Palon de la Mare

Access
Rifugio Forni is the starting point for this ascent. From Bormio in Alta Valtellina (reach this from Sondrio in Lombardy or, for those coming from the Trentino, by crossing Passo dell'Aprica) continue up the valley to S. Caterina Valfurva and from here turn off left up the steep road to the mountain hut. Telephone prior to departure to check the road conditions on this final stretch. Itinerary
From the car park at Rifugio Forni follow the road that leads to Rifugio Branca, located at the foot of Palon de la Mare. Continue past the mountain hut located at 2493m and along the glacial moraine SE. Steep slopes bear down onto this section and the route choice depends on how safe these slopes are; should it prove necessary, continue the ascent by descending onto the glacier. At circa 2800m turn off left (NE) up easier angled glacial slopes to reach a gully. Ascend up the center of the wide glacial basin, up a steep section on the left to then return rightwards up the final steep finishing slopes. Continue right (SE) to reach the easy crest that leads directly to the summit. Descent
Descend down the ascent route or descend north to almost reach Col de la Mare, then descend left (NW) down the steep slopes towards Vedretta di Rosole. The exact route choice depends very much on the basis of the glacier's prevailing snow conditions. Reach the slopes at circa 3000m, then turn left (SW) to ski down to Rifugio Branca. Notes
Rifugio Forni
http://www.forni2000.com/
Tel. e fax 0342/93.53.65
e-mail: info@forni2000.com

Rifugio Branca
Tel. 0342 935501 - 0342 935350 Maps/Bibliography
Ortles - Cevedale Tabacco, foglio 08, 1:25.000