Pizzo Marona

The Marona peak is one of the favourite ascents for hikers in the Italian National Park of Val Grande. The climb is long and tough, and it has some exposed passages that are equipped with old chains. Here people can get in contact with the abyss: not only the physical abyss of the rocky gorges, but also the interior abyss evoked by the fogs, the rugged stony ground, the wind that gasps and enrages, without any rule. These interior chasms are supported by the Marona's toponyms: the Devil's Pass and the Holy Stairway remind of ancient myth of demoniac pacts.

Route

Verbania - Miazzina - Cappella Fina - Pian Cavallone - I Balmitt - Forcola - Cima Cugnacorta - Pizzo Marona - Forcola - Pian Cavallone - Gabbio - Intragna - Verbania

Data sheet

Region: Verbania
Altitude: 2051 m
Ascent: 1854 m
Length: 10 km
Time: 5.5 hours
Unrideable time: 2.5 hours
Season: June - October
Skills: ND
Strength: ND
GPS Data: -
Map: -

Journal

I decided to climb the Marona peak with my mountain bike, but already before leaving I know this tour will not be much rideable. Up to Pian Cavallone I can actually get to ride on the bike for many sections, but the I run into the enormous shapes of mounts Balmitt and Cugnacorta, and from there on I will have to carry the bikes.

The Holy Stairway

I wander in the fog, up and down in the knee deep rhododendron, looking for trails between the rocks and the slippery meadows. Everywhere the places and the feelings of the myth are to be found. Finally I reach the summit by following the path, that is the only safe way up here.

Mountain bike on Pizzo Marona

The first part of the discent is unrideable as well. But after passing the toughest sections, I can start considering riding a little, but it's all to be done in trial style, no way to build speed.

Beginning of the descent

From Pian Cavallone the descent gets more interesting. I head east, on the trail that traverses Pizzo's slopes, and goes past Sunfai. In Gabbio I get to the paved road.

Discesa towards Pian Cavallone

The rest of the descent is short, and I miss already the land of the myths.

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