Forcella de Ciampei

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An interesting ski mountaineering traverse, less frequented than Val Chedul, with an easy couloir (val Culea) which allows you to enter the upper section of Vallunga. Even in this case the return is easy using the Sellaronda lifts.

ACCESS

By using the lifts or by car reach the village of Colfosco, along the road that from Corvara (Val Badia) leads to Passo Gardena. The itinerary begins at the top of the Col Pradat bubble car.

ROUTE

From Col Pradat traverse downhill till you reach the middle of the valley, along a path to the right of the piste. Start the ascent near the ski lift, shortly reaching a steeper area with large boulders and proceeding to the left, in the middle of the valley to reach a large amphitheatre with Lech de Ciampei.  From this point you will see the wide saddle to the left: forcella Ciampei, aim directly for the saddle traversing at altitude on the left side of the basin and then up steeper terrain with kick turns all the way to the saddle.  With an unstable snowpack it is best to lower yourself down into the basin and climb up towards the col.

DESCENT

You ski down the opposite side; descend with care along a more difficult first section, continuing along sustained but easier terrain in the beautiful Val Culea couloir. Once you reach open slopes on the upper part of Vallunga, follow the long stretch of this beautiful valley to your left taking the cross-country ski piste as far as the chairlift at the end of the valley which joins up with the Sellaronda lifts.

GEAR

Normal ski mountaineering equipment.

NOTES

This itinerary like the Val Chedul one is ideal for ski mountaineering beginners, but requires a good skiing technique in the first part of the couloir, especially on hardpck and/or with protruding rocks.

MAPS/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Maps: Tabacco 1:25.000 foglio 7 Alta Badia
Guidebook: Francesco Tremolada, “Freeride in Dolomiti”, ed. Versante Sud
Alta Badia Tourist Office: www.altabadia.org
Alta Badia mountain guides, Corvara: www.altabadiaguides.com

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