Ski route from Riale

Overview

Monte Basodino, very rocky and impressive if seen from the italian side(west-Val Formazza), but covered of ice/snow on the northeast side(CH-Val Bavona).

There is a ski route running along both side, that permits to climb the mountain starting from the small italian hamlet of "Riale"(1728m), and continuing on the glacier of Basodino.

It's a route advisable for the begin of spring, because the south lower part of it loose the snow cover very fast.

The route could be divided in 2 days, sleeping at the refuge "Maria Luisa"(2157m), 400 meters above Riale; the climb is not very long, but the distance is considerable.

Riale is reachable from: Milano/Torino-Domodossola-Formazza SP659. The paved road to Riale is usually covered of snow untill march.
It's advisable to check the condition before.

The route

From the carpark of Riale, take the direction to the refuge "Maria Luisa", easy to recognize because a road partially paved(in summer), takes up there.

Once arrived to the hut, point toward the snow saddle placed on the left side of the summit of Basodino, which is called "Kastellücke"(2718m).
Usually many ski tracks takes there, going between the icey lakes of "Toggia" and "Kastel".

The couloir that permits to reach the saddle could be dangerous with unsafe snow.
Over the saddle, descent few meters and get on the glacier. From there turn right and go up to south direction, trying to avoid the few crevasses(!).

Pass below of the Pizzo Cavergno, which could be confused with the Basodino, and than point to the rocky ridge that descent from the main summit.
Leave the skis at its foot, and climb it untill the top. The ridge is not very easy if covered of snow(I°/II°).

In descent follow the same itinerary.

Images

View Ski route from Riale Image Gallery - 7 Images