Ski mountaineering: Canale d’Arnas Area

From Balme to Pian della Mussa (usually the main road is opened after mid April – information on the subject in this portal). Before April it is necessary to ascend from Balme to Pian della Mussa by ski mountaineering, extra ascent time 1.30 hrs.

Indications

Suggested period

April - May.

Starting point

Pian della Mussa

Elevation gain

From 800 to 1800 m

Difficulty

From BS to OSA (good skiers – excellent mountaineering skiers)

Recommended for

Ski mountaineering

Access

Itinerary

Canale d’Arnas

It is never too demanding and ends on Crot del Ciaussinè, just below the Rifugio Gastaldi.

From the Bersaglieri Chapel you will cross southwards toward the couloir’s base, hidden on the right but easily guessed being the only possible passage through the Eastern vertical mountain slope. Climb it on the ground that grows more and more narrow and steep (around half the climb pay attention to the chance of falling stones and to possible snow brought by the wind at the very exit of the couloir). You will exit at the Crot del Ciaussinè hollow limit, at 2500 m, from where you may reach Rifugio Gastaldi (10 minutes) diagonally crossing the slope to the right.

Punta Maria

From Crot del Ciaussinè you proceed on the Rocca Affinau’s right until you reach the level ground at the Colle di Arnas (3100 m) base. Follow, with crampons if needed, the steep slope to the pass. Descend (sometimes without ski) few meters on the French side to Glacier d’Arnes. Climb the glacier in a wide half circle so as to avoid some obvious crevasses. Through a mild slope you arrive near the Colle di Rocce Rosse. From this point go back to the South crest on the left, very closed to the summit. Now go back northward and in few minutes you will reach the summit.

Punta Adami

From Crot del Ciaussinè climb westwards, along the left side moraine, the easy and with few crevasses Bessanese Glacier. Climb it directly in order to reach the higher plain enclosed by the Bessanese, the Dente Meridionale del Collerin and the Rocce delle Russelle. Punta Adami is the highest elevation of this ridge and you may reach it overcoming a steep slope and the easy small summit rocks. Descending follow the ascent itinerary, or preferably keep below Rocce Russelle, in a small valley, which takes you to a steep slope descending directly to the Rifugio.