Suggested excursions from the book:
MONTE GIOVO INVERNO,
snowshoe excursions and normal routes to the peaks
(Francesco Rosati; Edizioni Il Fiorino, 2010).
The author has personally traveled all the itineraries described in the text. The times are indicative and take into account the pace of a good hiker in ideal physical, snow and weather conditions. There may therefore be discrepancies with the times indicated in previous guides or on the CAI MO map. However, remember that in winter the travel times indicated on this or other hiking maps are to be overestimated.
Having said this, the use of this guidebook is at your own risk; the author declines all legal and juridical responsibility for any accidents and damages.
NORTHERN CIRCUS OF MONTE RONDINAIO
A beautiful excursion, the most suggestive, among the simple "snowshoeing", described in this guide. It allows you to enter the heart of the mountain group; the environment is alpine and "real mountain", in the so-called basin of Lago Baccio, surrounded by the crests and gullies of Giovo, by the pyramid of Rondinaio and by the tip of Rondinaio Lombardo. Anyone can climb up to Lago Baccio (maybe even at night, with a headlamp). Afterwards the itinerary becomes more selective, suitable for expert hikers, capable of orienting themselves and able to evaluate the reliability of the slopes, yes gentle but usually very snowy. A circuit as described in the text is recommended.
Recommended period: December-April, some years (recently in 2006 and 2009, for example) even at the beginning of May there are still sufficient snow conditions. Up to Lago Baccio, a suggestive night-time snowshoe hike is recommended, perhaps under the light of a full moon (headlamp required).
Slope: NNW with respect to Rondinaio and Rondinaio Lombardo, ESE with respect to Giovo.
Avalanche risk: with avalanche risk higher than level 2 it would be better not to venture; avoid the outlet of the "triangle canyons", under Grotta Rosa.
Other objective dangers: in the upper part there are steep sections; with poor visibility orientation becomes difficult above the tree line (there are no visual reference points!).
Total of the uphill differences in altitude approximately 200 m.
Difficulty EE. For experts, but no special equipment is needed apart from snowshoes and poles (if you follow the itinerary described here).
Estimated time approximately 3 hours for the entire circuit.
For the complete description see MONTE GIOVO INVERNO (F. Rosati), Edizioni Il Fiorino (2010).
EASTERN CIRCUS OF MONTE RONDINAIO
A somewhat challenging hike, not for everyone; the most challenging snowshoe hike described in this guide. The destination you reach is one of the most beautiful and evocative places in the Monte Giovo Group. Here the winter atmosphere is truly magnificent, both for the always very abundant snowfall, and for the particularly alpine and captivating shapes of the peaks that overlook the cirque. In particular, the elegant and photogenic east face of Rondinaio, one of the most alpine mountains in the entire Northern Apennines, especially when seen from this side. The winter appearance of Turchino is also curious, with the invisible lake under the snow, and the small hut often half-buried. The itinerary is recommended for expert hikers who, if conditions require it, also know how to use the appropriate mountaineering equipment (ice axe and crampons) and adequately evaluate the reliability of snowy slopes.
Recommended period: December-April. In spring, however, it is necessary to leave very early, to have hard and reliable snow, given the predominantly eastern exposure.
Slope: northeast and east.
Avalanche risk: if the bulletins indicate an avalanche risk higher than level 2 (moderate), do not venture out. Especially crossing the canals at the base of Rondinaio Lombardo can be dangerous.
Other objective dangers: if in the most exposed traverses and on the steep access ramp to Lago Turchino there are sections with hard and/or icy snow, snowshoes are inadequate, and must be replaced by crampons. Given the conditions, it is best to keep them in the backpack within reach, along with the ice axe. Easy orientation, assuming good visibility.
Sum of the uphill differences in altitude approximately 100-175 m, depending on which point, in the Eastern Circus, you choose to interrupt the excursion.
Difficulty EEA with hard and/or icy snow. EE with powdery snow; but even in this case bring an ice axe and crampons in your backpack, the terrain in question is not to be underestimated!
Estimated time: approximately 1.30 hours one way.
For the complete description see MONTE GIOVO INVERNO (F. Rosati), Edizioni Il Fiorino (2010).
MONTE RONDINAIO (1964 m)
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant mountains of the Northern Apennines. Perhaps also because of its appearance that recalls the features of the Alpine peaks, it is very popular with hikers; moreover, like the Giovo, it is perfectly suited to the practice of various winter activities, offering itineraries for all tastes and all levels.
-northern side, from Lago Santo to Lago Baccio and the northern cirque.
A wonderful excursion, very suitable for the novice of winter hiking/mountaineering (as well as for the beginner ski mountaineer). It climbs to the summit following almost faithfully the summer path 523, in an impressive landscape compared to the average of the Modena Apennines. The difficulties are less than the climb to the Giovo, and therefore within the reach of a greater number of hikers. Nonetheless, caution and a certain amount of experience are required. It passes at the foot of the gullies of the eastern face of the Giovo, which often discharge avalanches; furthermore, the final slope, near the summit, can be very treacherous in case of icy snow. Inexperienced hikers should therefore avoid this ascent, and settle for the snowshoe climb up to Lago Baccio, perhaps at night (with a headlamp).
Recommended period: December-April.
Slope: north.
Avalanche risk: be careful when passing alongside the east face of Giovo, whose gullies often discharge avalanches. On the other hand, the snowy bumps that you climb along the route do not cause particular concern if the avalanche risk is limited to level 2; be careful when you reach the ridge line, protected by the usual, large cornices (although less marked than Giovo).
Other objective dangers: poor visibility above the tree line, in case of fog. Furthermore, the danger of underestimating this excursion, which is far from prohibitive, but not even a walk among the daisies.
Total elevation gain 465 meters.
Equipment: crampons and ice axe; with a lot of powdery snow, snowshoes and poles may be enough, but at least crampons should be kept in your backpack, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Difficulty: EEA; F- in case of particularly icy snow, for which the final slope would require greater familiarity with the use of ice axe and crampons.
Estimated time: approximately 2.15 hours.
For the complete description see:
MONTE GIOVO INVERNO
(F. Rosati), Edizioni Il Fiorino (2010).
