Cima dell'Asnas, from Bocchetto Sessera

Access

From Ivrea, follow the signs for Biella, then continue towards Andorno and then the Valle Cervo following the signs for Piedicavallo. About 2 km beyond Campiglia Cervo, a few metres before the bridge over the Cervo stream leading to Rosazza, turn right for Bielmonte. Continue for about 11 km to Bocchetto Sessera, indicated by a road sign. After the 'Locanda Bocchetto Sessera,' turn left and park in the widening already located on the side of the Val Sessera (55 km from Ivrea). The starting point is the Bocchetto Sessera car park, at an altitude of 1382 m.

Introduction

The hike, with a total height difference of 1050 metres and classified as 'E' difficulty, has an estimated duration of about 3 hours and 15 minutes for the outward journey. It is recommended from May to October, with the route consisting of 60% dirt roads, 20% paths and the remaining 20% tracks. The main points of the route include Bocchetto Sessera, Casa del Pescatore (bridge over the Sessera), Alpe Campo della Quara, Colma del Balmello and the Asnass peak at 2040 metres. During a mild winter, the excursion can also be made in the early months of the year. The itinerary allows you to admire the skiers descending the slopes of nearby Bielmonte, because while the slopes face north, the hike, starting from the Casa del Pescatore, takes place entirely on the south side.

Description

0h00' 0.00km Four dirt roads start from the parking area. Take the second on the left, which descends slightly: the summit of the Asnas is visible in the distance, with its rounded shape and grassy cover. Continue on a gentle, steady descent for more than two kilometres through the lush forest until you reach the Casa del Pescatore (Fisherman's House).

0h35' 2.78km Neglect the path to the left for Alpe Artignaga and continue on the dirt track, pass the no-trespassing sign and cross the bridge over the Sessera stream before leaving the path , to the left, for Colle dei Laghetti. Continue along the road for a short distance until you come to a junction with another dirt road near Alpe Rondolere.

0h45' 3.24km Turn left   and shortly after at the next crossroads, turn right, leaving the road to continue straight ahead. After about 500 metres, you reach Alpe Briolo.
1h10' 4.22km On the left, take a less marked and more grassy road. After passing a hairpin bend, a long panoramic stretch opens up towards the ridge of the Punta del Cravile. Continuing on, you reach Alpe Campo della Quara, at 1492 metres, with a recently renovated building on the slopes of a grassy knoll.

Passing the building, the ascent along the ridge begins. The route runs mostly through meadows and bushes of rhododendrons and heather, and the summit of the Colma del Balmello becomes more and more visible. Having reached the grassy ridge, we continue to the rounded summit of Colma del Balmello, at 1928 metres. From here, advancing in a south-easterly direction, we reach the grassy ridge of the Cima dell'Asnas, with spectacular views of Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the main surrounding peaks, including the Mucrone and the Colma di Mombarone.

This hike offers breathtaking views and a great variety of natural landscapes, making it a unique experience among the Alpine peaks and valleys.

Points of interest

• Bocchetto Sessera
• Alpe Campo della Quara
• Colma della Quara
• Colma del Balmello
• Cima dell'Asnas

Collections

• hikes starting from Bocchetto Sessera - on the map
• hiking in the Oasi Zegna - on the map
• hiking in the 2000s in the Province of Biella - on the map
• hiking in the Province of Biella - on the map
• hiking in Piedmont - on the map