バルムッチアの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ15

Chapel, refuge and on the left, the white dot, is the summit cross.

My favorite route for both "training" climbs (when I was young) and, more frequently, to enjoy a climb all through the woods, therefore bearable even in July-August, with the arrival at the refuge that instead opens up to the eyes an unexpected panorama over a good stretch of the lower Valsesia. The climb to the summit, behind the refuge, then reveals, on clear days, M. Rosa and many other peaks. I tried two excursions, starting from the refuge. The first, continue to sella Vazzosa (short exposed sections, be very careful!) and then to Massale, then always on a trail on the crest to Castello del Gavala, there be very careful for short exposed sections and to find the right passage to descend from the summit to the path just below that will lead to Luotto and finally to Tovo or even just to sella Rosetta, and then go to the Gilodi-Ca'Mea refuge. Many km and altitude difference (1700 m approx.), to be organized in company and with two cars, one in Casavei and the other in Ca' Mea, with a lot of necessary training. An easier tour of approx. 1050 m of altitude difference, but which requires a good sense of direction, maps and GPS, is to go down the southern ridge in front of the Spanna refuge, always continue without going down the sides, paying attention to some rare paint on the trunks, until you come across a dirt road at an altitude of 1250, at the hairpin bend, not far from Alpe Passarina. From there the dirt road leads to Sella di Parone and finally to Casavei, altitude difference reduced to approx. 850 m. But at that storm the adventure becomes beautiful by leaving the dirt road and taking a path, always vs. south and remaining on the crest (wooded), which leads below partly maintained and partly ruined mountain pastures, first to Arcacce, from which you leave the crest to turn left and then find Tereggia, Pometto, Uccello alps, descending to the dirt road of Pra Personale that leads to Locarno, from there go back up to Casavei, and it is this climb to Casavei/Narpone that brings the difference in altitude to about 1050-1060 m Almost absolutely to be done with those who have already done this descent as it is easy to get lost. I did it and discovered it a first time with a few mistakes and retraced my steps to then find the right passages, all easy and always on wooded slopes, since then I have memorized it and once every year or two it gives me great satisfaction to do this ring again. Get a Geo4Map map n.2

Top location to look forward to and enjoy. With a bit of luck, cows and goats will keep you company.

Near the farmhouse, another support point for refreshment and a break.

Nice refuge at Bec d'Ovaga, check that it is open before your excursion if you need to stop and have refreshment. https://www.anavalsesiana.it/rifugio-la-res/

Great food, simple but clean accommodation, very nice hostess

The Alpe Baranca refuge is located in the green Baranca valley at 1600 m. Its position makes it an excellent stopping and overnight point on the GTA path and on the "Via Alpina" itinerary. For overnight stays it is always better to call 3478659385 or send an email for reservations. From the refuge you can also enjoy a beautiful panorama and you can observe roe deer, marmots and chamois.

Excellent cured meats, cheese and beer for an after-hike snack