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FreerideTip | Pizzo Groppera

Dolce Vita and long powder runs

by German Wehinger 01/22/2019
"Oh bella Italia" - It's always surprising how chilled it is on the southern side of the Alps. The small village of Madesimo, nestled in a wide basin, offers a special freeride experience with the Pizzo Groppera. On good days, the skins stay in the backpack, which is why today we present a tip without any ascent. Many descents go over 1,000 m towards the valley. Tired legs are guaranteed in the evening!

Ascent and descent

The ascent is easy with the aerial tramway. It takes us up to almost 3,000 m and then more or less all the flanks of Pizzo Groppera can be skied. On the north-west side there is a marked ski route with two variants, the Canalone and the Camosci. The Canalone, in particular, is a popular route for snow sports enthusiasts. However, the interesting variants are to the left.

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You are spoiled for choice here. The terrain offers flowing areas with drops and short, very steep gullies. You are often accompanied by greedy glances from the aerial tramway. The north-east side, in the Val di Lei, offers finely undulating terrain, which is accessed by a double chairlift. The lines here are much flatter, but just as much fun. Those looking for more adventure can tackle the descent to Fraciscio. On this descent, you first reach a plateau. From here, if you don't want to skip the ascent altogether, you can reach some rewarding north-facing lines of the Cresta del Calcagnolo with skins.

Conclusion: Pizzo Groppera is one of those freeride "mountains" with high addictive potential!

Information

Difficulty: predominantly 30° to 35°, sometimes 40° and more.

Special dangers: partly rocky terrain and risk of falling (south flank)

Equipment: no special features

. rocky terrain and danger of falling (southern flank)

Equipment: no special features

Exposure: from west to north to east (descent to Fraciscio - south)

Duration: all day

Best time of year: from mid-January - mid-March

Accommodation: Madesimo or Compodolcino

How to get there: from the north over the Julier Pass to Chiavenna and then towards the Splügen Pass

Topographic maps: 267S SAN BERNARDINO - Splügen - Avers - Madésimo 1:50.000

Photo gallery

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