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Along the Ganda route: ascent of the snow-covered Northern Grigna

We decided to return to the Grigna, now covered in snow after several snowfalls in the past weeks. Equipped with crampons and all the necessary gear, we set out from the Cainallo parking lot.

The path is enchanting, the trail well-trodden, and the snow has solidified into ice, allowing for a brisk pace. We chose to take the Ganda route and return the same way, avoiding the loop we did in the summer, which goes through the Piancaformia ridge—a path that could be particularly dangerous with snow.

The first part of the trek is a pleasant walk, and after passing Rifugio Bogani, we continued straight to Rifugio Brioschi at the summit of Grigna. Here, a nice warm lunch with fellow hikers allowed us to recharge both physically and mentally. We were fortunate: the day was perfect, the sky clear, and the view breathtaking in high resolution. The entire Alpine arc is visible, especially the Monterosa and Monviso. From the center of the Po Valley, shrouded in fog that makes it look like a small lake, the skyscrapers of the Tre Torri district in Milan emerge.

About the trail

The trail is straightforward for those well-equipped and with some hiking experience. The path was visible and well-trodden, except for the final part with a very steep slope. However, apart from that, there were no particular difficulties.

In some sections along the route, it’s advisable to keep an eye on snowy slopes as small snow accumulations might occasionally shift.

Some pics