Cresta Signal: Technical mountaineering to the Capanna Margherita

Alpinism

Cresta Signal

A more technical alternative to Punta Gnifetti and Capanna Margherita

The Capanna Margherita at Punta Gnifetti (4,554 meters) is the symbolic refuge of the Alps, both because it is the highest located refuge and for the spectacular panorama enjoyed once reached.

Activity

Alpinism

Period

from July to September

Difficulty

Duration to go

11-14h

Duration return

2h 30min

Departure

Acqua Bianca (1,500 meters)

Arrival

Capanna Margherita at Punta Gnifetti (4,554 meters)

Elevation gain

3,050 meters

The normal route to Capanna Margherita is one of the classic alpine excursions departing from Valsesia, thanks to the moderate difficulty in relation to the satisfaction it gives. An alternative ascent route that is very interesting and frequented by climbers looking for a challenge with a more essential style that does not use lifts for the ascent is via the Cresta Signal, with a total elevation gain of over 3,000 meters in two days.

Leave the cars in the Acqua Bianca area of Alagna Valsesia (1,500 meters) and follow the mule track and then the path to the Barba Ferrero refuge and from there to the Capanna Resegotti (3,624 meters) for an overnight stay after about six hours of walking. In the morning, follow the ridge of rubble and snow westward until you reach the Colle Signal (3,769 meters) in about an hour. From here begins the long ridge, which through non-trivial passages of III and IV with mixed sections leads to the summit glacial plateaus that lead to the Capanna Margherita. The return follows the normal route to Punta Gnifetti along the trace on the glacier that is almost always visible until the Punta Indren cable car station and then by cable car down to the valley. The evident mountaineering difficulties recommend a medium-high level of experience and the accompaniment of a certified UIAGM guide.

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Safety in the mountains

Experiencing and living the mountain requires caution, preparation, and experience. No activity, even the easiest one, should be taken for granted or improvised.

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CAV

★★★★★

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