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Claudio and Bruno Hut: trekking to Lago dei Sabbioni in Val Formazza

Formazza, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,710 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+21
Claudio and Bruno Hut: trekking to Lago dei Sabbioni in Val Formazza
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Claudio e Bruno: peak & lake

An emerald-green lake at 2700 metres and a hut where every euro goes to charity. We set off with the Guidders from Riale, at the gates of Val Formazza, for a loop that takes us straight into the heart of the Lepontine Alps.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We climb through the Rio Sabbione valley, with Lago Morasco opening up behind us as soon as we cross the dam wall: one of the largest artificial lakes in Piedmont, with Punta d'Arbola in the background. We pass the Rifugio C. Mores at 2515 m, a stop along the valley, before the final stretch reveals the full beauty of Lago Sabbione. Waiting for us: the Rifugio Claudio e Bruno at 2713 m, right on the border between Piedmont and Switzerland.

This hut has a unique story: it's run entirely by volunteers, and every bit of profit goes to Operazione Mato Grosso, on mission in Latin America.

5 reasons to join - Lago Sabbione, a postcard-perfect lake - Rifugio Claudio e Bruno and its volunteer spirit - crossing the Lago Morasco dam - the Rio Sabbione valley, between pastures and scree - the Italian-Swiss border you can feel at altitude

Who it's for You'll need trained legs and the will to tackle a real climb: no technical passages, but this is for those with some long hikes already behind them.

Join the Guidders and this climb turns into a celebration: book now and come discover Sabbione with us.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+21 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,100 m D+ · 17 km · 5h30
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5h30 and 1,100 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Travel to Formazza
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
1,100 m
Max altitude
2,710 m
Distance
17 km
Duration
5h30
Day
17 km · D+ 1,100 m · 5h30
Map
The stops · 17 km
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Return to Riale, 28863, Formazza, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, 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
09:00MEETING
Meeting point in Riale, Val Formazza
We meet up with the Guidders in Riale, a hamlet of Formazza (VB), starting point of our hike to Rifugio Claudio e Bruno. The time is indicative and may vary by season: the exact one will be shared in the outing's Telegram group.
10:30WATER
Sabbione Dam and Alpe Bettelmatt
We climb through the Rio Sabbione valley among pastures and alpine huts, with Alpe Bettelmatt still smelling of mountain cheese. The trail is well marked and the view keeps opening up as we gain altitude.
11:00WATER
Rifugio C. Mores — Coffee Stop
We stop at Rifugio C. Mores, just below 2500 meters, for a coffee break with a view over the valley we've just climbed. From here the ascent continues toward the Sabbione dam wall.
12:00WATER
Sabbione dam and lake, lunch break
Once past the dam wall we find ourselves facing Lago del Sabbione, a turquoise lake framed by the border peaks. We have lunch here with Rifugio Claudio e Bruno overlooking the lake: the climbing effort pays off all at once.
15:00WATER
Return to Riale
We close the loop descending back to Riale, with one last look at the valley that's been with us all day. Once the hike is done with the Guidders, we treat ourselves to a cold beer or a coke together back at the cars.

How do you get to Formazza? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

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

Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Dario M.
Dario M.
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Dario, an environmental hiking guide and a beekeeper. 🐝 The mountains are my home: between trekking, trail running and mountaineering I'm out looking for new adventures to live and share every day. I love exploring trails, finding hidden corners and watching nature with curiosity, respect and passion — things that beekeeping taught me to look at very close up. Taking people out is what excites me most: seeing the astonishment in someone's eyes when they reach a summit, cross a wood or discover something new makes every outing special. My goal? To give you real experiences, where the journey counts as much as the destination, always with a smile and in good company. 🌲 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5h30 with 1,100 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Claudio and Bruno Hut: trekking to Lago dei Sabbioni in Val Formazza

Claudio and Bruno Hut: trekking to Lago dei Sabbioni in Val Formazza

Formazza, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,710 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
1,100 m
Max altitude
2,710 m
Distance
17 km
Duration
5h30
Guiddy points
+21
6 photos
+2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Claudio e Bruno: peak & lake

An emerald-green lake at 2700 metres and a hut where every euro goes to charity. We set off with the Guidders from Riale, at the gates of Val Formazza, for a loop that takes us straight into the heart of the Lepontine Alps.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We climb through the Rio Sabbione valley, with Lago Morasco opening up behind us as soon as we cross the dam wall: one of the largest artificial lakes in Piedmont, with Punta d'Arbola in the background. We pass the Rifugio C. Mores at 2515 m, a stop along the valley, before the final stretch reveals the full beauty of Lago Sabbione. Waiting for us: the Rifugio Claudio e Bruno at 2713 m, right on the border between Piedmont and Switzerland.

This hut has a unique story: it's run entirely by volunteers, and every bit of profit goes to Operazione Mato Grosso, on mission in Latin America.

5 reasons to join - Lago Sabbione, a postcard-perfect lake - Rifugio Claudio e Bruno and its volunteer spirit - crossing the Lago Morasco dam - the Rio Sabbione valley, between pastures and scree - the Italian-Swiss border you can feel at altitude

Who it's for You'll need trained legs and the will to tackle a real climb: no technical passages, but this is for those with some long hikes already behind them.

Join the Guidders and this climb turns into a celebration: book now and come discover Sabbione with us.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,100 m D+ · 17 km · 5h30
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5h30 and 1,100 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Travel to Formazza

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 17 km
Meeting point 9:00Return to Riale
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:00MEETING
Meeting point in Riale, Val Formazza
We meet up with the Guidders in Riale, a hamlet of Formazza (VB), starting point of our hike to Rifugio Claudio e Bruno. The time is indicative and may vary by season: the exact one will be shared in the outing's Telegram group.
10:30WATER
Sabbione Dam and Alpe Bettelmatt
We climb through the Rio Sabbione valley among pastures and alpine huts, with Alpe Bettelmatt still smelling of mountain cheese. The trail is well marked and the view keeps opening up as we gain altitude.
11:00WATER
Rifugio C. Mores — Coffee Stop
We stop at Rifugio C. Mores, just below 2500 meters, for a coffee break with a view over the valley we've just climbed. From here the ascent continues toward the Sabbione dam wall.
12:00WATER
Sabbione dam and lake, lunch break
Once past the dam wall we find ourselves facing Lago del Sabbione, a turquoise lake framed by the border peaks. We have lunch here with Rifugio Claudio e Bruno overlooking the lake: the climbing effort pays off all at once.
15:00WATER
Return to Riale
We close the loop descending back to Riale, with one last look at the valley that's been with us all day. Once the hike is done with the Guidders, we treat ourselves to a cold beer or a coke together back at the cars.

How do you get to Formazza? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Dario M.
Dario M.
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Dario, an environmental hiking guide and a beekeeper. 🐝 The mountains are my home: between trekking, trail running and mountaineering I'm out looking for new adventures to live and share every day. I love exploring trails, finding hidden corners and watching nature with curiosity, respect and passion — things that beekeeping taught me to look at very close up. Taking people out is what excites me most: seeing the astonishment in someone's eyes when they reach a summit, cross a wood or discover something new makes every outing special. My goal? To give you real experiences, where the journey counts as much as the destination, always with a smile and in good company. 🌲 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5h30 with 1,100 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€20
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed