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Lyskamm il Naso Traverse to Gnifetti Hut

Gressoney La Trinité

Monte Rosa

A condition dependent high altitude traverse over the shoulder of Lyskamm

Also in Vercelli, Italy

Alpine Climbing Moderate

Distance
7.9 km
Ascent
636 m
Descent
620 m
Low Point
3.6 km
High Point
4.1 km
Gradient
19˚
Lyskamm il Naso Traverse to Gnifetti Hut Map

In some conditions this is the technical crux of the Italian Classic 4000er Spaghetti Tour. Il Naso is an exposed slope, which is prone to icy conditions. It is worth checking with the huts, before you start this route, to the state of this slope, as in icy conditions it is demanding and you will be pleased with steel points on your crampons. Occasionally after poor snowfall and high winds it can be stripped back to blue glacial ice, in which case it will be best avoided altogether. From the Quintino Sella Hut head up the Felik Glacier in a NE direction. Pass pt 3744m to its L and continue ascending slightly. Swing to the E onto the Glacier de Lys, once above crevassed ground, broadly heading for the foot of il Naso, slanting slightly SE to get to its foot. This will be negotiated on crampons, with or without the odd ice screw runner if needed. Once over this nose head steeply down and L into a broad easy open snowy bowl, underneath the E summit of Lyskamm, 4527m. There now follows about a kilometre of fairly flat glacier heading to the SE. You are aiming towards the saddle to the L of Pyramid Vincent. Once closer to this peak you join other tracks from below, which lead you down to the to the Gnifetti hut at 3647m.

Difficulty

Moderate

May involve slightly more complex glacier hikes, easy but possibly long rock ridges and steep snow up to 45 degrees. Equivalent to PD, PD+

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Much of the route is difficult to protect and a fall could be disastrous at certain points.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Equipment required

  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Glacier kit

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Guidebooks in this area