What to do · Gran Sasso
Corno Grande by the normal route from Campo Imperatore
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 7 h
- Season
- July to September, without snow
- Who it's for
- Experienced mountaineers
What it is
The normal route to the western summit of the Corno Grande, 2,912 m, the highest point in the Apennines. It starts from the esplanade of Campo Imperatore, at about 2,130 m, and climbs the slopes of loose stone, the brecciaio, on the north-west face. It is graded EE/F: hiking for experts with easy scrambling at the end. It is about 780 m of ascent; count on the whole day.
Before you go
It is not a stroll, even if it starts next to a cable car. There is loose stone, sections using your hands and a risk of falling rocks from people ahead: bring a helmet. In fog it is easy to lose the path in the scree. The Bafile bivouac, on the southern side, was withdrawn in 2024 as unstable, so don't count on a hut on the route. Without experience, go with a mountain guide.
Best season
From July to September, with the path free of snow. Set off early: summer storms arrive in the early afternoon.
Tips
- First cable car Go up on the first one or sleep at the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi the night before.
- Helmet and boots Loose stone on the climb and people above you on the scrambling sections.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb it without experience?
It is not advisable. It is an EE/F route with easy scrambling and scree; go with a guide.
How much ascent does it have?
About 780 m from the Campo Imperatore esplanade to the western summit.
With teenagers
