Alpine Logistics

In the space of a week we’ve gone from summer temperatures to snow! According to the forecast it should have been mainly sunny today, so we headed into Valsessera for a walk up to Asnass peak (2040m) in the Alpi Biellesi.

This area is far from main roads and has no mountain huts so it has remained relatively wild and unfrequented despite its proximity to the town of Biella.

We followed the Sessera river almost to its source, parts of it were still frozen. Although the water level is now low you can tell that in some years it carries powerful torrents from the smooth, sculpted masses along its bed. With a little imagination we managed to follow the footpath to the snowy summit, where far from sunshine it was snowing and the temperatures were below freezing…our hands were like blocks of ice even though we were wearing gloves. Just getting a drink from the thermos was a chore!

On the way down we spotted lots of wild deer and wished we were as agile as they are down the rugged slopes. Hot caffè latte and a shower were particularly welcome that afternoon!