Reach the symbolic peak of the Valsessera and enjoy a 360° panorama, from Monviso to Gran Paradiso, from Monte Rosa to the large cities of Lombardy on the plain.

Access and parking

Reach Coggiola (BI) by car. From the village centre a road branches off uphill (Via Castello) and, passing through the hamlets of Rivò and Viera, reaches Piane di Rivò after 8 km. Beyond a wide bend to the right, several signposts indicating the start of the trails. Convenient car park beside the asphalt road.

Route

Near the small church of Piane di Rivò, take the wide path leading to a small coniferous wood, beyond which you reach Piana del Croso; the path immediately enters the bottom of the Rio Cavallero valley. Go up the mountainside, passing the sign for the Via della Discordia of the Palestra di Roccia Oliva. You reach a thick coniferous wood where the former Casa Forestale, now, "la Ciota" (1226 m - 0.40 hours) refuge stands. Here, leave trail G1, which continues to the left of the building, and take itinerary G8 to the right. After a few hairpin bends and a moderate climb, you will reach the ridge that comes off Mount Pissavacca; from here, you can see the hut and the entire climb. Go up the ridge among low conifers and rocky outcrops. When the wood thickens ("La Bura" locality), leave the ridge, keeping to the left on level ground. Then start climbing again, exit the wood, along the steep slope of Mount Pissavacca until you reach the typical crag called "Scarpie" (1,435 m - 0.35 hours from the Casa Forestale). This path was created by placing stone steps and cutting into the solid rock. For greater safety, the section is equipped with a fixed rope.

Continue until you reach the ruins of Alpe Ponasca (1535 m) and, immediately ahead, the junction with trail G1a (1544 m - 0.30 hours from Scarpie), from Baita Ranzola.

Climbing up the steep grassy slope, you will soon reach the Monte Barone Refuge of C.A.I. Valsessera (1587 m - 1.50 hours from the start). From here, walk up the sharp grassy slope that leads to the Bocchetta di Ponasca ridge.

Continue following trail G8 and staying slightly on the left (Sessera) side of the ridge, quickly gaining height on steep terrain, until you reach a short esplanade. Go over a slight depression and wedge yourself among small rocks on the steep terminal slopes. Cross diagonally to the right, passing under a characteristic bell placed above a glass niche containing a beautiful statue of the Madonna. After a few metres, you reach the summit (2044 m - 0.40 hours from the refuge). The C.A.I. Valsessera (Italian Alpine Club) has placed a wind rose at the summit, indicating the various visible peaks.

Descent along the ascent route.

References

Passeggiate sulle montagne del Biellese di Corrado Martiner Testa - Blu edizioni