Sentiero Attrezzato della Val Scarettone

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato della Val Scarettone is the most extensive approach to Grigna Meridionale from the Piani dei Resinelli. The route runs entirely along the mountain's northwest side, a harsh and remote environment. Its northern exposure means it is only safe to attempt late in the season, as snowy sections can turn the route into a serious alpine climb.

Approach

The starting point for the route is the Rifugio Rosalba, located on the northwest flank of Grigna Meridionale. After driving to Piani dei Resinelli (1183 m) from Ballabio and parking near the former Rifugio Alippi, you hike up to Rifugio Rosalba (1730 m) in about two hours. The two main options for this stretch are the Sentiero Attrezzato delle Foppe or its variant, the Sentiero Attrezzato dei Morti.

From the hut, follow trail 10 southeast, crossing Colle Garibaldi (1824 m) to reach Colle Valsecchi (1898 m), a crucial junction. At this fork, leave trail 10 (which continues as the Sentiero Attrezzato Cecilia toward Cresta Cermenati) and turn left onto trail marker 11, which marks the start of the Sentiero Attrezzato dello Scarettone. The approach from the hut takes about 30 minutes, for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes from the start of the hike.

Via Ferrata

Completely restored in 2015, this route is challenging and reserved for experienced, well-prepared hikers. The trail tackles numerous technical passages: narrow gullies, exposed ledges, airy traverses, and rock steps, all meticulously equipped with chains on the most exposed and delicate sections. The initial descent into a debris-filled valley introduces an uneven rhythm, followed by climbing a steep grassy slope in switchbacks that leads to the base of the final rock bands.

Here, a few chains assist in the last effort until you reach the Bocchetta del Giardino (2004 m), the official end of the via ferrata. This section takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Rifugio Rosalba, bringing the total time to roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes. From the bocchetta, several options branch off: to the right, the Canalino Federazione, partially equipped, climbs toward the summit of Grigna Meridionale; to the left, trail 7 continues north toward Bocchetta di Campione, opening up routes like the "Traversata Alta" toward Grigna Settentrionale.

Continuing to the summit via the Canalino Federazione, you reach the top of Grigna Meridionale (2184 m) with its distinctive Bivacco Ferrario in about 45 minutes, for a total ascent time of roughly 4 hours.

Descent

From the summit, the most direct descent back to Piani dei Resinelli is to follow the Cresta Cermenati (trail marker 7), a very popular path that leads back to the parking area in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, completing the loop in 6 hours total.

A more technical and exposed alternative, with difficulty comparable to that of Val Scarettone, is the Sentiero Attrezzato della Cresta Sinigaglia. This route, parallel but farther east than Cresta Cermenati, features equipped sections in its upper part and takes about 2 to 2 hours and 15 minutes for the return, bringing the total hike duration to roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

This itinerary is long and demanding, both in terms of elevation gain and distance. Although the technical difficulty of individual equipped passages ranges from easy to moderately difficult, the length and isolation of the route, especially in the Val Scarettone section, require excellent fitness and preparation. The northern exposure makes residual snow likely early in the season, a condition that demands proper gear.

The ascent of Grigna Meridionale offers numerous opportunities for linking with other equipped trails. The fittest hikers might, for example, skip the Rifugio Rosalba and reach Colle Valsecchi by first following the Sentiero Attrezzato della Direttissima and then a stretch of the Sentiero Cecilia. This even more challenging variant rewards you with the magnificent views of the Direttissima.