MONTE CASALE I (2894 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Valun Blanch, Forcela Ciasè and south-western ridge

Classic tour with a very interesting descent. It is a possible descent itinerary for the following tour n. 21. Because of the northern exposition, the snow conditions are almost always perfect for an engaging and long descent.

From the Lavarella mountain hut, follow itineraries n. 16 and 19 until after the small saddle on the rock curb representing the entrance to the Valun Blanch (2300 m altitude). Head SSE and climb up modest inclinations through open inclines of large gullys, in direction of the Munt Ciastel. This mountain is very recognizable thanks to it large cylindrical shape. Climb a wide ridge until approximately 250 m from the Ciastel. Then deviate slightly to the South and follow the slope at its base.

On the right, on the eastern side of the Piz de Ciampestrin South, an odd morphological phenomenon can be observed. At a steep gully's end, an arch made of rock covers it. Leave the crossroads point with itinerary n. 21 on your left and proceed on the valley's bottom. The terrain's incline gets steeper in proximity with the head of the valley. Climb the steep slope with sharp serpentines, exiting on the high saddle of Forcela Ciasè (2850 m). Turn left and keep on the side of the Valun Blanch, through good and short inclines of the summit crest, shortly reaching the very nearby peak.

WALKING TIME

4 - 6 hours

THE DESCEND

Retrace the ascent itinerary, with the exception of a possible variation at the beginning.

Descend the short ridge (keep on the side of the Valun Blanch) and reach the Forcela Ciasè saddle. From here it is possible to descend on the left, following the terminal watershed of the valley, with soft incline (not advised for the ascent, because of the long exposition to the possible avalanches from the eastern slopes of the Piz Ciampestrin), until you reach, from the right, the base of the ridge you climbed on the ascent. The descent that follows is very easy and enjoyable, making it one of the best of its kind. Try to remain in the middle of the Valon, so that the descent will be, free, fast and safe. Instead, try to keep on the left when reaching the exit, by the eastern slopes of the Piz Ciampestrin, thus reaching the rocky curb and the saddle which allows the exit from the Valun Blanch. Cross it and continue on itinerary n. 19 and, as usual, to the Lavarella hut.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• The slope is more marked (30° ÷ 35°). It is not always easy to proceed in a straight line; it is necessary to bend more often, the terrain opens giving a certain degree of route choice
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

834 m

MONTE CASALE II (2894 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Valun Blanch and nortern ridge.

A little more difficult than the previous, but more interesting and engaging.

From the Lavarella hut, as in itinerary n. 20, until shortly South from the Munt Ciastel, at its base. Instead of continuing to the end of the Valun Blanch as before, deviate immediately to the left and climb the steep slopes above with a zig zag. These slopes descend from the evident saddle between the Munt Ciasè and the Munt Ciastel, in the vicinity of its walls. Leave the fix crossroads post “Munt Ciastel” (2750 m) on your left and exit at the saddle, on a wide platform beneath a cave.

Take off the skis (fix them on your backpack and take them with you, should you decide to follow the previous itinerary for the descent) and, following in direction South the wide ridge, until reaching the peak.

WALKING TIME

4 1/2 - 6 1/2 hours

THE DESCEND

It is possible to retrace the ascent itinerary. We advise to take the classic descent on the short SW ridge though. This is easier and fast and allows a full crossing of the peak (see itinerary n. 20). Should you go for this itinerary, you have to take the skis with you to the peak. Nevertheless, here is the description for the ascent itinerary, should you take it. From the peak head North and descend the crest to the saddle between Munt Ciasè and Munt Ciastel, by the walls of the latter. As you reach the wide platform you walked on during the ascent, lower on the western side of the mountain, taking a series of sharp turns and leaving the fix crossroads post “Munt Ciastel” on your righ. Reach the base of the steep slope and keep the middle of the Valun Blanch. From here follow the previous itineraries n. 20, 19 and 16 to the Lavarella hut.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• The slope is more marked (30° ÷ 35°). It is not always easy to proceed in a straight line; it is necessary to bend more often, the terrain opens giving a certain degree of route choice
• Good skier: he can confidently engage in S3 descends; he can manage descends ot the higher difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Pay attention to the sections with snow blown in by the wind
• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

834 m

MONTE CASTELLO

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• The slope is more marked (30° ÷ 35°). It is not always easy to proceed in a straight line; it is necessary to bend more often, the terrain opens giving a certain degree of route choice
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Escursion for fresh snow as well

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

700 m