The red valley at the foot of Monte Disgrazia

We set off with the Guidders into Val di Preda Rossa, one of the most authentic valleys of Val Masino, where nature is still in charge. The trail runs between alpine meadows, glacial streams and wide expanses of rock with the reddish colour that gives the valley its name.

The experience

In front of us Monte Disgrazia dominates, a constant presence that makes the view powerful and unmistakable. We climb to Rifugio Ponti, at 2,559 metres, the historic base for those heading up the Disgrazia: from there the view covers the glacial basin and the granite walls that close it.

The hike is varied and accessible, on open, little-touched ground: nine kilometres and 650 metres of ascent. There is time to look at the alpine flowers along the trail and, on the way back, for a stop at the stream — anyone who wants can dip their feet in, the water comes straight from the glacier.

This is an intermediate hike: 650 metres of ascent over nine kilometres, on open and partly stony ground, with no technical difficulty. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket. The Preda Rossa car park charges a fee and is not included in the price.

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

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+ 650 m · 6 h

The stops · 9 km

Meeting point 9:30approximate

PARCHEGGIO RITROVO, Strada Per Predarossa, 23010 Val Masino provincia di Sondrio, 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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09:30MEETING

Meeting at the Preda Rossa car park

We meet the Guidders at the Preda Rossa car park, in Val Masino (SO), at the end of the road up the valley. The car park charges a fee and is not included in the price. The time is indicative: the exact one is shared in the outing's Telegram group.

10:30VIEWPOINT

Panoramic stop over the basin

We climb between alpine meadows and stretches of reddish rock to a point where the whole valley opens up behind us. We stop to look down over it, with Monte Disgrazia growing in front of us at every step.

11:30VIEWPOINT

Looking at the alpine flowers

Along the trail we stop to look at the alpine flowers: gentians, moss campion, rhododendrons and the species that survive on this granite and scree. It is the slowest moment of the day, the one where you look instead of walking.

12:30MOUNTAIN HUT

Rifugio Ponti (2,559 m)

We reach Rifugio Ponti, in the heart of the glacial basin below Monte Disgrazia. Lunch break as you prefer: at the hut's tables or a packed one on the meadows outside, with granite walls all around and the glacier above us.

16:30WATER

A stop at the glacial stream

Before closing the day we stop at the stream for a bracing break: anyone who fancies it can dip their feet in, the water comes straight from the glacier and it is the best wake-up call before the last stretch down.

17:15RETURN

Back to the car park

We return to the Preda Rossa car park, closing the loop with the afternoon light on the valley's red rocks. 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?