Pizzo Stella, North Couloir
Madesimo
Madesimo's steep skiing symbol.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 7 m
- Descent
- 1.4 km
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.3 km
- High Point
- 2.7 km
- Gradient
- 58˚
This couloir starts right under the top of Pizzo Stella, it's really steep but often in good snow thanks to it's north exposition. You can reach this couloir following the normal route for Pizzo Stella, which is the easiest approach or you can start skinning up from Fraciscio (1800m of positive vertical drop from here).
Description
The line starts near the peak crux. It has a steep entry, rope (30m) could be useful if there's cornice, then the couloir ease up and ends into a large valley. From here you will follow the easy slopes first, then the woods till Fraciscio. From here walk to the main street and wait the bus that will bring you back to Madesimo (1€ payment, usually there a bus every 30 minutes)
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
High Exposure (E3)
In case of a fall, death is highly likely.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
Best time to visit
Features
- Cliffs
Equipment required
- Rope
- Skins
- Crampons