Punta Salarioli: from Crampiolo to Heiligkreuz via Ritterpass

Gorgeous peak at the heart of the Alpe Veglia Park in Northeastern Piedmont.

The peak is T3+; the Swiss side of Ritterpass is the reason for the T4 rating.

Down to Alpe Devero (T1), up and over Scatta di Orogna (T2), over to Passo di Valtendra (T3). Right past the pass, off to the left and over to the base of the mountain (T3). No trail, but it's the 2nd mountain past the pass, next to the slightly higher Cima di Valtendra. From the base below the saddle between Punta Valtendra and Punta Salarioli, just wind your way up the scree all the way to the summit (T3+, watch for loose rocks). Down the same way and back to the official trail. Continue down towards Alpe Veglia, follow the signage to Passo di Boccareccio (Italian name for Ritterpass), and climb all the way to the Swiss-Italian border (T3+, steeper than a cow's face, steel cables at the top). Long downhill to Heiligkreuz with three distinct stages: 1. long stretch on loose boulders, first fairly flat, then down a very steep gully (T4, significant rockfall danger), and finally along the valley edge (T3+); 2. flat valley walk to an artificial lake (T1); 3. fairly steep but manageable downhill through the forest (T3).

No bus service into Heiligkreuz. Closest bus on the Binn-Ernen road, almost 3km away. (I was lucky enough to hitch a ride all the way to Lax!)

Farragut: Lax is a town in Wallis; no, I did not get a ride to the Los Angeles airport.