I couldn’t resist for long, I took advantage of the first sunny weekend to return to Rifugio Nicola and finally fulfill my goal of reaching the summit of Monte Sodadura.
To save time, this time we took the cable car from Moggio. Aside from the short wait in line, we arrived at our starting point on the Piani di Artavaggio in just a few minutes. From there, we immediately set off on the trail leading to Rifugio Nicola, which we reached in about 25 minutes.
After a quick break and putting on our crampons, we tackled the steep path leading all the way to the breathtaking summit. At the top, a golden statue of the Madonna and a stunning 360-degree view allowed us to gaze into the horizon with incredible clarity.
We could even spot, with the naked eye, the summit cross of Punta Cermenati on Monte Resegone and the Brioschi mountain hut on Grigna.
For the descent, we chose an alternative route, creating a loop back to the Piani di Artavaggio. After a short lunch break, we took the cable car back down and returned to Milan.
It’s amazing to think that such a paradise is just an hour away from the city!
About the Trail
The trail to Rifugio Nicola is relatively easy. Snow can make the ascent a bit more challenging, but as long as you avoid particularly steep variations, the main path is wide, well-trodden, and has a gentle incline.
The trail leading to the summit of Monte Sodadura, however, is significantly steeper and exposed in some sections. Proper gear is essential, especially crampons, both for the ascent and the descent.
Some pics
