Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 14/43

Through Val Corno with a view of the Gries glacier, then up to the Gries pass and across to Bella Italia. The descent to lake Morasco is steep and the ascent to the next pass just as challenging. At lake Vannino, you will have earned your "cena italiana".

This demanding hut-to-hut hike begins at Capanna Corno Gries at 2'338 m. The nearest public transport stop, Cruina, is just over one kilometre away. The white-red-white waymarked mountain trail climbs across open slopes and increasingly rocky terrain to the Griespass. At 2'487 m, the route crosses the southern main Alpine ridge. Nearby Griessee is one of Switzerland’s highest reservoirs.

Beyond the pass, the mountain trail makes a long descent through barren, open terrain. After the lowest point, the route leaves the waymarked hiking trail network. A long ascent now follows across pastures and stony slopes to the highest point near Punta d'Arbola at around 2'580 m. This unmarked section in particular defines the hike and requires confident route-finding skills.

A short final descent leads to Rifugio Margaroli. Just over six hours should be allowed for the 16 kilometres, with around 1'150 metres of ascent and 1'300 metres of descent. The destination is not served by public transport; the nearest stop, Binn, Brunnebiel, is almost ten kilometres away.