Monte Leone ( tr. Lion mont ) is the most important mountain in the Simplonpass area , between Swiss and Italy .
Simplonpass (q.2005m) makes up the end of Pennine Alps and the begining of Lepontine Alps . So that this area forms a very crucial point of the whole Alps chain.
It's a beautifull panoramic point to the whole Oberland Bernese group and to Pennine and Walliser Alps up to Lepontine .
Best condition to climb Monte Leone are : hiking in the Summer season ( from july to october) or skiing during the spring time from ( march to june). The usual and easier way starts from Simplonpass reachs Homattu Pass (2867m) and cross Breithornpass (3355m) . Than a long cross to Alpjergletcher take to SW ridge near to point 3320 , and following the easy ridge reaching the top.

Getting There

Simplonpass (q.2005m) , is on the road (SS33) from Milan ( Italy) to Wallis ( Ch) . There's also the railway from Domodossola ( VB , Italy ) to Brig ( VS , Swiss ) running inside the Simplon tunnel down in the Divedro Valley .

Timetable SBB CFF FFS Domodossola (Vb-Italy)- Brig ( VS-Swiss )

Timetable SBB CFF FFS Brig ( VS-Swiss )- Domodossola (Vb-Italy)

International Train's timetable :Milan - Domodossola (Italy) - Brig ( VS-Swiss )

Red Tape

Nothing about permits or fees .

When To Climb

Best condition to climb Monte Leone are : hiking in the Summer season ( from july to october) or skiing during the spring time from ( march to june).
If you climb Monte Leone in winter you 've to take much care about advalanches , and also to weather condition ; this area stands in a crucial position and bad weather can arrive both from NW ( Atlantic perturbation ) and S ( Mediterranean perturbation ).
During the last winter ( 2003/04) , from November to May , the monks of Ospizio have registered 11,70m. of snow's accumulation !

Camping and accomodation

Free camping is permitted in hight altitude .
About swiss side you can find some equipped camping in Brig ; comfortable accomodation in some Hotels , or cheaper touristenlager in Rothwald : Ganterwald's touristenlager and Wasenalp touristenlager or at Simplonpass in Hospice du Simplon ( not in the autumn season from october to december).
About Italian side : some accomodation and good meals in Iselle di Trasquera (Vb)

Mountain Conditions

Meteo suisse

Snow condition

Simplonpass's webcam

External Links

LINK TO SKIRANDO

Images



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