This is probably the best backcountry ski trip I have ever been up to now.
The trek starts at 8,30 am, we took a ride on the Funivia del Gran Sasso. The cable way takes you from Fonte Cerreto (1120mt.) up to Campo Imperatore (2150mt.).
Once we have reached Campo Imperatore the real trek starts...All of the equipment is put inside the backpack, the ARVA is turned on and checked.
Up we go..
The first leg takes us up to the
Sella di Monte Aquila (2335mt.).From here you can see the Corno Grande (west peak 2912 mt.). To reach its top you can either take the direttissima or the via normale. The first trail takes you up on top directly, it's the fastest and technically demanding way. The second will take you on top easily even tough normally takes you about half an hour longer.
We decided for the Direttissima: this is the main and more direct
way to the the top of Gran Sasso (Corno Grande - 2912mt.). It offers us the chance to use our ice-axe and crampons in order to go through its 45-50 degree climb.and
Nice view from the Direttisima
Finally on top
And ...here I am on top ....
We took a brief break to recharge our batteries and to have a look at the best view of the Appenini...from here you can actually see both the adriatic sea and the tirrenean sea.Now it's time to ski down
....the way down follows the Calderone Glacier (actually not a glacier now...its mass is much smaller lately).Once out of the Calderone we head toward the Rifugio Carlo Franchetti (2433mt.).
We leave the Rifugio Franchetti on our right heading to the last part of the downhill.
This last leg that will take us down to about 1200 meters through a small, long snow strip.
At this point we have to take off our ski/snowboard and walk another hour to reach San Nicola where a bus is waiting for us.
This is it!!!
seeya
