MONTE CAVALLO I (2912 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Valun Blanch, Forcela Ciasè and ENE ridge.

This ascent can be combined with with the ascent (or the crossing) of the nearby Munt Ciasè through itineraries n. 21 and 20.

Follow itineraries n. 20 and n. 21 to the Forcela Ciasè (2850 m), from where the ESE crest of the mountain starts. The first section can present some short rocky sections, shouldn't the snow conditions be optimal (in case, take off the skis). Continue on the wide and progressively less steep ridge and shortly reach the peak.

WALKING TIME

4 - 6 if the Forcella Casale is reached following itinerary n. 205 - 7 if the Forcella Casale is reached from itinerary n. 21 and then itinerary n. 20.

THE DESCEND

Retrace the ascent itinerary. It can also be considered as an interesting descent itinerary for tour n. 24, allowing the full crossing of the mountain.

From the peak, lower in ENE direction through the wide ridge which gets steeper approaching the Forcela Ciasè. Descend carefully the lower section (eventually taking off the skis) and reach the saddle. From here follow itineraries n. 20 and the following ones to the Lavarella hut.

For those ascending the ENE ridge, it is advised to descend to the “fake” saddle Forcela Ciaval and the Valun Ciampestrin. Not only is it more engaging from a descent point of view, but it allows the crossing of the peak and the circumvention of the Piz de Ciampestrin, ascending and descending on two different gullys.

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

• Knowledge about the snow features are necessary
• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

852 m

MONTE CAVALLO II (2912 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Valun Blanch, southern Forcela de Ciampestrin and NNW ridge.

Nice ascent, with a more mountaineering character than the previous one, not very difficult but very rewarding.

From the Lavarella hut follow tour n. 20 to the Valun Blanch, until the slopes at the base of the last, flat ridge climbing in direction of the Munt Ciastel. Turn right (SW) lowering on the bottom of a gully between said ridge and the eastern walls of the Piz Ciampestrin South. Aiming for the wide saddle of the Forcela Sud de Ciampestrin climb the steep slopes ascending to it with sharp turns. Reach it (2737 m), leave the skis and turn left (SSE) and follow the panoramic ridge. Cross a few easy rocky steps and reach the peak.

WALKING TIME

5 - 7 hours

THE DESCEND

The best solution is the descent as in tour n. 24, though it requires that you take the skis with you to the peak. For those who do not want to do this, the ascent itinerary is retraced: from the peak descend the NNW ridge until the Forcela Ciampestrin. Put on the skis again and take a nice descent on the eastern side of the mountain, turning often and sharply. Continue and reach the base and the bottom of the gully. Instead of climbing the ridge on the opposite side proceed as in itinerary n. 20 until the exit of the Valun Blanch 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
• 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
• Climber and ice axe

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

925 m

MONTE CAVALLO III (2912 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Valun Ciampestrin, “fake” saddle, Ciaval and eastern crest.

A complete itinerary, the most interesting of those ascending to the Munt Ciaval.

As in itinerary n. 12 until the Gran Fanes hut. Instead of turning left as in the previous itineraries proceed straight ahead in SW direction to the Jù dal'Ega (2157 m). Descend on the amost flat terrain and proceed for approximately 1200 m, until 2117 m altitude. A gully descends from the left. This is the easiest access road to the Valun de Ciampestrin Climb it on the left side and, by the head (2250 m), cross it and reach the true Valun de Ciampestrin. It is a wide hollow between the Piz Ciampestrin, the Ciaval, the Piza Fanes Nord and the northern spur of the Fanes range. Proceed SE on regular and wide inclines keeping the middle of the valley. Aim for the western spur of the Munt Ciaval (2862 m), which divides the head of the Valun de Ciampestrin in two. After reaching its base (2700 m) you will notice two cuts on the western ridge of the Munt Ciaval. Climbing progressively and with sharp turns on the left slopes head for the eastern cut (“fake” saddle turning left and following in eastern direction the easy ridge; only the last section is thin and exposed). Shortly, you will reach the peak.

WALKING TIME

5 - 7 hours

THE DESCEND

After said ascent it is advised to descend on the ENE ridge (see itinerary n. 22) and to take a further deviation to the nearby Munt Ciasè (see itinerary n. 20). This solution requires taking the skis to the top. The West ridge itinerary is still the most rewarding tour of the mountain, especially from a descent point of view. It is especially suggested for the climbers of itineraries n. 22 and 23.

From the peak, descend carefully along the first sharp section of the western ridge and continue easily to the first cut, where the skis are. Put them on and turn right, taking a series of sharp turns, descending the northern slope of the mountain, which is quite steep and will be loved by the most trained and technical skiers.

On the bottom of the valley, the incline softens at first and then gets harder for the remaining length of the Valun de Ciampestrin. Keep on the middle of the valley and, by its exit, take the right to access directly the valley which descends through rocky terraces (keep on the right bank) on the wide flat of Plan de Ciaulunch (2117 m). Turn right and follow the road to the Lavarella hut.

The descent of the “fake” Frocela Ciaval for the Valun de Ciampestrin is described in itinerary 31a.

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
• Terrain very steep, narrow space, sometimes exposed. it is not possible to bend to one's liking, as the bends are imposed by the terrain difficulty and shape
• 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

• Knowledge about the snow features are necessary
• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

852 m