St. Columba Horn

From the locality of Forte di Oga one begins to climb to the left following the evident small road that with some hairpin bends at regular gradients, passing through some beautiful clearings with characteristic hamlets, leads in the vicinity of the ski slopes thus arriving at Malga di San Colombano (2236 m, refreshment point). From the malga, one continues along the edge of the ski slope that leads toward the San Colombano Valley (This point-the San Colombano plain-can be reached by taking advantage of the ski lifts of both Oga and Isolaccia), arriving at the start of the ski lift that goes up to Dosso Le Pone. Following with a logical path a series of bumps and valleys, one leads in the final stretch to the base of the summit cusp. From here there are two possibilities: 1 - go to the right reaching the shoulder (2870 m) on the northwest ridge at its flattest end point and from here normally on foot reach the summit following the ridge line with a few exposed sections that can be circumvented to the right; 2 - at the base of the cusp, go around by climbing gradually to the left the wide and steep eastern ridge. The final section is normally climbed without skis following the slender northeast ridge. The actual summit is not the union of the two ridges now described, but is about fifty meters further south and is reached, after a short flat section, with a few steps up small rocks in the final stretch. Related itineraries - Mount Rinalpi: from the shoulder (2870 m) on the northwest ridge, traversing to the right or ascending along the NW ridge of the Corno di San Colombano (3022 m) and then descending on the opposite slope, one reaches the southern ridge of the mountain. Following it in its entirety southward, one arrives at Mount Rinalpi (3012 m). This traverse is very aerial, scenic and beautiful. Descent it along the fabulous Vallone di Rinalpi then descending to Isolaccia, or from just below (2000 m) the Malga Borron climb to the Chiesina di San Colombano (2479 m) passing by the Baite di Prei thus re-entering the San Colombano area. Little San Colombano 2840 m Culminating point on the northeast ridge crest leading to the Corno di San Colombano, thus avoiding the most challenging final section of the classic itinerary in this enchanting and lonely valley. It is by no means a fallback destination but a great opportunity to enjoy an unusual and stupendous view of the Magnifica Terra basin. Itinerary: Just before the plateau below the final cusp of the Corno di San Colombano, bear left to the depression along the northeast ridge and then ascend the short final section near the ridge in places with rock outcrops. DESCENDS Along the various ascent routes or along the various vallecole that the San Colombano Valley offers.