When the snow in the valley becomes a bit thin on the ground, the temperature rises and the days lengthen skiing is possible only at altitude. And for anyone who wants to enjoy the sport during Springtime the most obvious solution is ski mountaineering.
It’s a discipline which involves considerable preparation, a deal of effort, and not a little sweat. Every outing has to be scrupulously planned to discover the best - and that means safest - routes. Commitment indeed, but the rewards that lie in wait are ample: panorama that only extreme altitudes can deliver, where silence reigns supreme and should you encounter the agile, intrepid steinbock, he’s unlikely to bat an eyelid. All seems at ease with the world, and to round it all off - a thrilling descent beckons.
But it’s clear ski mountaineering is not a straightforward affair. Thorough physical preparation is required, appropriate
equipment too - which must include shovel, probe and ARVA - sensible decisions need to be made on the safest
slopes - in addition to a check on the latest avalanche bulletins and weather conditions.
It’s a sport which can’t be approached in an ad hoc fashion and where safety has to be at a premium. For beginners there are all manner of opportunities to get a piece of the action in company. Valchiavenna mountain guides organise courses and excursions across the slopes at Madesimo.
These are hugely popular and invariably involve engaging itineraries and destinations which reveal the very soul of our beloved mountains.
The arrival of Springtime heralds the return of one of those memorable occasions for which Madesimo is renowned: the ski mountaineering rally at the Suretta Bivouac.
This will represent the 30th staging of the gathering.
It will involve a height differential of 858m including both up and downhill sections and an outing of around 5 hours.
The get-together is organised by CAI Lecco, subsection Stradastorta – and is a unique opportunity to really get to grips with our local mountains at the very heart of Nature itself.
The event is scheduled for Sunday 28th April, with a meet-up at 7.30 at Montespluga.
