Sentiero Alpino Calanca, Stage 3/3

Via the Buffalora Pass to the Nomnom south ridge (well secured stairs), over the alpine pastures of Aion to the Auriglia gorge (secured ladder). Over stone blocks to the di Fora Alp (self-service hut with beverage sales) then a steep descent to the village of Santa Maria.

The hike begins at Capanna Buffalora, away from public transport. The nearest stop, Sta. Domenica, Paese, is around two kilometres away. Right from the start, the mountain path climbs towards Pass de Buffalora. Shortly afterwards, the route reaches its highest point at just over 2,430 m, near Cima de Nomnom.

Across open pastures and through rocky terrain, the white-red-white waymarked path continues southwards in a steady series of ascents and descents. Pian di Renten provides a striking highlight along this long high-level section. From there, the descent becomes the defining feature: the path gradually loses elevation, enters the forest and approaches the valley floor.

After 16 kilometres and around seven and a half hours, the hike ends in Santa Maria in the Calanca Valley. In total, it involves approximately 1,000 metres of ascent and 2,100 metres of descent. The Sta. Maria in Calanca, Paese stop is located right by the destination.