Sentiero Roma

ITALIAN CENTRAL ALPS

Probably the most classic and fascinating hike in the Central Alps

HISTORICAL NOTES

In 1928 the CAI of Milan, owner of most of the huts in the Val Masino, thought of creating an itinerary that would allow visitors to the valley to go from one hut to another without having to descend into the valley. Thus was born a high-altitude route that brought together the Gianetti refuge, the Allievi refuge (now Bonacossa), the Ponti refuge and later also the Omio refuge.

Over the years, the Sentiero Roma has become one of the great classic Italian routes, attracting a multitude of visitors every summer, enchanted by the beauty of the landscape.

3036 metres of climbing and 18 hours of walking

The trail is a high-altitude itinerary that runs along the head of the Val Masino, on the Italian side of the Val Bregaglia mountains in the western Rhaetian Alps.

The path was laid out by the Val Masino guides from 1928 onwards, at the request of the Milanese section of the CAI, owner of the refuges in the area. Initially, the Gianetti-Allievi and Allievi-Ponti sections were built. Later, the path was extended to connect the Omio and Brasca shelters.

The itinerary takes place in the presence of large granite mountains, including Badile, Cengalo and the Castello peak, and ends at the foot of the Disgrazia. The whole route, which is very spectacular and popular, is normally divided into three or more days, depending on the variations chosen, with overnight stays in huts. Most of the time, the route remains at an altitude of about 2500 metres..

Before considering embarking on this great adventure, however, a few general warnings should be made. The route does not require specific mountaineering preparation, but should not be underestimated. In particular, the central part of the route, consisting of the third and fourth days (Gianetti-Allievi and Allievi-Ponti crossings), or the first day if you choose the short variant of the Risari path (Omio-Gianetti), offers several equipped passages in the ascent and descent of the passes that cross impermeable slopes, so it is necessary to have a rope and a carabiner to secure the fixed ropes. It is not at all safe to tackle them alone, or in inadequate training conditions. It is therefore not advisable to tackle it in snow or on bad weather days (in many places there is no real path, but you have to cross large rocks among which, in good weather, the many signs clearly dictate the way, but you can just as easily get lost, if visibility is reduced, which happens very quickly when the weather deteriorates).

Cellular network coverage is rather poor and in the whole central part of the trek, mobile phones have a very weak and bad reception.

The best period is between August and September (July is also a good month, if it has not snowed too much in winter). The rest of the year, snow can be a serious problem.