There are two main options for descending. Each of them requires a lot of time so do not underestimate it!
1- the easiest one is to follow the normal route (WNW ridge - PD). But in this way you end in another valley (Val Masino) which is not the one where you left the car (Val Malenco)
2- to get back to Porro refuge, there are some rappels (20 meters each) which start near the Rauzi bivy, thus on the western side of the corda molla. The last rappel lets you pass the schrund. From here walk down on the glacier towards South-West until you reach the lower part of Ventina glacier and thus the refuge. This route is pretty difficult if you don't have a trace to follow: there are crevasses and seracs to avoid, plus a very short rappel on a rock island at a certain point. So PAY ATTENTION.
Pictures of the Corda Molla (and descent) can be viewed on Climberland
Lorenz - Feb 9, 2005 9:24 am - Hasn't voted
Route CommentThere are two main options for descending. Each of them requires a lot of time so do not underestimate it!
1- the easiest one is to follow the normal route (WNW ridge - PD). But in this way you end in another valley (Val Masino) which is not the one where you left the car (Val Malenco)
2- to get back to Porro refuge, there are some rappels (20 meters each) which start near the Rauzi bivy, thus on the western side of the corda molla. The last rappel lets you pass the schrund. From here walk down on the glacier towards South-West until you reach the lower part of Ventina glacier and thus the refuge. This route is pretty difficult if you don't have a trace to follow: there are crevasses and seracs to avoid, plus a very short rappel on a rock island at a certain point. So PAY ATTENTION.
Pictures of the Corda Molla (and descent) can be viewed on Climberland