Punta Palasina, from Estoul

Introduction

The ascent to this peak takes us through a beautiful, solitary valley and, after having passed a well-maintained alpine pasture, allows us to reach a panoramic peak from which the overall view is truly exceptional and which is in an enviable central position with respect to the numerous "3000" peaks, and others, that dot the nearby middle and upper Ayas valley, while further west you can see the Avic and Emilius group. To tackle the ascent, however, it is necessary to consult the snow and weather report, because both the long traverse below the Bieterorn and the slope beyond the Palasina alpine pasture require the snow to be well-balanced; if there is danger of avalanches, you can arrive just below the alpine pasture by keeping to the left at the fork at an altitude of 2133 m and, following the track of the valley road, reach an obvious hut from which you can climb the slopes of a wide ridge that reach below it.

Description

From the car park, go into the coniferous forest following the almost always present tracks and in any case skirting the edge of the forest along the ski slopes that rise up towards the Bieterorn peak above; having passed not far from the Chanlochére mountain pasture situated to the left of the slope, you will soon come to a farm track where the signposts are clearly visible (2028 m), at which you turn left. Always following the track of the farm track, you approach the small ski lifts of the small ski resort, located a little higher up, passing under the ropes of two of them to reach the nearby Chavanne mountain pasture (2118 m). Passing between the few mountain huts, walk along the track that almost immediately turns right and follows the side of the mountain, reaching a fork signposted by signs (2133 m) and leaving the track to the left, continue down the hillside into the valley dominated at its head by Punta Valfredda. In this section, the itinerary does not gain much altitude difference and, after keeping to the left at another crossroads (2193 m), it makes a long traverse halfway up the slope, passing under the rocky outcrops of the northern slopes of Monte Bieterorn (be very careful in the event of heavy or recent snowfall). At the end of the traverse, a few metres of altitude difference are lost to reach the clearly visible markers (2253 m) located in a small hollow at the bottom of the valley in an area with some large erratic boulders and, climbing up the bumps to the left, begin the ascent of the latter with the slope now becoming a little steeper with a few short breaks; as the slope diminishes, we can see the huts of the Palasina alpine pasture (2422 m), which we soon reach and pass, reaching the not too distant posts behind them. Our destination is now clearly visible in front of us with its wide slopes that we begin to climb, at first below the vertical of the peak and then move, as we proceed, to the right, zig-zagging in some of the steepest points. Remaining always to the right, we reach a slightly marked ridge that leads to a small gully at the end of which we reach the anticima (2,777 m). From here, faithfully follow the ridge, paying attention to the cornices, which continues westwards and after a last, slightly steeper climb, you reach the scenic summit.