Sunrise at Rifugio Rosalba: the Foppe before dawn

First light among the Grignetta spires

We set off with head torches from the Piani dei Resinelli and climb the Sentiero delle Foppe while the valley is still asleep. It is unlike any other outing in the Grignetta: dark woodland, absolute silence and the feeling of having the mountain entirely to yourself.

We reach Rifugio Rosalba in time for sunrise, surrounded by the great dolomite towers and rock walls that make the Grignetta unique. As the sun rises, Lake Como below lights up and the spires cast very long shadows: the moment that makes a three o'clock alarm make sense.

It is 9 kilometres and 530 metres of ascent, of moderate difficulty. Back at the Resinelli we stop for breakfast together, which by then is thoroughly deserved.

Why come

• sunrise from Rifugio Rosalba, among the Grignetta spires
• the night climb on the Sentiero delle Foppe
• Lake Como lighting up with the first sun
• breakfast all together back at the Resinelli

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike: 530 metres of ascent with scree and easy equipped sections, tackled in the dark on the way up. A sure step and some mountain habit are needed. A head torch is mandatory, plus a warm jacket for the wait and boots with a good sole.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's go and take the sunrise at the Rosalba.