THE ROMA TRAIL
The Roma Trail winds along the southern ridge of the Retiche Alps, in the stretch between the Chiavenna valley and the Malenco valley. Built in 1928 by the mountain guides of Val Masino on commission of the CAI Milan section, with the aim of connecting all the huts in this part of the valley, it stretches for 54km, with a total difference in level of +2.900m, keeping for the most of its length at an altitude of 2.500m. Considering the altitude and the alpine environment in which it winds (a few exposed passes equipped with fixed ropes), it is only recommende to hikers with excellent physical training, experience and appropriate equipment. It normally takes between 4 and 5 days to complete, depending on the stages you want to take on. See here the path legs
A good alternative to the first leg of the Roma trail, which starts from the Bagni di Masino, is starting from San Martino village instead (923 m), where a large parking lot is available. This option facilitates the return to the car park from the Filolera village, the arrival point of the Roma trail. See here bus timetable
Time: about h 4:15
Distance: about 5.30 km
Difficulty: E
∆+: 1.270m
∆-: 120m
THE WHOLE ROMA TRAIL
FROM NOVATE MEZZOLA TO CHIESA IN VALMALENCO
The original Roma Trail starts from Novate Mezzola (212 s.lm.), instead of Bagni di Masino, and its first leg runs through the entire Codera Valley up to the Brasca hut.
From: Novate Mezzola (212m)
To: rifugio Brasca (m 1304)
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: E
∆+: 1.200m
∆-: 100m
Hiking time: 4:00 hrs
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From Novate Mezzola, on the shores of Lake Mezzola, an ancient mule track leads into the Codera valley, where the village of Codera lies, one of the last of the province of Sondrio, that can only be reached on foot. From here we continue to the end of the valley, going through a few pasture areas, passing by the Bresciadega hut, and arriving at the Brasca hut.
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​From: rifugio Brasca (m 1304)
To: rifugio Gianetti (m 2534)
Distance: 7,5 km
Difficulty: EE
∆+: 1.430m
∆-: 200m
Hiking time: 5:30 hrs
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From the Brasca hut, in the heart of the Codera valley, you go up the Averta valley. Increasingly steep slopes take you to the Barbacan Pass, overlooking the Porcelizzo valley and its beautiful mountains, among which there are the Cengalo and the Badile peaks, at the foot of which lies the Gianetti hut.
Variation of the second leg through the rifugio Omio
From: rifugio Brasca (m 1304)
To: rifugio Gianetti (m 2534)
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: EEA
∆+: 2.050m
∆-: 820m
Hiking time: 7:00 hrs
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In order to passing by all the huts in the area, the most trained hikers from the Brasca hut can reach the Omio hut through the dell’Oro Pass or the Ligoncio Pass, the latter technically more difficult, and then the Gianetti hut through the passage of the Barbacan SW. Given the considerable positive difference in level of this leg, it is advisable to stay overnight at the Omio shelter.
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Although physically demanding, the ascent from the Brasca Refuge to the Valli shelter in Val d'Arnasca and then to the Omio hut through the Ligoncio Pass, is perhaps among the most beautiful and characteristic excursions in the area. In Val d'Arnasca, the granites of the Ligoncio, the Sfinge and the dell’Oro peaks soar above the waterfalls that plunge into Val Codera. The mysterious and "invisible" Ligoncio Pass, carved in the exposed and equipped rock, has always been shrouded in the legend of mountain literature.
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From: rifugio Gianetti (m 2534)
To: rifugio Allievi (m 2385)
Distance: 10,5 km
Difficulty: EEA
∆+: 700m
∆-: -850m
Hiking time:6 hrs
Climbing over the Camerozzo ridge, going through the del Ferro pass and descending in the homonym valley, it is the most challenging section of the Rome trail. This section is steep and exposed, but also well equipped with fixed ropes. From here the path goes in to the Qualido valley and from this to the Zocca valley, where the Allievi hut is located.
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From: rifugio Allievi (m 2385)
To: rifugio Ponti (m 2559)
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: EEA
∆+: 1.000m
∆-: -400m
Hiking time:7 hrs
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From the Allievi hut a climb of more than 600 meters leads to the pass of the Cameraccio which, with its 2950 m, is the highest point of the Roma trail. For the Ponti hut you still have to cross the endless and stony Cameraccio valley and the impervious Roma pass. This is the hardest leg of the whole trail.
From: rifugio Ponti (m 2559)
To: Chiesa in Valmalenco (m 960)
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: EE
∆+: 380m
∆-: -1.900m
Hiking time:6 hrs
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After 2 days in the granite kingdom, the middle of the Predarossa Valley marks the border of the serpentinites rock. From the grey Màsino valley, we get in to the red stones of Valmalenco, descending first through grasslands, then woods and pastures. After a dive of 1900 meters of altitude from theCorna Rossa pass, here you are at Chiesa Valmalenco.
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* What is a mountaineering trail?
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A mountaineering trail is a path where it is advisable - and it may be indispensable - to use mountaineering equipment: harness, via ferrata kit, or lanyard with carabiners, and helmet for its equipped and vertical sections; crampons for possible stretches still snowy even late in the season. It is also essential to know how to use properly the equipment.
ALPINE RESCUE WARNING METHOD
In case of an accident or serious need, you should contact the Alpine Rescue dialling the numbers 118 or 112. It is advised to dial the latter, International number 112 (NUE, Unique Emergency Number), as it can also hook networks besides your mobile operator. It is therefore recommended to ALWAYS attempt the call to 112.
It is also recommended that you download the WhereAreU (AREU) application on your smart phone, which can immediately communicate your location to the rescue service.
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SAFE IN THE MOUNTAIN
By clicking here you will find useful tips in case of thunderstorms, bad weather or simply to better plan a multi-day trip at high altitude, in wild areas and in a harsh environment.