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Nevai vicino alla vetta
La croce di ferro a circa 3.300 mt.
l'alta valle con il monte Chaberton
In volo dalla Reposa
Rocciamelone con il suo classico cappello
Il rifugio Cŕ d'Asti di Rotario
La vetta
L'interno del santuario sulla vetta
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In the
past the Rocciamelone Mount was considered as Piedmont’s highest
mountain.
This austere, fascinating and mysterious pyramidal peak
was conquered for the first time by Bonifacio Rotario on September
1st, 1358.
Although the summit was considered austere and dangerous,
Bonifacio succeeded in his efforts and eventually brought there
the famous triptych which is still kept in the cathedral of Susa.
Bonifacio Rotario, member of the aristocratic family of Borgo di
Monteu, took part in the crusade supported by Pope Clemente VI and
was held prisoner.
He vowed to erect a simulacrum to the Holy Virgin Mary on the
highest peak of the first mountain on his way back home.
Bonifacio’s devoutness was very deep, and he fulfilled his vow: he
had survived and he took his thank-you to the Madonna up there.
From that moment on the peak acquired a religious meaning, and now
it hosts the highest European Sanctuary (3538 m.): Santa Maria hut,
that was completed in 1920, and where every year, at the beginning
of August, the Madonna of Rocciamelone is commemorated during the
highest European Mass.
The hut can accommodate dozens of people.
The highest point of the peak houses, since 1899, the bronze
statue of the Holy Virgin, which in clear days is even visible
from Susa, with the aid of powerful binoculars.
The route we consider is quite famous: it is situated in the South,
in the Susa Valley side of Rocciamelone, and it covers the way
that begins under the Reposa hut (which is the last place
accessible by car) and then meanders along a steep but easy path.
It eventually reaches, at 2850 metres, the “Cŕ d’Asti” hut,
created by Bonifacio Rotario during his first climb and
inaugurated again in 1980.
The climb can be made in one day, beginning the ascent in the
village “La Reposa”; otherwise, it is possible to sleep in the “Cŕ
d’Asti” hut and then leave at dawn.
The climbing is not very
difficult if you have enough training: it lasts approximately 3-5
hours to the top, and 2-4 hours for the descent.
However, be
cautious and take with you all the equipment you may need, and
don’t underestimate the risks deriving from the sudden change of
temperature or the altitude sickness.
Nevertheless, this climb is quite challenging, considering the
height and the rise in question (about 1,300 m.);
if it is made
during a snowless season,
the final part of the route can pose
some difficulties after the iron cross at 3,300 metres.
In the final part the ropes can be helpful during the passage
under the peak.
Once there, an impressive view opens out into the
Western Alps.
To the North you can see the glacier, that covers the French side
(from which it is possible to reach the peak from the Tazzetti hut);
you can also find the lake of Malciussia, passage of another route
that begins in the Viů valley; to the South, you can admire the
Susa valley, from Turin to Chaberton, and the Monviso, where the
Po rises, up to the great French frozen massifs near Les 2 Alpes.
Il versante
Ovest
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The
structure
