From the Pian Vadà bivouac (1711 m), go up in the direction of Monte Zeda along path VBAR20, which runs along the Cadorna military road to an altitude of 1701 m and then follows the ridge with a clearly visible track. After around forty minutes of walking, take path VBAR03A at an altitude of 1701 metres that goes to the left and cuts across the south-eastern side of Monte Zeda. Follow it, gaining altitude until joining path VBAR03 along the watershed ridge between Valle Intrasca and Val Pogallo, just before Pizzo Marona (at 2000 m). Follow path VBAR03 along the ridge, reaching Pizzo Marona (2050 m), the highest point of the stage. The homonymous chapel is just beyond it downhill. Continuing along path VBAR03, descend along the ridge again, in a southerly direction to an altitude of 2006 m; go around Cima Cugnacorta, crossing the eastern side facing Valle Intrasca; you are back on the ridge at Colle della Forcola (1519 m); continue traversing the western side of Monte Todano and, at the end of the most mountaineering part of the stage, you reach the pass of Pian Cavallone and the homonymous chapel (1546 m). The chapel is an important crossroads of the paths that go up the left orographic slope of Valle Intrasca and a key access to the Val Grande Park, through Val Pogallo. Continue downhill along the ridge, then along path VBAR03 as far as the fork for path VBAP06, at the foot of the ascent that leads to Pizzo Pernice. From the ridge you take path VBAP06 on the right, which descends towards Cicogna (a hamlet of the municipality of Cossogno and the point of the SP 90 Rovegro-Cicogna). After 10 minutes going downhill on a visible track in the beech wood, you reach alpe Curgei and the homonymous bivouac, managed by the Pro Loco Association of Miazzina. The unattended and always open bivouac, offers about 8 beds, is heated with a wood-burning stove and has a fountain in the pertinent area. For information please call 0323/494101. Alternatively, in the locality of Cappella del Pian Cavallone, it is possible to go down along path VBAR07 to the CAI refuge in Pian Cavallone. The facility offers about 25 beds in rooms with 4-6-8 places, a refreshment service and electricity supplied by a generator. It is open every weekend, on public holidays from June to October, and every day from the last week of July to the end of August. For information, it is possible to call the refuge (0323 407482) or the manager, identifying the references on the CAI website www.caiverbano.it.

Pian Vadà Bivouac - Curgei Bivouac 

only on foot

Source: Ente Parco Nazionale Val Grande
Itinerary code: VGP
Phone coverage: partial
Recommended period: June-October
Classification: Medium and low mountain provincial
Provinces crossed: Distretto dei Laghi