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Description:
26-06-2022: Monte Pizzul Loop. Route Km. 7.400 Elevation gain Mt. 535 From the pass descend along the asphalt towards Pontebba for just under 1 km until finding on the right the start of CAI trail no.441. Traverse a first section with moderate gradient in a sparse conifer wood where in June bloom clematis, common aquilegia, geo and meadow rue. Soon the trail crosses a steep streambed beyond which climb with a few small switchbacks. The presence of lower vegetation of dwarf pines and alders progressively opens the view also on the slopes of the Val Dolce mountain rising on the other side of the valley. After overcoming with switchbacks a grassy ramp gain a panoramic ridge overlooking the Val Pontebbana and Monte Salinchiet. Now begins the traverse along the eastern slopes of Monte Pizzul amid splendid blooms of martagon lily, wood cranesbill and sticky catchfly. The path becomes a bit awkward due to bushes and grassy tussocks narrowing the walkway. Further on, crossing a beautiful grassy slope where bloom scorzonera, brown clover and alpine aster, arrive at the plateau below Forca Pizzul. Leaving on the left the track descending to Pezzeit shelter, climb further with a couple of turns reaching the saddle immersed among alders. Skipping the trail continuing towards the Salinchiet ridge (see variant) and the one descending to casera Pizzul, ascend right with some switchbacks (CAI marker no.442). The trail now traverses almost at quota, cutting the steep grassy blades of the mountain then, after a small counter-slope, comes into view of Forca di Lanza. Soon arrive at the wide saddle separating Monte Pizzul from Monte Zermula, magnificent natural balcony over the Paularo basin and mountains. Ascent to Monte Pizzul via an unmarked path originating from the saddle. Leaving the CAI marker, take the track ascending right (east) following the ridge direction. With easy but steep path quickly ascend the meadows covered with globeflowers and still marked by defensive lines that the loose ground is slowly erasing. Near the summit section intersect a trench dug into the reddish rocks of the mountain leading left to fortification remains. From here ascend directly along the overlying grassy slope then, near a rocky spur from which the nearby summit is glimpsed, keep left passing in front of a gallery piercing the ridge. Another short pull on steep grassy tussocks and gain the summit of Monte Pizzul (1985 m, cairn, small cross). The summit, wrongly neglected, offers a fine view and reveals itself rich in Great War testimonies also along the ridge descending to Zuc di Malaseit. For this purpose it is possible to drop to the other side along the grassy slope without obligatory path to visit some still well-preserved trenches and fortifications with loopholes. Then aiming right towards the crest line, reach a small gallery opening on a rocky spur overhanging the southern side. Other remains finally on the southern slope just below the summit but attention to the steepness of the slope. Back down to Forca di Lanza, take right the path descending to Cason di Lanza pass (CAI marker no.442a) skipping immediately right the detour to Zuc della Guardia via ferrata. After a wide loop among alders the path skirts left an extensive marshy basin inhabited by a numerous colony of marmots. Continue descent among rhododendrons passing a streambed and gradually re-entering the larch and red fir wood. Soon find oneself near the Finance barracks and thus at the starting point.
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Video length: 21:08
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