Ski mountaineering at Punta d’Arbola

ASCENT:

1. 1. st day:
      From Valdo di Formazza, climb to Sagersboden with the chairlift or by walking up the track. From the arrival station, walk through the wood following the summer route. The valley begins at the end of the wood. Climb up the valley to Lake Vannino and the Margarioli refuge, located on a hill just above the dam.
   2. nd day:
      From the Margaroli refuge, head in a north-westerly direction, climbing up the steep slope that leads to Lake Sruer or Obersee at 2330 m. (stay alert for possible avalanches). Cross the lake, if it is frozen, or walk around the right bank and enter the small valley. Next, enter the channel that rises between the rocks and the Sabbione glacier.
      Climb this channel until Passo del Vannino or Lebendun at 2754 m. Turn left and head towards the summit, crossing the vast glacier. Climb the last section, which is very steep, keeping to the right. Sometimes you can reach the summit on skis, otherwise you have to cover the final stretch on foot.

DESCENT:
Same route

Download here the map

1st day: Valdo di Formazza 1274 m
2nd day: Riugio E. Margaroli – Alpe Vannino 2180 m

1st day 906 m
2nd day 1055 m

1st day 2-3 hrs
2nd day 4,5 hrs

March – June

AD, rope, ice axe, crampons

North – East – South

Kompass f. 89 Domodossola 7 / CNS f. 265 Nufenenpass, f. 1270 Binntal, f. 1271 Basodino / CET n. 1 / G4M n. 10

From Gravellona Toce, follow the Ossola S33 motorway until the exit for the Antigorio and Formazza valleys, continue towards Crodo and Premi and then cross all of Formazza Valley to the hamlet of Valdo.