Helsenhorn

Overview

Nice panoramic peack in the heart of Lepontin Alps.
The Helsenhorn rises between the Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero, two pleasent and nice villages.

The Helsenhorn group has a complex morphology and offers both easy glacer climbing on the south side as well severe rock-ice climbing on the north-side.

Wonderful panorama form the top, a nice walking on the normal italian route with glacer at the end in a far from civilisation sourrounding.

Getting There

Described here is the Italian Normal Route from Alpe Veglia via Ritterpass or Passo di Boccareccio.

Alpe Veglia is located close to the Simplon Pass and the Simplon tunnel (almost over it).
From Milano drive on the A8 highway direction Varese. Near Gallarate follow the indication for the A27- Gravellona Toce highway.
After crossing the Ticino river, continue to Gravellona Toce - Arona - Domodossola - Simplon Pass.
After Ornavasso the highway ends up in a National Route (SS 33 "del Sempione")(be careful: here the speed limit change from 120 km/h to 90 km/h!!!).
Follow the main road and then, a few kms after Domodossola, you will find the indication to San Domenico-Alpe Veglia.
Once arrived in San Domenico the street ends up to a bridge. There you can find a parking place for your car.
Then you can begin to walk to Alpe Veglia following an easy road (accessible by car only for authorized veichles). To reach Alpe Veglia and Città D'Arona lodge will take you 1-2 hours.

In the early morning you can leave the Rifugio Città di Arona and, just behind the lodge buildings, follow an easy path toward Lago del Bianco (please, look to the wonderful view on Monte Leone)(approx 1h). Follow the indication to Pian di Erboi and then to the Ritterpass (aprox 1.15h, tot: 2-2.15).
From Pian d'Erboi head to N direction toward a rocky pillar (Torre Vitali) overwhelming a large detritic conoid. Walk on the steep conoid reaching the Ritterpass (Passo Boccareccio) just behind the Torre Vitali (the last 50m are an easy rock climbing with few passage of I with steel wires).
From Ritterpass you will recognise a snowfield on your right (SE): walk up staying about 100m form the main ridge in the direction of an evident glacier. Follow the glacier till you get on the rocky flank of Helsenhorn. From there (about 3000m) directly from the top of the mountain you can recognize a steep but easy path to the top.

Red Tape

Crampons, axe and rope.
Be careful in spring between Pian d' Erboi and Ritterpass for avalanges.

Accomodation

In Alpe Veglia there are available hotels and also Rifugio Città d'Arona: very comfortable lodge with nice and organic food

External Links

Add External Links text here.

Images

View Helsenhorn Image Gallery - 25 Images