Following the Footsteps of Alpine Autumn: San Bernardo Refuge and Monscera Pass
Bognanco, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,100 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio San Bernardo and Monscera Pass
A circular hike that combines nature, panoramic views, and alpine hospitality. Starting from the charming Rifugio San Bernardo, in the heart of Val Bognanco, we'll set off along gentle paths that cross forests and pastures ablaze with autumnal colors.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
The route will lead us to the Rifugio Gattascosa, a welcoming place nestled in the quiet of the mountains, before continuing towards the Passo di Monscera: here, the view opens up to boundless horizons that stretch from the Ossola valleys to the Swiss mountains, offering us an authentic natural balcony over the two sides of the Alps.
The return to Rifugio San Bernardo will complete an evocative and accessible itinerary, ideal for experiencing the emotions of the alpine autumn among golden larches, crisp air, and unforgettable views.
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 4 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+16 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
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 6 h and 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
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
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Bognanco
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
2,100 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
6 h
Day
10 km · D+ 600 m · 6 h
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
San Bernardo Mountain Hut, 28842, Bognanco, 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.
Our starting point is the charming mountain hut, where we'll leave the cars.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Gattascosa Mountain Hut
Charming refreshment point, perfect for a quick snack break.
14:00PASS
Monscera Pass
"The highest point of our adventure!"
16:00RETURN
San Bernardo Mountain Hut
We'll complete the loop and return to our starting point.
How do you get to Bognanco? 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.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Guanti
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Giacomo C.
· 10 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
I'm Giacomo, a mid-mountain leader registered with the Collegio Guide Alpine. I was born and raised among the peaks of the Val d'Ossola and the views of Lake Maggiore, and I turned my passion for the mountains into a profession. Over the last 10 years I've travelled through New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Corsica, Madeira and Spain, and of course along the trails of the Alpine arc and the Apennines, often looking for that genuine connection with wild nature. I'll take you to find real places far from mass tourism: from the hidden trails of the Val d'Ossola and Lake Maggiore to the iconic Dolomites, with routes tailored to every level. My mission? To let you experience the mountains as something that changes you: every step is a story, every view a memory that stays. 🎒 See you on the trails!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
After your outing, you can share your story too.
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 6 h with 600 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 4 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.
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.
Following the Footsteps of Alpine Autumn: San Bernardo Refuge and Monscera Pass
Bognanco, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,100 m
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
2,100 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+16
▣ 3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio San Bernardo and Monscera Pass
A circular hike that combines nature, panoramic views, and alpine hospitality. Starting from the charming Rifugio San Bernardo, in the heart of Val Bognanco, we'll set off along gentle paths that cross forests and pastures ablaze with autumnal colors.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
The route will lead us to the Rifugio Gattascosa, a welcoming place nestled in the quiet of the mountains, before continuing towards the Passo di Monscera: here, the view opens up to boundless horizons that stretch from the Ossola valleys to the Swiss mountains, offering us an authentic natural balcony over the two sides of the Alps.
The return to Rifugio San Bernardo will complete an evocative and accessible itinerary, ideal for experiencing the emotions of the alpine autumn among golden larches, crisp air, and unforgettable views.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
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 6 h and 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
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
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Bognanco
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 8:30San Bernardo Mountain Hut
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Our starting point is the charming mountain hut, where we'll leave the cars.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Gattascosa Mountain Hut
Charming refreshment point, perfect for a quick snack break.
14:00PASS
Monscera Pass
"The highest point of our adventure!"
16:00RETURN
San Bernardo Mountain Hut
We'll complete the loop and return to our starting point.
How do you get to Bognanco? 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.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Guanti
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Giacomo C.
10 outings with Guiddy
Guida di Media Montagna
I'm Giacomo, a mid-mountain leader registered with the Collegio Guide Alpine. I was born and raised among the peaks of the Val d'Ossola and the views of Lake Maggiore, and I turned my passion for the mountains into a profession. Over the last 10 years I've travelled through New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Corsica, Madeira and Spain, and of course along the trails of the Alpine arc and the Apennines, often looking for that genuine connection with wild nature. I'll take you to find real places far from mass tourism: from the hidden trails of the Val d'Ossola and Lake Maggiore to the iconic Dolomites, with routes tailored to every level. My mission? To let you experience the mountains as something that changes you: every step is a story, every view a memory that stays. 🎒 See you on the trails!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
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 6 h with 600 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
