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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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza HIKING FROM RIALE Riale, the last village in the Formazza Valley, is the ideal starting point for excursions to Lake Morasco, mountain huts, and border passes. Surrounded by unspoiled nature and spectacular views, it offers unforgettable itineraries for all levels. TOUR OF THE GHIGHEL ALP 2132M Elevation gain: 357m Total time: 4 hours Difficulty: E Climbing from Riale, towards Toggia, you ascend to Lake Castel, continue to cross the Ghighel stream, and then descend to the mountain pasture of the same name. The return trail near the wall is steep, quickly taking you to the ridge separating the Toce Waterfall from Riale. TOUR OF THE GHIGHEL ALP 2132M Elevation gain: 357m Total time: 4 hours Difficulty: E Climbing from Riale, towards Toggia, you ascend to Lake Castel, continue to cross the Ghighel stream, and then descend to the mountain pasture of the same name. The return trail near the wall is steep, quickly taking you to the ridge separating the Toce Waterfall from Riale. MARIA LUISA REFUGE 2150M Elevation gain: 420m Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: T Owned by the Busto Arsizio Italian Alpine Club (CAI), this spacious and comfortable refuge is an excellent base for many summer and winter hikes in the Toggia Valley, including Basodino (3236m), Punta di Valrossa (also known as Rotenthal) (2968m), and Punta D'Elgio (also known as Helgenhorn) (2837m). CITTÀ DI BUSTO REFUGE 2480M Elevation gain: Time: Difficulty: Owned by the Busto Arsizio Italian Alpine Club (CAI), it can comfortably accommodate 48 people. It can be reached from two different sides: by climbing to the beautiful Bettelmatt plain and then the spur leading to the refuge, or from the Sabbione gully, where a new and safer trail has been created. CITTÀ DI SOMMA LOMBARDO REFUGE 2561M Elevation gain: 796m Time: 2.5 hours Difficulty: E Owned by the Italian Alpine Club (City of Somma Lombardo), it is located a few meters above the Sabbione dam wall. Open June-September. CLAUDIO E BRUNO REFUGE 2713M Elevation gain: 983m Time: 3 hours Difficulty: E Owned by the "Mato Grosso" Don Bosco 3A association, it can accommodate 60 people and offers restaurant service. From the Sabbione dam, which you cross, you enter the Hohsand valley. 3A REFUGE 2960M Elevation gain: 1230m Time: 3.5 hours Difficulty: E Owned by the "Mato Grosso" Don Bosco 3A association, it can accommodate 90 people and offers restaurant service. Open June-September. After passing the Sabbione dam wall, head towards Claudio and Bruno. Halfway along, you'll find a sign for the trail that branches off to the right and climbs steeply to 3A. HIGH TOUR OF THE REFUGES 2960M Elevation gain: 1145m Time: 6 hours Difficulty: E This is a classic hike in the upper Formazza Valley, passing four refuges and reaching the impressive 2,960m of the 3A. This varied and scenic hike, particularly along the Sabbione Valley and the Arbola, includes the Mores, Claudio, and Bruno refuges, the 3A refuge, and the Città di Busto refuge. Recommended months: July, August, and September. CROSSING THE NEFELGIÙ PASS 2583M Elevation gain: 840m Time: 5.5 hours for the entire tour Difficulty: E Starting from Riale, near the Morasco dam, climb left to Alpe Nefelgiù and follow the entire valley to the pass, keeping an eye out for possible residual snowfields even in late season. Once you reach the pass, which is always very windy, you'll enjoy a wonderful view of the Vannino Valley and beyond. You might even spot ibex. The descent to the Vannino is quick and safe, but quite steep. From the Vannino, you can easily descend to Valdo: continue on foot or take the Sagersboden chairlift. BLACK LAKE 2428M Elevation gain: 698m Time: 3.5 hours Difficulty: E We climb from Riale toward Lago Castel and continue south. Nestled between the Basodino and Corno Talli peaks, this artificial lake takes its name from the color of its waters, which reflect the black rocks above. BRUNNI HORN 2862M Elevation gain: 1132m Time: 4.5 hours Difficulty: EE Start from Riale and head towards Toggia. Clearly visible from all over Formazza, Corno Brunni overlooks the Riale plain. A rugged and challenging peak, given the brittle rock formation, you must climb to the Brunni Pass and then reach the summit via the airy ridge. TOUR OF THE BODEN'S LAKE 2341M Elevation gain: 611 m Time: 5.5 hours - full loop Difficulty: E The lakes are located on the orographic left bank of the Toggia Valley. The route climbs up to Alpe Castel and continues along slightly flat hills to the two Boden lakes. The area is characterized by karst phenomena, manifested by holes, sinkholes, and cavities created by the limestone rock. SAN GIACOMO PASS 2313M Elevation gain: 583m Time: 3 hours Difficulty: E A historic route that connected Formazza with the upper Canton of Ticino, this easy and pleasant hike follows the dirt road that runs along Lake Toggia, built in the early 1900s during the dam construction period. TOUR OF THE GRIES HORN PASS 2485M Elevation gain: 1058m Time: 7 hours for the entire tour Difficulty: E+ (due to length) From Riale, climb up the Toggia Valley to reach the San Giacomo Pass (2313m). Cross the border into Switzerland by taking the path on the left that indicates the Corno Gries Hut. A long traverse along a very scenic trail overlooking the Bedretto Valley and the Nufenen Pass leads to the Corno Hut (2338m). Continue along an easy trail to the Corno Pass (2485m), where you can still see the last remnants of the Corno Gries glacier. Return to Italy, reaching the Gries Pass (2479m) and then down to Bettelmatt, Morasco, and Riale. GRIES PASS 2479M Elevation gain: 749m Time: 3 hours Difficulty: E This was a historic trade route that for hundreds of years connected Milan with Bern and Central Europe, and is one of the few remaining accessible only on foot or by mule or horse. Climb from Riale to Alpe Bettelmatt, which in the Walser language means "alp of begging." At the end of the plain, on the left, the trail climbs steeply uphill. Once you reach the pass, you'll also find a small but comfortable and very useful wooden bivouac. Views of the Gries Glacier and the Bernese Oberland. PUNTA ELGIO 2837M (HELGENHORN) Elevation gain: 1107m Time: 4 hours Difficulty: EE From Riale, climb up into the Toggia Valley. Along the dirt road to the San Giacomo Pass, at a certain point you'll find a signpost. Climb the slopes above the lake. There are no trail markers, so you'll have to invent your own ascent, negotiating the bumps that lead to the summit, which is clearly visible during the climb. At the top, there's a stunning view of the Bedretto Valley in Ticino and the entire upper Formazza region. PUNTA DI VALROSSA 2968M (ROTENTHALHORN) Elevation gain: 1238 m Time: 5 hours Difficulty: EE From Riale, climb to the Maria Luisa Refuge, enter Valrossa, and follow it to the left. Once you reach the hill, turn sharply left and, following well-marked switchbacks, reach the summit. Beautiful views.

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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza USEFUL SERVICES BANCOMAT - at the town hall of FORMAZZA - POSTAL BANKING - in BACENO (27 km from Formazza) - INTESA SAN PAOLO BANK PHARMACY - in PREMIA (24km from Formazza) – S. Pietro Pharmacy Closed Thursday and Sunday afternoons – in BACENO (27km from Formazza) – Marinone Pharmacy Closed Thursday afternoons and Sundays GAS STATION - in PREMIA (24km from Formazza) - in CRODO (32km from Formazza) MEDICAL GUARD Tel. 116117 DOCTOR DR. ELENA ACHILLI: Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tel. 0324491590 – 491592-491589; for emergencies, call +393534308137

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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 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 Margaroli Refuge Maria Luisa Refuge Claudio e Bruno Refuge RIALE CROSS-COUNTRY CENTRE RENTAL Frazione Riale Telefono: +39 3803100773 E-mail: mountainsportformazza@gmail.com CALL E-MAIL WEBSITE

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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza EUGENIO MARGAROLI REFUGE GENERAL INFORMATIONS Business/Trade Name: Rifugio Eugenio Margaroli Business Category: Catering Full Address: Loc. Vannino - 28863 Val Formazza Opening and Closing Hours (including seasonal variations): Spring and Summer Season VISIT THE WEBSITE Nestled in the heart of the Lepontine Alps, Lake Vannino lies peacefully with its deep blue waters, typical of high-altitude locations. During the summer, it offers countless shades of color, while in winter, its surface transforms into a thick layer of ice and snow, allowing crossing. The different seasons offer such diverse panoramas that they always evoke new emotions. In spring, greenery timidly finds its way between the patches of snow, creating incredible contrasts. Then, as the months pass, carpets of flowers frame the Vannino Valley. Eagles, chamois, ibex, marmots, stoats, and foxes live peacefully in our mountains. The luckiest (and quietest) may encounter them, some more easily, some only with a keen eye, others only if they want to! CONTACTS Phone number: +39 3289040431 Email: rifugiomargaroli@libero.it Website: www.rifugiomargarolicai.com CALL E-MAIL WEBSITE

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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza CASCATA DEL TOCE TOCE WATERFALL - THE QUEEN OF THE ALPS With a drop of 143 meters, the Toce Waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Europe. It originates in Riale at the confluence of the Hosand, Gries, and Rhoni streams, and is visible in all its majesty only at certain times of the year due to hydroelectric power generation. Since the 18th century, its fame has attracted mountaineers and illustrious travelers such as De Saussure, Coolidge, Wagner, Carducci, D’Annunzio, and Queen Margherita, who described it as "the most beautiful waterfall in the Alps." A panoramic wooden balcony allows for a view overlooking the waterfall, along the ancient Gries Road, a historic link between Milan and Bern. THE HISTORIC HOTEL Next to the waterfall stands the Historic Hotel, built in 1863 by Giuseppe Zertanna and expanded in 1926 to a design by architect Piero Portaluppi. It was an Alpine excellence with cutting-edge services such as a post office and telegraph office. Today, the building, although converted into apartments, retains rooms and spaces rich in history, which can still be visited. CASCATA DEL TOCE OPENINGS 2025 OPENING HOURS SUNDAY, JUNE 2 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM CLOSED HOURS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM FROM JUNE 9TH TO SEPTEMBER 22ND DA LUNEDÌ A SABATO: Dalle 11.30 alle 13.30 DOMENICA: Dalle 10.00 alle 16.00 FROM 9 TO 20 AUGUST EVERY DAY From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EXTRAORDINARY OPENINGS SABATO 22 GIUGNO dalle 15.00 alle 17.00 SABATO 13 LUGLIO dalle 9.00 alle 17.00 VENERDÌ 30 AGOSTO dalle 8.00 alle 10.00 CHARACTERISTICS The top of the waterfall: 1,675 meters. The bottom of the waterfall: 1,532 meters. Height of the waterfall: 143 meters. Rock slope: 200 meters. Water level at the edge: 20 meters. Width at the base: 60 meters.

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 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza BAR SOUVENIR DA VANNA GENERAL INFORMATIONS Business Name: BAR SOUVERNI DI RONDONI GIOVANNA Business Category: Bar/Cafe and Souvenir Shop Full address: Cascata Del Toce, 28863 Formazza Vb Bar and souvenir shop opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 2pm from May to early October Bar Souvenir da Vanna is a true institution in the Formazza Valley. The business opened in 1968 as a souvenir and traditional products shop, and in 1984 it expanded to include a cozy bar. The two businesses coexist in what was once the hotel annex, now a destination for those seeking authenticity, quality, and an authentic atmosphere. The café offers classic coffee drinks as well as a carefully curated selection of light meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, ideal for a healthy and delicious break. Every day, we offer fresh pastries, homemade cakes, cookies, and amaretti biscuits, as well as an exceptional selection of honey (28 different varieties!) and artisanal spreads and jams. For those with a more curious palate or looking for a local gift, the shop offers traditional products, grappa, liqueurs, souvenirs, and local crafts, all carefully selected to showcase the flavors and knowledge of the valley. You can dine in or take away. Savoury options are also available, including sandwiches and platters of cured meats and local specialties. Conveniently located and easily accessible, Bar Souvenir da Vanna also has a large car park, ideal for a relaxing stop before or after your excursions. CONTACTS numero di telefono: +39 032463228 CALL FACEBOOK