Pizzo Rotondo is the highest peak in the Gotthard Group and is actually best climbed in spring during the early firn season.
We set off from All'Acqua, heading north. First through the sparse larch forest to the Capanna Piansecco. Here we decided not to take the "normal" route to Pizzo Rotondo, but to continue north-west towards Chüebodenhorn and then cross the ridge of Chüebodenhorn to the wide saddle of Passo Rotondo. However, this decision proved to be extremely strenuous. As the slope rises steeply up to 40 degrees and we could no longer skin up without crampons in the already firn-covered snow. So even here we had to put our skis on our backs and trudge up the direct route.
Finally reaching the ridge, we were able to walk comfortably northwards towards the summit with skins.
From the ski depot, we then climbed up the almost 50-degree couloir, with Flo, taking the skis with us. It is always advisable to have crampons and ice axes with you here, as this makes the ascent a little more relaxed. The last few metres are climbed via the south-east ridge to the summit. You need to be a bit careful here as the rocks are a bit loose (even the big ones).
We descended the same way we climbed, which was steep and fun throughout. Towards the end, we even found some powder on a few shady north-facing slopes, which was a dream come true after all the powder snow.
All in all, a very nice, varied tour for which you definitely need to be in good shape and should set off in good time.
Tour details:
- Time: 5-6 hours ascent
- Altitude metres: 1650
- Start: All'Acqua (Bedretto, Ticino), 1614 m
- Finish: Pizzo Rotondo, 3192 m
- Crampons and ice axes are recommended for the summit as well as crampons for the entire tour
- Summit ridge: short climb in the second degree
