Sciocc to the Benigni Refugio

Excursion born quickly, because I couldn't leave too early and taking into account that in June the sun literally cooks you at certain times, I had to look for something not too long, with an acceptable difference in altitude and at an altitude that guaranteed a slightly cool climate. The Benigni refuge corresponds to all these requirements and always strikes for its beauty. A small plateau at 2200 meters, with its lake that I actually hoped would still have some tongues of blue ice, but which is now 99.999% liquid. The overlying Piazzotti peak is nice and easy, but today it is shrouded in clouds. In this place you often encounter ibex and a minimum of respect is enough for them to come very close to you. Normally they are females with young ones. Personally I have only seen adult males once. My low hourly average is also due to the huge amount of time I dedicate to meeting these and other wild animals. I would like to end with my personal consideration. Yesterday I saw yet another family having to go home because they were scared of the trail. I can also understand that the CAI classifies it as hiking, but it is not at all trivial, especially with people and children with little experience in the mountains. Some points and I am referring to, even and beyond the legendary Canalino, must be done with great care and are not easy especially for those who do not have long levers. Perhaps with different maintenance things could be different, but it is not up to me to judge. Of course, you do not have to be a mountaineer or a super athlete and those who usually go to the mountains find this route fun, but we should avoid writing on certain sites and in a generic way that it is a route suitable for families. Sometimes I see a bit of exhibitionism, almost to underline one's skill, but the mountain is pleasure and not a race. Yesterday I saw a young ibex do the entire Canalino downhill in 15 or maybe 20 seconds and on the external grasslands. Now that's a real feat and it makes me a little envious 😜😀, but otherwise I would recommend this excursion to everyone, including families, but paying attention in some places where you need a little experience and trust in your children's abilities, especially if they are small.

Unmissable exit to the Benigni refuge, and its gully 😅..a bit too crowded despite being Saturday, in fact I did not cross any chamois, I conclude with a suggestion: alternative to the gully and the via dei vitelli..on the left side of path 108.

The Benigni Refuge, owned by the CAI Alta Valle Brembana Section, is located (at an altitude of 2222 m) at the head of the Salmurano Valley, a short distance from Lake Piazzotti. With a pleasant appearance and small dimensions, it is recognizable at first glance. The plateau on which the Benigni Refuge is located is an extraordinary natural balcony over the Central Alps and the Orobie mountains. Truly a spectacular and evocative environment, but not today! Objectively, the possibility of bad weather was foreseen during the day, but I would never have thought of such intensity and duration. Luckily after being immersed in the clouds for a long time, after the storm and hail, the sun returned, giving me a wonderfully blue sky in contrast with the intense green grass. Today I decided to reach the refuge via the Cai 108 path. It starts from Cusio, in the Baita Sciocc area, passes by Casera Valletto, goes up towards the Salmurano pass until it reaches the famous canal that emerges just below the refuge, never visible. This path is considered for hikers in general and someone, daring, indicates it suitable for families with children. I don't completely agree. The canaletto in particular but also the final part are quite technical and in certain adverse weather conditions, they can put even expert people in difficulty. I agree that there are no excessive dangers, but still it is a path that requires attention. Sighted some ibexes and in particular two females with their young. Perhaps the sighting of the chamois and in any case the poor visibility also influenced this point of view.

Beautiful trip in Val Brembana from Cusio to Rifugio Benigni and then to the Piazzotti peak (2450 m). To get to the refuge you pass through a legendary mountaineering "channel" of a certain difficulty. In my opinion the most challenging part is the one that after the channel leads to the refuge. The Piazzotti peak is easy to reach and the view is beautiful.

I return to Benigni after about 20 years. I didn't remember the path being so long. I didn't remember the gully being so steep. I didn't remember so much climbing after the gully. I didn't remember so much beauty🤩