Mezzalama Refuge, from the Frachey car park

Introduction

Little-used route that enters the centre of the Monte Rosa chain. The environment and the descent by a parallel route increase the interest in the excursion. The section between the two moraines must be done with care because of the possibility of falling rocks.

Description

Follow the farm road, possibly cutting a few hairpin bends, as far as Pian di Verra inferiore. Cross the long plateau, cross the stream over a small bridge and continue through the larch woods, leaving the road to the right that goes to the upper Pian di Verra and entering between the two moraines. After a level stretch, the valley narrows considerably, and in this section you must be very careful of falling stones, particularly from the moraine on the left, which is the first to catch the sun. Keep to the right side if necessary and then climb a steep section that leads to a wide plateau from where the view of the Monte Rosa chain is spectacular. Follow the bottom of the valley, which is wide and flat, and then climb up between the boulders just to the right of the seraccata. After a steeper section, you arrive above the seraccata. From this point, following beautiful little valleys and moving to the right, you reach the edge of the moraine and the refuge. It is also possible to reach a large, clearly visible rain gauge and then descend to the hut.