Winter Ascent of the Grignone: Conquer the Highest Peak of the Grigne!

Winter Ascent to Grigna Settentrionale (Pialeral – Brioschi)

A mountaineering experience amidst snow, ridges, and 360° views of the Lecco area

The winter ascent to Grigna Settentrionale is an intense, fascinating experience reserved for those who want to experience the mountain in its most authentic form. The starting point is the Chiesetta del Sacro Cuore (Church of the Sacred Heart), where a dirt parking lot welcomes hikers. However, in case of snow or ice, the access road may become impassable: in this case, the starting point is the gas station down in the valley, adding 1.5–2 km to the route.

From the very first steps, it is clear that this is not a simple hike: the winter trail of Grigna is close to mountaineering and requires experience, thermal clothing, windproof shell, crampons, poles or ice axe, and a sure footing on the snow. From the woods surrounding the Chiesetta, in about an hour you gain 600 meters in altitude up to the Rifugio Antonietta al Pialeral, the gateway to the winter kingdom of Grigna.

The itinerary is divided into three main segments, each with a different atmosphere:

1️⃣ Pialeral → Bivacco Riva Girani

The first part is tiring but without technical difficulties: a constant, increasingly panoramic ascent, which puts the breath to the test but rewards with every step. The bivouac marks the end of the "hiking" phase and the beginning of the most challenging part.

2️⃣ Muro del Pianto (Wailing Wall)

Dedicated to Claudio Ghezzi, historian of the Rifugio Brioschi, the Muro del Pianto is the section that requires maximum attention. The climb is sustained, the snow can be hard, and the slope becomes decidedly steeper. Here you need calm, precision, and a sure footing: Grigna gives nothing away, but it gives back a lot.

3️⃣ Final Ridge

The most spectacular part. The panorama opens up completely, and the ridge line leads towards the summit like a walkway suspended between sky and snow. Caution is essential, but the emotions are unique: the snow-covered Lecco area, the Resegone, Lake Como, and the Alps emerging on the horizon.

Arriving at the Rifugio Brioschi, the reward is immediate: a spectacular 360° view, a silence that is felt inside, and the satisfaction of having reached one of the most iconic peaks of the Lombard Alps in the middle of winter. Here we will stop for the night, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Brioschi and a sunset/sunrise that are worth all the effort.

A challenging experience, safe only if tackled with the correct equipment and with an experienced guide... but absolutely unforgettable to live together with the Guidders 🧡.