The excursion has as its destination the refuge opened by the Barzanò branch of CAI in 2001,in memory of Luigi Vaganò, the mountaineer who died in 1994 while climbing the north side of Pizzo di Prata.
The commitment of the CAI members, with the support of the Consorzio Forestale di Prata Camportaccio, has created a welcoming and splendidly organised structure, to which many have formed genuine links, with much affection and personal memories.
For anyone wishing to head in that direction there are two really good routes, taking off on both sides of Val Schiesone, both leaving from Dona, part of Prata Camportaccio. Leave your car at Dona (450m) and head upwards towards Lottano (654m). Then stretch onwards towards the hamlet of Nirola (900m) and Pradotti (1050m). Here the path turns to the right, heading towards the very heart of the valley. It will take a good hour further in order to reach the refuge at 1322m.
The alternative is to leave Dona along the left slope (back to the mountain) and you&´ll reach Stoveno (700m) the first habitation. Then climb upwards towards Pradella (999m) and a further ascent to the refuge itself. The beauty of outings like these are the sheer joy provided by magnificent scenery along the northern wall of the pizzo di Prata (2727m) and the majestic panorama it throws up along the way. Absorbing and enchanting the climb to Rifugio Il Biondo, a memorable experience, is to be savoured on a sunny day in summertime.