The stage starts from Varzo along the road that crosses the hamlets of Vaniullo and Bertonio and, after crossing the bridge over the Cairasca stream, reaches the junction point with the 12A variant which descends from Trasquera through the historic 'Brôcc' mule track. Turn right towards the Frazione Rosso and the bridge over the Diveria. After crossing the stream, take the road that from the ENEL power plant leads to Salviggia. At this point, take the path that proceeds in the direction of "Selvanera/Alpe Lorino/Passo di Variola". After an hour's walk you will reach Selvanera and, always immersed in the woods, you will reach the beautiful Alpe Wolf basin (1377 m). Continue with reference to the wooden stakes in the pasture and then take the path that climbs steeply through the woods towards Alpe Lorino. After passing the junction for Alpe Corgiolo, reach the mountain pasture at the foot of Pizzo del Rovale and Pizzo Mezzodì at an altitude of 1820 meters. From here you will pass near the rocky ramparts that anticipate the wide saddle of the Passo di Variola and, following the trail markers on the rocks, you will reach the pass at an altitude of 2252. Descend from the pass through the pastures on the Val Bognanco side. First of all you will meet the Alpe Variola (1977 m) marked by a large wooden cross. After a short descent, a long stretch along the hillside is traversed with the crossing of some streams engraved on the side of Pizzo Giezza which allows you to reach Alpe Dorca (1874 m). Now the path descends decisively towards Alpe Casariola (1715 m). Finally, with some ups and downs you will arrive on the road that leads to the Passo del Monscera, take it going up for a hundred meters up to Alpe Arza with the Rifugio il Dosso.
THE TOUR:
Great Crossing of the Alps - GTA: Northern Piedmont Section
THE STAGES OF THIS TOUR:
GTA Stage 1: Cannobio - Falmenta
GTA Stage 2: Falmenta - Malesco
GTA Stage 3: Malesco - Fondomonfracchio
GTA Alternative stage of Alta Valle dell'Isorno Stage 3A: Malesco - Alpe Cortevecchio
GTA Alternative stage of Alta Valle dell’Isorno Stage 3B: Alpe Cortevecchio - Alpe Lago
GTA Alternative stage of Alta Valle dell'Isorno Stage 3C: Alpe Lago - Campo Valle Maggia
GTA Stage 4: Fondomonfracchio - Capanna Alpe Arena
GTA Stage 5: Capanna Alpe Arena - Campo Valle Maggia
GTA Stage 6: Campo Valle Maggia - Bosco Gurin
GTA Stage 7: Bosco Gurin - Formazza Loc. Ponte
GTA Stage 8: Ponte - Riale
GTA Stage 8A: Canza - Lake Vannino
GTA Stage 8B: Riale - Alpe Cruina
GTA Stage 8C: Riale - Nufenen Pass
GTA Stage 9: Riale - Alpe Vannino
GTA Stage 10: Alpe Vannino - Alpe Devero
GTA Stage 11: Alpe Devero - Alpe Veglia
GTA Stage 12: Alpe Veglia - Alpe Solcio
GTA Stage 13: Alpe Solcio - Varzo
GTA Stage 14: Varzo - Alpe Arza
GTA Stage 15: Alpe Arza - Alpe Laghetto
GTA Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 15A: Alpe Laghetto Refuge - Andolla Refuge (through Pontimia Pass)
GTA Stage 16: Alpe Laghetto - Cheggio
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16A: Alpe Laghetto Refuge - Andolla Refuge
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16B: Andolla Refuge - Cingino Bivouac
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16C: Cingino Bivouac - Oberto Refuge
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16D: Oberto Refuge - Macugnaga
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16E: Macugnaga - Buon Pastore Refuge
GTA Alternative stage of Upper Anzasca and Antrona Valleys Stage 16F: Buon Pastore Refuge - Sant'Antonio di Val Vogna
GTA Stage 17: Antrona Locality of Cheggio - Colma Refuge
GTA Stage 18: Colma Refuge - Molini di Calasca
GTA Stage 19: Molini di Calasca - Pian Lago Alp
GTA Stage 20: Pian Lago Alp - Campello Monti
GTA Stage 21: Campello Monti - Rimella
GTA Stage 22: Rimella - Alpe Baranca
GTA Stage 23: Alpe Baranca - Carcoforo
GTA Stage 24: Carcoforo - Rima
GTA Stage 25: Rima - Sant'Antonio di Val Vogna
GTA Stage 26: Sant'Antonio di Val Vogna - Rivetti Refuge
