The trail becomes wilder, a bit more technical, and takes you into the alpine terrain among granite peaks, scree and magnificent landscapes. That’s the first contact with this savage nature and i promise you that you won’t forget it! A steep path takes to Passo Barbacan North and allows to cross the ridge and enter in Valmasino. At this point Rifugio Gianetti isn’t that far!

Higher up above the hut, Piz Badile and Cengalo bless our journey through Val Masino’s heart. Even though the vertical drop is moderate, the technical and dizzy ascent and descent of Passo Camerozzo, together with the never-ending traverse across meadows, granite slabs and huge boulders make this day memorable!

Probably the longest day. From the hut, we head east on slight slopes to Passo Torrone where a steep equipped couloir demands concentration. A long ascent to Passo Cameraccio finishes with a bit of snow, some fixed chains on exposed ledges and a well deserved relief. The view is great and the destination still far away: the scree of the remotest valley of Masino leads to Bocchetta Roma, where further fixed chains help to finish the ascent and make room for the final descent to Rifugio Ponti.

A sudden change of coulors and rocks, and a few more chains lead to Passo di Corna Rossa, a crumbling abandoned hut, and to the final deserved descent. A break at Rifugio Bosio helps to continue our walk along the lush Valle Airale towards Chiesa Valmalenco or Primolo.

It’s the most common way to do Sentiero Roma, especially for those that are spending their holidays in Valmasino. One day shorter than the “integrale”, it doesn’t need any bus/train transfer and, above all, maintains all the special features that make Sentiero Roma an amazing experience.

The shorter version of the Sentiero Roma begins among beech and firs trees at the fascinating ancient thermal building of Bagni di Masino, built in 1832. From there, direction west, the ascent begins through a steep forest that soon leaves room to alpine meadows. The ancient dry-wall lodge, or the ruins of farmer’s shelters below gigantic boulders, are the signs of the agriculture of the past, as well as the proof of the harsh conditions of the everyday life in Valmasino, during the 19^th and 20^th century. The hut is still a bit far away, but once reached, Rifugio Omio gives you the opportunity of a comfortable and tasty break before tackling Passo del Barbacane, a technical and equipped section that brings to Val Porcellizzo ad eventually to Rifugio Gianetti.

Higher up above the hut, Piz Badile and Cengalo bless our journey through Val Masino’s heart. Even though the vertical drop is moderate, the technical and dizzy ascent and descent of Passo Camerozzo, together with the never-ending traverse across meadows, granite slabs and huge boulders make this day memorable!

Probably the longest day. From the hut, we head east on slight slopes to Passo Torrone where a steep equipped couloir demands concentration. A long ascent to Passo Cameraccio finishes with a bit of snow, some fixed chains on exposed ledges and a well deserved relief. The view is great and the destination still far away: the scree of the remotest valley of Masino leads to Bocchetta Roma, where further fixed chains help to finish the ascent and make room for the final descent to Rifugio Ponti.

The last day of this incredible crossing is generally short and cheerful. If the option of a transfer from Piana di Predarossa seems too resizing, it’s possible to avoid the tedious never-ending switch between paved road and steep path that brings to Filorera and turn to the lush rounded hill of Monte Scermendone. This beautiful terrace above Bassa Valtellina offers an amazing view over the Alpi Orobie and leads to Rifugio Granda, where a refreshing pause allows you to mitigate the warm temperatures of the valley and pleasantly reach Filorera.