Mount Forbici - A balcony on the Bernina

Mount Forbici is a peak that offers one of the most rewarding views of the inner Bernina group. The ascent starts from the Carate refuge, following a visible path that branches off the traditional ascent to the Marinelli refuge and which in about 50 minutes leads to the cross of Mount Forbici.

The summit is just over 2900 m high and is reachable from the first dam of Campo Moro. You park the car in the parking area adjacent to the first dam, near the Poschiavino refuge and Zoia refuge. From here, head towards the first dam, cross it, and descend about fifty meters to join the classic path to the Carate and Marinelli refuges. The path immediately climbs rapidly and gains altitude quickly. After about 40 minutes of ascent, the path, still surrounded by dense fir forest, levels out and a pleasant, relaxing traverse awaits. Slowly the goal begins to be visible, both the Carate refuge with its characteristic red roof and the summit of Mount Forbici.

The dense forest gradually gives way to sparse larches, mountain pines, and high-altitude flowers until you find yourself walking in a typical high mountain environment characterized by increasingly sparse vegetation and mountain debris.

Once you arrive at the refuge, we recommend a short refreshing break before continuing with the last stretch of the ascent. Following the signs for Mount Forbici, you reach the summit in just under an hour. From here the view is enchanting, with a superb view of the Bernina group in all its majesty. The view extends 360° and you can also see other peaks of Valmalenco: Pizzo Scalino and Disgrazia as well as the Orobie mountains above Sondrio.

The ascent involves a considerable elevation gain, almost 1000 meters, with an estimated climbing time of about 3 hours. There is the possibility to split the itinerary into two days, staying overnight at the Carate refuge where Alessandro and Silvia, two young people who recently decided to manage the refuge, welcome you.

The refuge is certainly hospitable and welcoming. A stove is lit, a small couch for moments of relaxation, many mountain books, and chats with the refuge keepers.

In short... spending the night here can be comforting for both body and spirit!

Very close to the Forbici Pass, where the refuge is located, there is also a fantastic small lake where the Bernina group is reflected. Sometimes, in extremely hot summers, some seek refreshment in the icy waters, but the advice is simply to immerse your feet and relax on the banks of the small lake.

For the return, the following options are suggested:

the same ascent route, passing through Alpe Musella, a pasturing area still frequented and popular with numerous cows and horses;

in case of an overnight stay at Carate, climb up to the Marinelli refuge and descend by the same route;

undertake the traverse to the Fellaria pass (not an easy path as there are many large stones to walk on, so only for those used to this type of terrain – ascent about 210m), from here descend towards Alpe Fellaria and Bignami refuge, from where you can return to the parking lot where you left your car.