Effimera, Matteo Bernasconi's Pizzo Badile dream

It’s hard to explain in words the importance of the NE Face of Pizzo Badile for the mountaineering world. And in particular for the Ragni di Lecco mountaineering club that, in some respects, identifies itself with this symbolic peak. All you need to do is remember the historic first ascent carried out by three of its famous members, Riccardo Cassin, Vittorio Ratti and Gino Esposito, and a flood of memories are brought to the surface. And also regrets, for Mario Molteni and Giuseppe Valsecchi, the two strong climbers from Como who teamed up with the trio but then tragically died of exhaustion during the descent. Ever since that first climb in July 1937 Pizzo Badile has driven its way straight into the hearts of all alpinists and confirmation of this irresistible charm can even be found in the present day, from Matteo Bernasconi who since 2005 has been pursuing his dream of climbing a new winter route up the magnificent NE Face. As always though, it’s the mountain who decides to let us pass. If, when and where.