The flower king of the Orobie, with a final ladder

Pizzo Arera (2,512 m) is one of the best-loved peaks of the Bergamo Orobie, famous among botanists for the richness of its flora: endemic species grow on its limestone slopes that are found nowhere else in the Alps.

The experience

The route starts from the car park at Plassa, above Oltre il Colle, and climbs the grassy ridge until it leaves the last thin trees and reaches Rifugio Capanna 2000. From there it continues up a steep stony slope and, just below the fore-summit, tackles the only technical point of the day: an easy ladder with chains, short but to be taken with care.

The view from the top repays every breath: the Orobie on one side, the plain on the other, and the feeling of being genuinely on top of the world. On the way back we stop at Capanna 2000 for lunch. It is 9 kilometres and 920 metres of ascent over seven hours.

This is a hard hike: 920 metres of ascent on steep, stony ground, with a short equipped section where a sure step and no fear of heights are needed. Suited to those with mountain experience and good fitness. The access road to Plassa charges a toll and is not included.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb the Arera.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day

9 km · D+ 920 m · 7 h

The stops · 9 km

Meeting point 8:00approximate

Parcheggio, Strada Plassa, 24013 Oltre il Colle provincia di Bergamo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

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08:00MEETING

Meeting at the Plassa car park

We meet at the Plassa car park, above Oltre il Colle (BG), at the end of the toll road. In winter and spring, if the road is closed, we park lower down at Zambla near the campsites, adding 40 minutes of walking. The start time can vary with the season and trail conditions: the exact one is shared in the Telegram group.

11:00SUMMIT

On the summit of Pizzo Arera (2,512 m)

We climb the grassy ridge, pass Capanna 2000 and tackle the stony slope. Just below the fore-summit comes the easy chained ladder, the only technical point: we go one at a time. At the top the view opens over the Orobie and the plain.

13:00MOUNTAIN HUT

Lunch at Rifugio Capanna 2000

Coming down from the summit we stop at Rifugio Capanna 2000 for lunch and to recover: a hot plate at the table or a packed lunch on the meadows outside, whatever the group prefers.

15:00RETURN

Back to Plassa

A last stretch down the grassy ridge to the Plassa car park, with Val Serina opening in front of us. At the cars we take the time for a toast before saying goodbye.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Questions?