CHIGNOL d'ARALE and Cima MENNA from Zorzone

Type: Interesting

Description:
Wednesday, December 28, 2016: it's Menna's turn to be the goal of the last excursion of this year... and we've reached many peaks! at least fifty. We are in Zorzone - fraction of Oltre il Colle (Bg) – where the path to bivouac Palazzi M.A.G.A. starts (8:25) which would be the shortest way to Cima Menna. However, we decide to lengthen a bit by taking (after a road stretch and at the first sign) the right orographic side of Val Carnera. A comfortable mule track leads right to the 'Amici del Menna' hut, overshadowed by magnificent beeches. From there we climb 'off path', heading towards Monte Chignol d'Arale (2068 m) which we reach scattered at 10:30. After a short stop we descend towards 'Croce di Zorzone' with the imposing and clear Menna (2299 m) in front. Past bivouac M.A.G.A. we easily climb the slope, completely snow-free. And, spaced in small groups, we are at the summit at 11:45. That it's a warm winter is testified (if ever needed) by the group of young people already at the summit: some in T-shirts and shorts! Imposing view: from distant Monte Rosa to nearby Corna Piana and Pizzo Arera. We photograph around the new cross that recently replaced the one deformed by lightning. Then, returning, some of us choose to walk the ridge of 'Monte d'Arale' instead of the path to 'Cascina Mattuida'. The descent is nice and adventurous, also due to very slippery grass stretches: definitely for expert hikers! Reaching the underlying path and not orienting well, we reach Zorzone at 14:45 with the impression (in the last stretch) of having further lengthened the already long route.

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Video length: 05:57