Adamello Ski Mountaineering Traverse
This trip uses our 1–10 overall difficulty scale (technical + fitness + exposure + environment). How this scale works
Highlights
- Four-day guided traverse through the Adamello glacier area and surrounding high-mountain terrain
- Classic descent options such as Pisgana or Pisganino, depending on conditions
- Glacier travel, ridge sections and high alpine terrain
- Equipment rental available on request
Overview
A four-day ski mountaineering traverse through the Adamello range, travelling across glacier terrain, gentle basins and classic high-mountain lines. This itinerary takes us progressively higher into the heart of the Adamello, with wide open views over the Pian di Neve and the surrounding summits of the Presanella group.
We start by moving across the Mandrone glacier area, a beautiful amphitheatre of ice with a unique perspective on the Adamello massif. The landscape here is wide, open and surprisingly quiet, with a real sense of entering a different world. The Mandrone mountain hut offers warm hospitality and one of the most impressive views over the glacier at sunset.
On the second day we reach the historic Cresta Croce area, where a First World War military outpost still remains in place, including the famous Cannone 149G. The Rifugio Lobbia – perched above the glacier – even preserves a small museum dedicated to the Great War in the Adamello, making the overnight stop both scenic and culturally fascinating. In good weather, sunrise at Lobbia is a highlight in itself: huge views, quiet light and the immensity of the glacier below our feet.
The final days give us several classic options depending on conditions – from Lares and Dosson di Genova to the Adamello area itself – before finishing with a long descent back towards the valley. Pisgana is one of the most famous lines in the Alps, but if conditions allow we can also descend via Passo dell’Adamello, an equally scenic and elegant variant with unforgettable snow when it lines up.
This traverse is designed as a guided, progressive and enjoyable ski mountaineering journey. We take our time, adapt the plan each day according to weather and avalanche conditions, and keep the pace steady. It is not a race: the goal is to experience the Adamello in a calm, thoughtful and memorable way – with good company, warm food in the huts and the unique atmosphere of a true high-alpine crossing.
Itinerary
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Day 1Day 1 – Passo Presena to Rifugio Mandrone (briefing, gear check & warm-up)
We meet at Passo del Tonale in the morning, check the equipment together and go through a short briefing. Then we take the cable car up to Passo Presena and ski down to Rifugio Mandrone.
Once at the hut, we can either relax or take a short tour in the surrounding area, depending on time and snow conditions. Dinner and overnight at Rifugio Mandrone, with great views of the Adamello glacier.
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Day 2Day 2 – Cresta Croce / Cannone 149G
From Mandrone we ascend gentle glacier terrain towards Cresta Croce, reaching the historic WWI military position and the famous Cannone 149G. It’s a special place where mountain history and ski mountaineering really meet.
We continue towards Rifugio Lobbia Alta for dinner and overnight. The hut has a small WW1 museum and an impressive viewpoint over the Adamello—sunsets up here are often unforgettable.
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Day 3Day 3 – Lares, Dosson di Genova or Adamello options
Depending on the weather and the group, we pick the most suitable option for the day: an ascent such as Lares or Dosson di Genova, or a classic Adamello line if conditions allow.
Expect real high-mountain atmosphere, gentle glacier sections and a beautiful ski mountaineering environment throughout the day.
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Day 4Day 4 – Pisgana descent or Passo dell’Adamello variant
Long and scenic descent back towards Ponte di Legno. Pisgana is the classic line here, wide and flowing, but when conditions allow a descent via Passo dell’Adamello is an elegant alternative — quieter and equally panoramic.
If we choose the Passo dell’Adamello option, a local taxi/transfer will take us back to Ponte di Legno or Passo del Tonale at the end of the tour.
Requirements
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Previous ski touring experienceParticipants should already know how to use skins, manage transitions and move at a steady pace on ski touring terrain.
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Ability to ski off-piste in variable snowYou should feel confident on ungroomed terrain (powder, crust, spring snow). We adapt slope choice to conditions and level.
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Good fitness for consecutive alpine daysTypical days involve 800–1200m ascent, plus glacier travel sections. We move steadily, not fast, but endurance is needed.
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Mandatory avalanche safety equipmentAvalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory (can be rented).
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Winter mountaineering clothing & personal equipmentParticipants must bring appropriate winter clothing (layers, gloves, goggles, shell), a daypack 25–35 L, water/thermos and snacks. A full equipment list is provided on booking and adapted depending on the chosen objectives.
Gear checklist
clothing
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Clothing – layersBreathable base layers, fleece or light insulating jacket, ski touring pants.
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Gloves & hatLight gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff.
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Shell jacket & pantsWaterproof / windproof jacket and overpants (Gore-Tex or similar).
glacier
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HarnessLight harness for glacier travel or short roped sections.
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120 cm sling or daisy chain120 cm dyneema sling or daisy chain for glacier travel and rescue.
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Screwgate carabiners (x2)Two locking carabiners for glacier travel and safety systems.
hut
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Hut overnight kitSleeping bag liner, head torch, spare socks, small toiletry kit (if hut is planned).Only required if a hut overnight stay is included in the final program.
personal
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Backpack 25–35 LSki touring backpack, 25–35 litres, with ski carry option.
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Personal kit & snacks1L thermos or bottle, small personal first aid, snacks for the day.
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Sunglasses & gogglesCategory 3–4 sunglasses and ski goggles for bad weather.
safety
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Avalanche transceiver (ARTVA)Modern 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, with fresh batteries.
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HelmetSki / mountaineering helmet.Personal helmet required (ski or ski mountaineering).
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ProbeAvalanche probe (240–300 cm).
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ShovelMetal avalanche shovel.
technical
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Climbing skinsSkins cut to size and in good condition, with reliable glue.
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PolesAdjustable ski poles for touring.
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Ski cramponsSki crampons compatible with your bindings, for hard or icy snow.
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Ski touring bootsSki touring boots compatible with bindings and crampons if needed.
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Ski touring skisTouring skis suitable for ski mountaineering, with touring bindings.
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Ice screwsIce screws for anchors and short roping on technical sections. Provided by the guide when required.
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Boot cramponsCrampons compatible with your boots (if conditions require).
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Ice axeLightweight ice axe for ski mountaineering (if conditions require).
Prices
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1 Pax€400 per person per day
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2 Pax€250 per person per day
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3 Pax€200 per person per day
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4 Pax€170 per person per day
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5 Pax€150 per person per day