
We will then leave for the ski touring ascent of punta del Forno.
Remote itinerary in the wide and stunning Forno Vallon. During the itinerary you will be completely alone and isolated, only surrounded by a secluded and unique landscape.
The ascent will reward you with a wonderful view over the Conca del Vannino, towards Punta d’Arbola.
Back to the hut, relax, dinner and overnight.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Punta del Forno, 2,919 m
Elevation gain: 750m
Time: 3/4h
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
We will then leave for the ski touring ascent of punta del Forno.
Remote itinerary in the wide and stunning Forno Vallon. During the itinerary you will be completely alone and isolated, only surrounded by a secluded and unique landscape.
The ascent will reward you with a wonderful view over the Conca del Vannino, towards Punta d’Arbola.
Back to the hut, relax, dinner and overnight.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Nefelgiù pass or Corni – Ponte
Elevation gain: 780m
Time: 3/4h
Last day and last peak of the tour.
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
A nice climb will lead to the Nefelgiù pass, from there you can admire the scenery over the Nefelgiù pass. Return through a wonderful descent down to Ponte, where the tour will top off with a celebratory lunch at the charming and welcoming Albergo Rosenthal.
Final toast with the Guide and the group and last greetings before returning home.
Margaroli hut, 2,197m – Nefelgiù pass or Corni – Ponte
Elevation gain: 780m
Time: 3/4h
Last day and last peak of the tour.
Wakeup and breakfast at the hut.
A nice climb will lead to the Nefelgiù pass, from there you can admire the scenery over the Nefelgiù pass. Return through a wonderful descent down to Ponte, where the tour will top off with a celebratory lunch at the charming and welcoming Albergo Rosenthal.
Final toast with the Guide and the group and last greetings before returning home.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (transfers, meals and accommodation)
- liability insurance
- safety gear used by the Guide (eg rope)
- booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €12 per person for 7 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and backpack): €30/day per person while supplies last
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe and crampons): €20/day per person while supplies last
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation) to be covered by participants
- transfers
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
