Ski mountaineering: Cornetti – Paschiet right Orographic Side Area

Scialpinismo Cornetti Paschiet - profilo

Just before Balme, a valley characterized by a wide amphitheater, dominated by the watershed crest of Arnas, opens on the right while, on the side, the Paschiet valley is hidden. Usually, starting from February, it is possible to take very interesting and well-structured outings on this little known territory. A good knowledge of snow is required. The skiers, given the slopes orientation, could often find powder snow.

Indications

Suggested period

February – April

Starting point

Cornetti

Elevation gain

From 1250 to 1550 m

Difficulty

From BS to OS (good skiers – excellent skiers)

Recommended for

Ski mountaineering

Access

Having overcome Chialambertetto hamlet, follow the county road for about 1 km then, when you reach the hollow where Balme is situated, turn left at the second bridge (Frè direction). Follow the road up to the small parking area where the road ends during winter.

Itinerary

Cima Chiavesso

Follow the snow-covered road up to the foot of the Frè hamlet. Cross the bridge and go up the mild slope to Alpe Pian Salè. Cross to the Paschiet left orographic side until you reach Alpe Paschiet. Cross again the valley in order to reach Alpe Pian Buet. Definitely turn eastward, leave the main valley, to the foot of the ridge coming down from Bec Fausset and then climb the slope to Colle del Vallonetto. Turn northward and climb the crest to the summit.

DESCENT: Overlooking the North side, from the summit you directly descend the slopes until you meet the ascent itinerary.

Punta Golai
Follow the Cima Chiavesso itinerary up to Alpe Paschiet. Proceed on the stream left orografic side climbing along the slope that brings to Lago Paschiet. From this point, travel toward Southeast until reaching a small pass that leads to the Green Lakes hollow. Overtake the Bivacco Gandolfo and climb along the small valley leading to Passo Paschiet. Definitely turn left and climb the steep slopes of Punta Golai West side so as to reach a zone of small rocks, 100 m below the summit. Take off the ski and proceed on foot up to the summit.

DESCENT: Return by the ascent itinerary.

Monte Ciorneva
Follow the Cima Chiavesso itinerary up to Colle del Vallonetto. Descend southeasterly in the small Lago Casias valley trying not to loose too much altitude. Then climb progressively the various bumps and regular slopes. Keeping at the center of the small valley, at the altitude of about 2500 m gradually turn to the left leaving the Laghi Bianchi area always to your left. Enter and climb the couloir, steep at the entrance only, that leads to a natural pass. Here you leave the ski so as to climb the small rocks and snowy slopes leading to the summit crest. You may, instead, keep climbing with skis the mild slopes on your left up to a 2805 altitude.

DESCENT: Return by the ascent itinerary.