TOURISM OFFICE
Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB)
Tel. +39 0324 63059
Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS
Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st
Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm
Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm
Sunday from 10 to 12:30
LINK
Swiss Weather
© 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza
SKI MOUNTAINEERING
AN UNCONTAMINATED ADVENTURE AMONG THE PEAKS
Formazza Valley is one of the historic destinations for ski mountaineering in Italy, thanks to its location among the snowiest mountains of the Alps. With vast snowfields and imposing Alpine peaks, it is the ideal place for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, immersed in pristine nature.
Since the early days of skiing in Italy, Val Formazza has been one of the top destinations for ski mountaineers. The imposing peaks of the area, such as the Arbora and the surrounding mountains, offer spectacular and varied routes for all difficulty levels. The ski mountaineering trails are ideal for those seeking a challenge on the highest peaks, far from traditional ski resorts.
Ski mountaineering requires adequate preparation and good knowledge of the mountains. For everyone, it is highly recommended to consult local mountain guides before undertaking a ski mountaineering tour. It is also essential to check weather conditions and always consult the avalanche bulletin to ensure maximum safety during the excursion.
To mitigate risks along ski mountaineering routes, the use of proper equipment is essential. The use of an avalanche transceiver (ARTVA), shovel, probe, and a mobile phone for emergencies is recommended to ensure safety in case of unforeseen events.
Val Formazza is the ideal choice for those seeking an authentic ski mountaineering experience, away from the crowds, in a natural environment of rare beauty. Its vast snowfields and imposing peaks make every excursion a unique experience for those who wish to challenge themselves in one of the most breathtaking places in the Alps.
BASODINO MOUNT
Difficulty: BSA
Starting point: Riale
Starting altitude: 1,730 m. Summit altitude: 3,273 m.
Rest points: Rifugio Maria Luisa 2,156 m.
Duration: approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
A wonderful hike in a wonderful setting, with a long route, a beautiful couloir (Kastell), a beautiful glacier, and a challenging final ridge.
ROTENTHALHORN OR PUNTA DI VAL ROSSA
Difficulty: BS
Starting point: Riale
Starting altitude: 1730m. Summit altitude: 2968m.
Rest points: Rifugio Maria Luisa 2156m.
Travel time: approximately 5 hours
This route runs along the Val Rossa. The peak marks the watershed between the Val Bedretto and Val Formazza.
BLINNENHORN OR BLIND HORN
Difficulty: BSA
Starting point: Riale
Starting altitude: 1,730 m. Summit altitude: 3,373 m.
Rest points: Claudio and Bruno refuge
Time: approximately 7 hours
Classic ascent to the highest peak in the Formazza Valley. Splendid views of the Bernese Oberland.
HOHSANDHORN OR PUNTA DEL SABBIONE
Difficulty: BS
Starting point: Riale
Starting altitude: 1730 m. Summit altitude: 3182 m.
Rest points: Claudio and Bruno refuge
Time: approximately 7 hours
A less frequented but extremely rewarding summit with a route that runs along the western branch of the Sabbione glacier.
OFENHORN OR PUNTA D’ARBOLA
Difficulty: BSA
Starting point: Ponte
Starting altitude: 1,274 m. Summit altitude: 3,235 m.
Rest points: Myriam Refuge 2,035 m. Margaroli Refuge 2,194 m.
Duration: approximately 7 hours
Called the Queen of the Formazza Valley. Climbing up the Vannino Valley, you can enjoy unexpected Alpine scenery until you reach the Lebendun Pass, where you join the Sabbione Glacier, which leads to the summit.
MOUNT JUPITER
Difficoltà:BS
Località partenza: Ponte
Quota di partenza: 1274m. Quota Vetta: 3009m.
Punti d’appoggio: Rifugio Myriam 2035m. Rifugio Margaroli 2194m.
Tempo percorrenza: 7h circa
Bella e interessante salita in ambiente poco frequentato. Fantastico panorama sulla Val d’Ossola.
The Support Points
The Support Points
EUGENIO MARGAROLI REFUGE - 2177 m
Località Vannino
Stagione primaverile e estiva
Nel cuore delle Alpi Lepontine, il Lago Vannino incanta con le sue acque di un azzurro intenso. Ogni stagione regala scenari unici: d’estate si veste di mille sfumature, mentre d’inverno si trasforma in una distesa ghiacciata. In primavera, il verde si fa spazio tra la neve, dando vita a spettacolari contrasti, seguiti da tappeti di fiori che incorniciano la valle. La fauna alpina – aquile, camosci, stambecchi, marmotte, ermellini e volpi – popola questo angolo di natura, offrendo incontri emozionanti a chi sa osservare con attenzione.
Telefono: 0324 308093
Whatsapp: 328 9040431
E-Mail: rifugiomargaroli@libero.it
Sito Web: www.rifugiomargarolicai.com
MARIA LUISA REFUGE - 2157 m
Toggia
The refuge is open year-round, closed in May and November. For more specific opening times, please consult the website.
We recommend wearing appropriate clothing and equipment, and checking the AINEVA website.
WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND CHECKING THE WEBSITE OR CONTACTING US.
Phone: +39 0324 63086
Email: info@rifugiomarialuisa.it
Website: www.rifugiomarialuisa.it
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifugiomarialuisa/
CLAUDIO E BRUNO REFUGE - 2713 m
Sabbioni
Open March and April - July and August
Located near the Strahlgrat-Hohsand Glacier, overlooking Lake Sabbioni in a basin of peaks and snowfields, it is an ideal starting point for mountaineering excursions to the surrounding peaks: Blindenhorn (3,374 m) 2 hours from the refuge, Hohsand (3,182 m) 1.5 hours from the refuge, and Punta d'Arbola (3,235 m) 4 hours from the refuge.
The shelter is managed by volunteers from Operation Mato Grosso.
Proceeds from its operations are donated to missions in Latin America.
Phone: +39 342 35 13 145
Mobile: +39 039 94 67 647
Email: rifugioclaudioebruno@yahoo.it
Website: http://www.rifugi-omg-formazza.it/?page_id=143
OMG Shelters: http://www.rifugi-omg.org/
