The Granite Giants

The most demanding hike of the season, and possibly the most memorable: a long climb up the wild Val Bondasca to the Capanna di Sciora (2,118 m), perched on a rocky balcony at the foot of the Sciora group, with one of the most iconic views in the entire Alps — the great granite walls of Pizzo Cengalo (3,369 m) and Pizzo Badile (3,308 m) rising directly across the valley. We start from the village of Bondo (600 m) and follow the brand-new Sentiero Panoramico, opened in summer 2025 after eight years of closure: in August 2017 a massive landslide from the Pizzo Cengalo had destroyed the old trail and shut the entire valley. The new route, kept high above the danger zone, crosses four impressive suspension bridges — the longest 70 metres long — spanning deep gorges and avalanche couloirs. The trail climbs steadily through chestnut and conifer woods, with breathtaking openings onto the granite walls each time the trees clear. After joining the old mule track near Naravedar, the final 300 metres of climb take us to the refuge and its panoramic terrace. Lunch stop at the Capanna Sciora: you can choose between a meal at the refuge — run by Cinzia and Mauro, simple genuine mountain cooking — or a packed lunch on the terrace. Descent along the same trail, with the same spectacular views in reverse.