Bagni di Masino → Rifugio Omio → Passo del Barbacan → Rifugio Gianetti → Bagni di Masino. Amazing and long hike, accessible also in the opposite direction.
Shortly:
- Elevation gain: 1426 m.
- Hiking time: 8 – 10 hours
- Difficulty: EEA (sections with chain)
- Max elevation: Passo del Barbacan 2598 m.
- Trail: n° 21 marked with white and red signs
- Support point: Rifugio Omio, 2100 m. – Rifugio Gianetti 2534 m.
Warning:
Trekking is an inherently dangerous activity. The hike here described can be a dangerous activity if faced without the right preparation. Mountain conditions can be very dramatically from one season to the next. Always seek local advice on current conditions, check the weather and don’t take anything for granted.
The author accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, injury or inconvenience resulting from the use of this blog.
Starting point:
Bagni di Masino 1172 m., reachable driving through the Val Masino till San Martino in Val Masino and continuing to the left until reaching the Terme of Malsino (closed). Good parking area.
Trail description:
From the parking area follow the trail towards the Rifugio Omio, about 2,30 hours, along a good and well marked path.
From Rifugio Omio follow the trail towards the Rifugio Gianetti crossing the Valle dell’Oro up to below the Passo del Barbacan, at junction with the Passo dell’Oro that you leave on the left.
From here the trail climbs steeply with some sections with chain and after 4 hours, from the parking area, leads to the Passo del Barbacan, 2598 m.
The trail descents to the opposite direction. Follow the long and exposed trail entirely equipped with chains (in spring or early summer snow/ice, equip yourself properly) that leads to the high part of the Valle Porcellizzo in 1 hour.
Continue following the trail along the Valle Porcellizzo that leads to Rifugio Gianetti, 2534 m. (2 hours from Passo del Barbacan).
Descent:
The descent from Rifugio Gianetti is very long but well marked, it’s one of the most popular trail in the area. About 3 hours to reach the parking area of Bagni di Masino.
Other:
The hike is accessible also in the opposite direction, better stopping to sleep in one of the two Rifugi.
Suggested Map: Kompass n° 92
Info opening season Rifugio Omio
Info opening season Rifugio Gianetti
More hiking Val Masino
Sere
