Der Passo Porcellizzo

The trail is often used by mountaineers to get back to Val Bondasca after ascents to Piz Badile or Cengalo and to avoid the complicated return on detours through Valtellina or Valchiavenna. The route is quite busy, but still needs to be approached with appropriate preparations, this because of the difficulties that can be encountered when crossing the pass on the Val Codera side. The hike is described with the bivouac Pedroni-Del Pra as a starting point. However, it is preferable to leave from the Sasc Furä hut and follow the first part of the previous route.

About a hundred meters above the bivouac you pick up the track that cuts the upper circle of the Val Codera horizontally. This leads to a descent that leads to a plateau in front of a small glacier. You climb up the gentle ice slope towards the last crevice at the foot of the gully that runs up to the pass. The gully is climbed towards the left, at a small rocky spur. In the upper part you follow a marked trail on the slope, in places over scree, in short bends to the saddle of the pass (2962 m - 1.30 to 2 hours from the bivouac). If there is snow, keep to the left and avoid getting into the middle of the gutter (pay attention to rockfalls). At the incision of the Passo Porcellizzo, the descent begins on the Valmasino side on a marked track in the middle of a gully. Further down, the slopes of Val Porcellizzo open. From there, over alpine pastures and stony terrain, you walk towards the Rifugio Gianetti (2534 m), which is located in the centre of a spacious amphitheatre at the foot of the south walls of the Badile and the Cengalo. The further descent to San Martino Valmasino takes place on the usual access path to the Rifugio. In the upper section you come through the middle of beautiful pastures and follow the marked trail to the large Pianone di Porcellizzo, which you walk along the lush torrent. In addition, you remain faithful on the beautiful paved path, which climbs decisively downwards and again and again allows excellent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A last stretch through the forest leads to Bagni Masino (1172 m), where you can stop for a bite to eat and the walk is over. At a large square, the road connection with San Martino Valmasino begins. Returning to Bergell by public transport is possible, although complicated (bus and train - change in Ardenno Masino, Colico, Chiavenna, ev. Castasegna). It may be better to organize a vehicle for advance in Bagni Masino.