Intermediate Val Formazza Trek

This is a high mountain day, connecting two lakeside huts above the tree line with a long ridge loop. The route climbs to the lookout of Punta Lebendun, then swings across the vast basin of Lago Sabbioni with glaciers and three thousand metre peaks close at hand. It is a remote day, moving from hut to hut and finishing on a rocky balcony at Rifugio Claudio e Bruno.

From Rifugio Margaroli the track follows the shore of the Obersee before turning onto steeper T3 terrain. A long ascent of roughly 700 vertical metres snakes up rubble and slabs to Punta Lebendun at around 2,845 metres, a superb balcony over Val Formazza and the Sabbioni basin. From here the route climbs on to the Guglie Bianche and the bare, yellow-white summit of Pizzo del Costone, reaching the high point of the day at about 2,860 metres. The path then bends left into a long descent through boulder terrain, dropping back to gentler ground near Rifugio Somma Lombardo at 2,561 metres, with huge views to Punta d'Arbola and Blinnenhorn.

Beyond the hut an airy traverse leads towards Rifugio Mores Lago Sabbione at 2,515 metres, perched just above the big dam. You cross the concrete wall with Lago Sabbioni on one side and waterfalls plunging into the valley on the other, then follow a clear path that hugs the northern shore. The last stretch is a steady climb of around 200 metres over turf and boulder ribs to Rifugio Claudio e Bruno, a single stone building right above the turquoise water.

The final stage keeps the altitude for a while, linking high huts and dams before the long drop back towards Switzerland. It starts among moraine and old snowfields above Lago Sabbioni, passes the glaciers around Rifugio 3A, then works over towards the border ridge. After a panoramic traverse above Griessee the path finally spirals down to Altstafel and the bus back to Ulrichen.

From Rifugio Claudio e Bruno the trail climbs steadily on rocky T3 ground to reach Rifugio 3A, set right beside the Siedel glacier. Short exposed sections demand concentration but remain well marked. From the hut you drop steeply through boulder terrain, then cross the almost flat Pian dei Camosci heading north-east to Rifugio Città di Busto at 2,480 metres, with long views back over Lago Sabbioni and the serrated skyline of Blinnenhorn and Punta dei Camosci.

Beyond the hut the markings guide you past marmots on the rocks and the old marble workings, then up around 200 metres of rubble slopes to the broad Gries Pass, with chains giving some support on a few passages. From the pass you reach the concrete curve of the Griessee dam at around 2,380 metres. On clear days the view stretches to the icy tongue of the Gries glacier and far across the Valais peaks. A final long descent on well built mountain paths and service tracks zigzags down towards the power station buildings at Altstafel, where the loop comes to an end. From here you will need to make your way back to the Ladstafel bus stop, where the bus takes you down to Ulrichen. As the bus does not run very frequently, it is important to check the timetable in advance and plan your arrival accordingly. While you wait for the bus, there is time to rest and enjoy the last views of the high mountains around you.