Excursion to the Sforzellina Glacier – Flora and landscapes in an everchanging world
The excursion begins from the parking area at Rifugio Berni (2.540m), in Gavia Valley. From here, follow the directions of the didactic nature trail that leads to the glacier. The route starts with a brief descent to the stream (which you cross via a small bridge), passes by the former Rifugio Gavia and continues along a military mule track of the First World War towards the Sforzellina.
The itinerary develops in one of the most scenic glacial valleys of the Park. Here, the landscapes have been shaped by the slow and lengthy activity of ancient glaciers. Noteworthy is the high-altitude vegetation as well, which had to adapt to the extreme conditions of the area.
Upon reaching a little lake (2.775m), continue along easy tracks until you reach the front of the glacier (2.800m). This is one of the most studied of the protected area; today it’s mostly covered by debris, reflecting the rapid changes that it’s undergoing because of the global warming.
The return journey follows the same route as the ascent.
