The abundance of snow this year has created the perfect conditions for all those who love strapping on the skins and heading onwards and upwards.
Valle Spluga in springtime is the ideal venue and provides excellent sporting opportunities.
With such a thick blanket of snow deposited on the tops there’s every chance for fans of skiexcursions to take full advantage – for weeks to come. The freedom that this particular discipline unleashes, arouses strong emotions. The skier has an intimate bond with nature all around, whilst enjoying pleasant spring temperatures and magnificent landscapes.
There’s no question of the excitement the sport engenders: ski mountaineering requires considerable physical effort but it invokes a genuine relationship with the mountains and takes the sport right back to its origins.
Valle Spluga serves up some of the most striking options with a wide range of difficulty on offer. Height differences involved can vary between 1000 and 1500 metres. Among the most tempting peaks around is Pizzo Tambò at 3096m, excursionists setting out from the Passo dello Spluga itself (2110m). Not far away Pizzo Ferrè (3103m) is another interesting possibility heading off from the village of Montespluga along the length of Val Loga.
Somewhat longer – at around 5 hours – is the trip up to Cima Bardan at 2962m. This outing sets forth from the small village of Isola (1260m) and takes in the whole of Val Febbraro right up to the ridge.
The above-named are just a few of the most recognised goals. There are many different internet sites which indicate alternatives, all well-documented and sketched out.
And remember, Alpine guides in Valchiavenna are invaluable for anyone interested in discovering some of the more off-the-beaten and original routes.
But winter and springtime alike, there is always an element of danger – that of the unexpected. It’s hugely important therefore that basic rules and simple precautions are always adhered to: vital safety equipment for example (shovel, probe and Artva) and always check the latest local avalanche bulletins before you set out.
SKI EXCURSIONS FROM ISOLA TO THE PASSO DEL BALDISCIO
Spring’s the ideal time for enthusiasts of ski excursions up to the high points of our valleys. And there’s a place in Valle Spluga which makes obvious appeal to those who already have some experience of heading for the heights and who wish to tackle some fantastic routes, which though not overly demanding offer up plenty of excitement and some breathtaking panoramas. There are a wide variety of excursions on offer in an area encompassing Val Febbraro and Borghetto, all situated within a natural environment far away from the hurly burly of the ski slopes themselves.
The outing to the Passo del Baldiscio – at a height of 2355m is one for anyone who has a little experience of the sport.
Leave the car at Isola at 1253 metres and head off following the signs towards Cà Raseri at the entrance to Val Febbraro. We move gently through woodland of fir and larch as far as Borghetto, the half-way point on our route to the Passo del Baldiscio. Following in the tracks of previous excursionists makes life pretty easy.
There’s a height differential of 630m from Isola to Borghetto and a further 500m in order to reach our final goal. From a landscape point of view what strikes you most is the expanse on the opposite side of the valley of the ski slopes which weave their many wondrous ways down to the resort of Madesimo. But compared to these slopes teeming with skiers of all shapes and sizes, we’re enjoying nothing but peace and tranquillity. Absolute silence among the tracks left by white hare or fox looking forward to the warmth of spring days after a hard winter’s foraging.
The outing to the Passo del Baldiscio takes the best part of a day, and a dawn start is recommended, after having consulted experts on weather conditions and checked for the risk of avalanches.
And of course just to round off this splendid adventure there’s the absolute joy of the descent – a sensational and gratifying experience after all the effort getting to the top. Should you decide to employ the services of an Alpine guide on your outing, you might even consider pushing onwards towards Cima del Baldiscio, Pizzo Bianco or Pizzo dei Piani. All are well worth the effort. And don’t forget: in your rucksack always have a shovel, probe and Artva (avalanche beacon).
It’s no surprise that the number of people who have taken up the discipline has grown considerably in recent years. However it’s important for everyone to not only adopt the standard basic preparations and appropriate safety equipment but in the case of heading off into less well-known mountain areas then it’s well worth taking advantage of the expertise of a local mountain guide.
