Pizzo Berro, from Rifugio dei Ronchi

Access

From Milan to Morbegno along the SS 36 and 38. At Morbegno, in the square in front of the hospital, take the provincial road for Albaredo; follow it briefly to the signposted junction for Bema. Pay attention to the very narrow road, which is exposed and prone to falling stones. After a downhill tunnel the situation improves and at the end of long hairpin bends you reach Bema. Depending on the conditions (snow and ice permitting), it is possible to go as far as the Piazzale del Rifugio ai Ronchi (closed in winter). If you have to stop in the village, it is still possible to advance to the starting point on beautiful open and panoramic meadows.

Introduction

Unpublished excursion, sporadically covered by a few locals. Plenty of fresh snow is essential to fully enjoy the fast descent through sparse spruce and fir forest. Difficulty MS. From the summit, a unique panorama despite the modest altitude. You are in the Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi: possibility of encountering wild animals.

Description

On reaching the Rifugio ai Ronchi 1170m, take the forest track in a southerly direction. There is no shortage of signs on the trees upstream for numerous secondary locations along summer trails. For our excursion, we must pay attention to the official Park signs: ours is the second: Fracino - Pizzo Berro. After leaving an aqueduct building, we enter the only dark section of the route: a dense forest, but skiable with caution in heavy snow. From here, you can follow paint markings on tree trunks on sight. You soon come to the Fracino clearing, then, at the top of the pasture, you find the signs again and, with wide bends in the sparse, steep forest, you approach the summit of the mountain. The gradient increases, the trees thin out and leave open space to the very panoramic summit. Descent along the ascent route. In winter conditions, the snow accumulates and remains powdery for a long time. Possible, but very dangerous descent on the north-west slope. Photo gallery