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Sentiero Roma high route

High routes and multi-day tours

Sentiero Roma high route

A major five-stage traverse of the Rhaetian Alps from Novate Mezzola to Torre Santa Maria.

Information reviewed on .

Detailed information

Difficulty
EE, with equipped sections and long high-altitude passages. Recommended equipment includes helmet, harness, lanyard and carabiners; ice axe and crampons may also be needed depending on season.
Total distance
45,54 km.
Total ascent/descent
Ascent 5,118 m; descent 4,735 m.
Elevation range
327-2938 m.
Estimated total time
23 h 50 min - 24 h 20 min.
General route description
The traverse starts in Novate Mezzola, climbs Val Codera to Bresciadega and continues to Rifugio Gianetti. It then crosses the Camerozzo, Qualido and Averta passes to Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa, reaches Rifugio Ponti via Passo del Torrone, Passo Cameraccio and Bocchetta Roma, and finishes at Torre Santa Maria through Passo di Corna Rossa and Valmalenco.
Additional information
Stages are intended for experienced hikers. Huts provide the main accommodation, water and food stops; book ahead and start early. High sections require good visibility and favourable snow and rock conditions.

Route description

The Sentiero Roma crosses hanging valleys, rocky passes and historic Val Masino huts through granite, snowfields and steep walls. It requires fitness, high-mountain experience and suitable equipment for protected sections.

Stage 1

Novate Mezzola - Codera - Bresciadega

E
7,54 km
+1180 m -290 m
3 h 30 min - 4 h

Map and elevation profile - Stage 1

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Map data and tracks: ©swisstopo.

GPX and KML tracks were drawn manually. They may be loaded on phones and watches, but are approximate and may differ from the route on the ground.

Difficulty
E hiking route. A long, sustained approach on historic mule track, stone steps and valley path requiring fitness, secure footing and hiking footwear.
Distance
7.54 km one way.
Elevations
Start at 327 m; recorded maximum 1,215 m; finish at Rifugio Bresciadega at 1,214 m.
Ascent/descent
Cumulative ascent approximately 1,178 m; descent approximately 292 m; elevation difference between start and finish +886 m.
Estimated time
4 hours including breaks.
Coordinates
Start: 46.221353, 9.460401. Finish: 46.262772, 9.510722.
Waypoints
Novate Mezzola / Mezzolpiano - Avedee - Codera - Corte - Tiune - Gando - Beleniga - Saline - Piazzo - Stoppadura - Rifugio Bresciadega.
Additional information
The route climbs Val Codera from the valley floor to Bresciadega over paved sections, stone steps and mountain path. Lower slopes are sunny with Lake Mezzola views; higher up, the path crosses villages, woods, meadows and pastures. Start early in warm weather and carry water between settlements.

Route description

From Novate Mezzola or Mezzolpiano at 327 m, take the historic Val Codera mule track. Stone steps and panoramic bends climb towards Avedee, then the main valley path continues with views of Lake Mezzola to Codera. Beyond the village it passes Corte, Tiune, Gando, Beleniga, Saline, Piazzo and Stoppadura before reaching Rifugio Bresciadega at 1,214 m.

Stage downloads

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Stage 2

Bresciadega - Rifugio Gianetti

EE
6 km
+1510 m -270 m
4 h 55 min

Map and elevation profile - Stage 2

Preparing map...

Map data and tracks: ©swisstopo.

GPX and KML tracks were drawn manually. They may be loaded on phones and watches, but are approximate and may differ from the route on the ground.

Difficulty
EE. A high-altitude stage with long rocky sections, slabs and protected passages, requiring secure footing, fitness and Alpine experience.
Distance
6 km.
Ascent/descent
Ascent 1,511 m; descent 270 m.
Elevations
1294-2620 m.
Estimated time
4 h 53 min.
Start and finish
Bresciadega / Rifugio Brasca - Rifugio Gianetti CAI.
Main waypoints
Rifugio Brasca, Valle dell'Averta, Alpe Pisci, Passo del Barbacan, Rifugio Gianetti.
Additional information
A major Alpine stage from green Val Codera to the granite Badile group. Water and support are available at Rifugio Brasca and Rifugio Gianetti, but carry enough for the high section. Use mountain footwear, a helmet and personal equipment for protected passages in stable weather.

Route description

From Bresciadega, follow the route past Rifugio Brasca and Coeder into upper Val Codera. Climb Valle dell'Averta through pasture, scree and slabs to Alpe Pisci and Passo del Barbacan, then cross onto the Porcellizzo side to Rifugio Gianetti beneath Pizzo Badile.

Stage downloads

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Stage 3

Rifugio Gianetti - Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa

EE
9 km
+840 m -980 m
4 h 30 min

Map and elevation profile - Stage 3

Preparing map...

Map data and tracks: ©swisstopo.

GPX and KML tracks were drawn manually. They may be loaded on phones and watches, but are approximate and may differ from the route on the ground.

Difficulty
EE. A technical, panoramic stage with slabs, scree, rocky passes and protected sections, requiring confident movement and good pacing.
Distance
9 km.
Ascent/descent
Ascent 835 m; descent 983 m.
Elevations
2305-2777 m.
Estimated time
4 h 29 min.
Start and finish
Rifugio Gianetti CAI - Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa CAI.
Main waypoints
Passo del Camerozzo, Val del Ferro, Bivacco Molteni-Valsecchi, Passo Qualido, Passo dell'Averta, Val di Zocca, Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa.
Additional information
One of the Sentiero Roma's defining stages, alternating traverses, climbs, descents and rock passages. Rifugio Gianetti and Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa are the main bases. Helmet, harness, lanyard and carabiners are useful on protected sections; assess crampons and ice axe according to snow conditions.

Route description

From Rifugio Gianetti, traverse east beneath Cengalo and Pizzi Gemelli across slabs and scree to Passo del Camerozzo. Descend into Val del Ferro past Bivacco Molteni-Valsecchi, then climb Passo Qualido and Passo dell'Averta before descending Val di Zocca to Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa.

Stage downloads

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Stage 4

Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa - Rifugio Ponti

EE
10 km
+1140 m -960 m
5 h 10 min

Map and elevation profile - Stage 4

Preparing map...

Map data and tracks: ©swisstopo.

GPX and KML tracks were drawn manually. They may be loaded on phones and watches, but are approximate and may differ from the route on the ground.

Difficulty
EE. A long high stage with rocky passes, possible lingering snow and protected sections, requiring Alpine experience.
Distance
10 km.
Ascent/descent
Ascent 1,142 m; descent 964 m.
Elevations
2372-2938 m.
Estimated time
5 h 10 min.
Start and finish
Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa CAI - Rifugio Ponti CAI.
Main waypoints
Passo del Torrone, Val Torrone, Bivacco Manzi-Pirotta, Passo Cameraccio, Bocchetta Roma, Rifugio Ponti.
Additional information
This stage crosses broad, wild terrain in the Disgrazia group, remaining high with continuous views of ridges, snowfields and slabs. Start early, maintain a steady pace and carry high-mountain and protected-route equipment.

Route description

From Rifugio Allievi Bonacossa, arc beneath Punta Allievi, Rasica and Torrone to Passo del Torrone. Cross Val Torrone past Bivacco Manzi-Pirotta, climb Passo Cameraccio, descend Val Cameraccio and make the final ascent to Bocchetta Roma before dropping through Predarossa to Rifugio Ponti.

Stage downloads

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Stage 5

Rifugio Ponti - Torre Santa Maria

EE
13 km
+450 m -2230 m
5 h 20 min

Map and elevation profile - Stage 5

Preparing map...

Map data and tracks: ©swisstopo.

GPX and KML tracks were drawn manually. They may be loaded on phones and watches, but are approximate and may differ from the route on the ground.

Difficulty
EE. The closing stage crosses a high pass followed by a long descent into Valmalenco, requiring stamina and careful management of the descent.
Distance
13 km.
Ascent/descent
Ascent 452 m; descent 2,226 m.
Elevations
779-2825 m.
Estimated time
5 h 18 min.
Start and finish
Rifugio Ponti CAI - Torre Santa Maria.
Main waypoints
Passo di Corna Rossa, Val Torreggio side, Alpe Airale, Alpe Son, Ciappanico, Torre Santa Maria.
Additional information
The stage combines one final high climb with a long descent into Valmalenco woods and villages. Poles can help on the descent, which gradually reaches softer paths, pastures and greener terrain before Torre Santa Maria.

Route description

Leave Rifugio Ponti and climb from Predarossa to Passo di Corna Rossa with views of Monte Disgrazia. Descend the Valmalenco side through open terrain to Alpe Airale, Alpe Son and Ciappanico, then continue through woods and settlements to Torre Santa Maria.

Stage downloads

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Continue exploring routes in Val Codera.