Sentiero Attrezzato degli Alpini a Punta d'Albiolo

Overview

The Sentiero degli Alpini is a historic and scenic route linking Forcella del Montozzo to Passo dei Contrabbandieri in the Adamello-Presanella massif. It is more of a moderately difficult equipped trail than a true via ferrata. The steel cable is installed primarily for safety on exposed traverses and on sections where the ground, often damp, can become slippery. The route is described in the traditional direction, from Forcella del Montozzo toward Passo dei Contrabbandieri, but it can be traveled in either direction. The short detour to the summit of Torrione di Albiolo is optional but highly recommended for its exceptional panoramic value.

Approach

The most common starting point is Case di Viso (1754 m), in the province of Brescia, near Passo del Tonale. From here, take the well-marked trail number 52, which in about an hour and thirty minutes leads to Rifugio Bozzi (2478 m). Continuing along a further steep section lasting about twenty minutes, you reach Forcella del Montozzo (2613 m), which marks the actual start of the Sentiero degli Alpini. Alternative approaches exist: from the Trentino side of Pejo (Fontanino area) via trail 111, or directly from Passo del Tonale descending toward Passo dei Contrabbandieri, thus reversing the direction of the route.

Via Ferrata

The route, which develops between 2613 and 2679 meters in altitude, is a fascinating historic walkway, characterized by exposed sections but generally on a wide path. Starting from Forcella del Montozzo, the trail immediately enters an environment rich in memory, crossing galleries and tunnels dug by the Alpini during World War I. The progression takes place on steep terrain and, in some spots, notably exposed; where the passages narrow, steel cables are present for support.

After the first equipped traverses, you cross a small saddle that offers a splendid view of the Albiolo lakes. The route then continues along ledges and exposed passages until reaching a marked junction. Turning left, a detour of a few minutes leads, via easy passages, first below the summit of Albiolino and then in front of Torrione di Albiolo (2976 m). For the final stretch of ascent to the summit cross, there is a short steel cable. Returning to the junction, you resume the actual Sentiero degli Alpini, which in about half an hour brings you to Passo dei Contrabbandieri (2679 m), recognizable by a ruined hut. The time for the entire equipped section, including the detour, is about an hour and thirty minutes. For those wishing to extend the hike, in less than thirty minutes from the pass you can climb to Cima Casaiole, rich in other wartime artifacts.

Route analysis: The route develops predominantly horizontally, with modest ups and downs, along a succession of ledges and walkways carved into the rock. The rock, granitic in nature, is solid and offers good footing. The pace is steady and pleasant, with exposure felt especially on the traverses, balanced however by the generally good width of the path. The character is more hiking than mountaineering, with a strong historical and scenic component prevailing over the technical one. The detour to Torrione introduces a short, more vertical and decidedly panoramic section that breaks the linearity of the main route.

Descent

The quickest way back from Passo dei Contrabbandieri descends north toward Rifugio Bozzi, reachable in twenty to thirty minutes. From there, return to Case di Viso following the approach trail in about an hour and fifteen minutes. The total time for the excursion thus comes to around five hours.

Useful Notes

This ledge route is only practicable in the absence of snow, ideally in the summer season between June and September. Wet ground can become treacherous, especially in spots without a cable. The equipment was renewed in August 2019 and is in excellent condition, except for a few non-hazardous pitons. The Sentiero degli Alpini can form the first part of a more challenging itinerary that continues with the Ferrata degli Austriaci toward Tonale Orientale. The Passo del Tonale area is rich in other mountaineering options, such as the famous Sentiero dei Fiori. For cartography, the 4Land map of Adamello and Presanella is recommended.