Sosto (unplanned)

One may say that a little-more-than 2.000m height peak, with just some +500m ascent to reach the summit is no more than a walk suitable for a party of old nuns… going up Sosto proves the contrary! First of all it should be said that Sosto was not exactly in today’s plans. We had gone up to the Luckmanier Pass, with the ambition of climbing Scopì. Once parked there, in the thickest fog, at just +6°C, we thought best to look for another hike. That’s where the Sosto-idea was born. This imposing peak, located in Valle di Blenio, definitely demands some effort, both in physics and nerves. There is a path leading to the rocky summit area, but no indication as to where it starts and no marks, no signs anywhere. Fine, we parked just out of the narrow tunnel which runs from the Luzzone dam to Passo Muàzz ; the CNS states that we are at 1.678m. A short walk leads to a concrete fountain : this is the starting point. You can already see Sosto, magnificently towering above you. At the fountain you need to turn right, heading for the woods, and in a minute the path will appear. It goes up steep, very steep. You will eventually peek out of the wood and after a short while, engage a most welcomed flat portion, which gets you to a sort of saddle between Sosto and a minor elevation (2.102 on the CNS). In a few moments you will be on the rocky final section, where you really have to work out your way the best. At some point there is a cairn to help a little (and I have made a further small one some 15 metres further on, where it may be convenient to turn right). Anyway, if you keep on the north-east edge, you will find some brand new anchoring rings which, I guess, will soon be home to some fixed ropes or chains; that would be of great help. I was unable to ascend following that route ; we therefore engaged the longitudinal crossing of the rocky area, trying to progress gaining height. A delicate endeavour, this part is pretty much exposed and slippery too. Anyway, one way or another, we could see the summit area much closer and eventually reached the summit. Yippeee! The summit is actually a sharp, almost horizontal ridge, where the highest point is roughly in the middle, while  a cross is located at the southern end, only a few metres lower. The all-round view has no words enough to tell… Piz Terri, Torrone di Nav, most of the Rheinwaldhorn group, then as far as Poncione Rosso, Pizzo Campo Tencia, the closer Matro and Pizzo Erra, endless peaks, then Scopì, Piz Camadra, Piz Coròi and, beneath, the Greina area peaks. Plus, you get a breathtaking view over Valle di Blenio, some 1.400 metres below. The effort made is fully rewarded. In order to try a safer descent route, we went to the northern end of the summital ridge where, actually, things were slightly easier, but in any case you will have to proceed with the greatest care; a wrong step could determine the most unhappy effect. Getting back to the path is a bit of a relief. Once back down, we took a short detour just to go and see the tiny Compietto dam and lake, where Val Carassino starts. Nice hike, unplanned, but very satisfactory. Not exactly for everyone.