Monte del Forno 3,214 m and Cima di Val Bona: two three-thousanders in two days from Rifugio Del Grande-Camerini

Two days in the upper Val Malenco, at the foot of Monte Disgrazia, to bring home two summits above three thousand metres: Cima di Val Bona and Monte del Forno, with its final equipped section.

The programme

Saturday. We set off with the Guidders from Chiareggio and climb the Vazzeda valley to Rifugio Del Grande-Camerini, an eagle's nest at 2,580 metres facing the north face of the Disgrazia. Leaving the heavy packs, we continue towards the Vazzeda Pass and soon touch Cima di Val Bona, 3,033 metres. Dinner and night in the hut.

Sunday. From the hut we walk up the high valley to the Forno Pass, a historic crossing into Switzerland, where the great Forno glacier opens up. With helmet, harness and via ferrata kit we tackle the equipped section leading to the 3,214 metres of Monte del Forno: simple but exposed passages. Packed lunch on the summit and a loop back to Chiareggio.

Who it is for

• experienced, well-trained hikers, even on their first via ferrata
• people with no fear of heights: the equipped section is exposed
• anyone wanting two three-thousanders with the safety of a mountain guide
• maximum group of 9, minimum age 18, no dogs

Good to know

The fee includes the mountain guide, organisation and rental of via ferrata gear for those who do not own it. Half board at the hut (about 58 euros) is paid on site. In October the hut and the ridge depend on snow conditions: the guide confirms feasibility the week before. Car pooling in the outing's Telegram group.