Centenario "Plus" (Gran Sasso d'Italia)

Route/Trail Description

Here below you will find a detailed description of the trip which requires two days and offers a alternative (or additional) destination to the usually visited central area (Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo etc.) of the Grand Sasso massif.

 

This initial part of the trail is an easy and diverting walk. The path itself is mostly avoiding the frangible cliffs (left-hand) as it gently winds up towards the west shoulder of Monte Brancastello. Before reaching the west ridge you will notice a broad recess in the cliffs. This is where a rather soft slope descends towards a col that connects the main ridge with the peak of Pizzo San Gabriele. The last meters to the peak are an easy scramble. From up there the view goes over the the lowlands to the Adriatic Sea and the north face of Monte Brancastello, resp. the crest that leads there.

Back on the main trail it is easy to follow the hiking path. In case you should encounter extensive snow fields you may simply follow the crest, keeping slightly to the left. Also Monte Brancastello does not pose any particular difficulties. Following the trail, which bends left, you will soon come upon a signpost (metal plate) with the name and heights of the peak. (Note: These plates can be found in the vicinity of almost all the peaks, cols etc. of the 'Centenario' trail. However, they do not indicate the peaks. They are meant as way-marks, and some of them, indeed, show also arrows pointing more or less in the direction of the respective peak.)

From the 2nd peak of this trail the path descends towards a narrow and somewhat exposed ridge, - easy scrambling. The terrain and the rock quality is changing noticeably. Crossed the ridge, right behind a rock buttress you will find yourself at the starting point of the first equipped passage of the route. The wobbly iron ladder in place can be avoided by using a small chimney to its left. Although there are only a few way-marks to spot, it is possible to climb the remaining section by following the steel cables. 

On the other side of this obstacle you will have to climb down again. This part is slightly exposed and almost vertical, but with plenty of usable foot and handholds. The steel cable (ripped and rusted) has been replace by a suspicious looking fixed rope. [As this kind of rope is no longer on the market, one can only imagine how many winters it has already seen. I, personally, decided not to trust it.] 

From now on you will have to pay close attention to the signposting (red/yellow spheres), as the trail will leave the crest and descend right-hand before resuming direction. Keeping on the actual crest you will find yourself dealing with some serious scrambling in a rather exposed situation: steep and very smooth rock slabs with only a few cracks in reach that may serve as handholds. 

After some more easy scrambling you will reach another way-mark, right at the centre between the peaks (buttresses) of Torri Casanova (peak No. 3). Shortly after a narrow ledge will have to be traversed. The ledge itself - again equipped with a steel cable (still intact) - is exposed and filled with hideous scree. In order to pass it takes some rather fancy moves in quite unpleasant positions. At least here clipping into the cable is not a bad idea. 

From the narrow ridge that follows it is already possible to catch a glimpse at the snow covered north face of Monte Prena. There are only a view steel cables and another wobbly steel ladder in place but the rock quality is fair and reaching another short ridge (less than 100 meters) leading to the peak of Monte Infornace (peak No. 4) should generally not require them. From the way-mark (metal plate) turn right for Monte Infornace, which is slightly off the the trail. Once back on the trail you can scramble your way up to the top of Monte Prena. The summit cross is already visible from afar and the scenery, a truly fascinating maze of rocks, is gorgeous. With fog, ice and snow lingering around it might become harder to spot the signposting, though.

(N.B. In case of the weather breaking it is possible to abandon the trail and descend safely to the plains of Campo Imperatore via another ridge that can be found approximately halfway between Torri di Casanova and Monte Infornace. The direction is shown by a way-mark - "Forchetta di S. Colomba". Another possibility for a safe descend would be right from the peak of Monte Prena.)

From the summit of Monte Prena (peak No. 5) the main trail continuous to follow the crest only for a few meters before descending into one of the numerous couloirs of the mountain's north face. Unless you brought a good deal of rope it is imperative to avoid the straight line. After only a few hundred meters the crest is interrupted by an impressive drop. Some of the enormous rock slabs on this side are near to vertical and offer very few possibility for placing hands or feet. Abseiling could seem to be a quick solution, but does not necessarily result in saving time. 

The couloirs of the north face are quite steep and can hold pretty much snow and ice well into late summer. Signposting can become unreadable. If in doubt, you may choose either one of the couloirs and descend to the plateau below. Taking the first one you encounter is the fastest way for La Cimetta (peak No. 6). You will have to descend quite a bit (about 300 meters) and keep to the long ridge that leads to this secondary peak. The north face of Monte Prena is very beautiful and offers some amazing views. On this side of the mountain, with the snow still melting, you may also be lucky and find some tiny rivulets of melt-water where it is possible to replenish your water supplies.

From La Cimetta simply move in an eastern direction. You may have to pass some larger snow fields. Do not descend here by bypass the promontories you will see to your left. After a few hundred meters you should come again on the main trail that bends to the right as it starts descending towards the east col of Monte Prena. (Pay attention to the larger rocks and look for signposting!) From the col, named 'Vado di Ferruccio', you can have a look at the passage mentioned about. Here you will find another way-mark which is indicating both Monte Prena (west) and Monte Camicia (east), as well as another safe way down to the high plains of Campo Imperatore (south). 

It is still a long ridge walk up to the summit of Monte Camica, but the view from the slightly exposed ridge (especially in a northern direction) is getting more and more impressive now, almost by the minute. At a certain point, however, the last visible signposting is placed on a enormous overhanging rock and accompanied by an arrow pointing up. This comes as a surprise, because there are not even usable cracks in the rock-face. Indeed, once this spot had been equipped with a vertical steel cable, which is long gone without leaving traces. Without proper gear this part has become virtual unclimbable. You will have to peer around the corner in order to find a way around this obstacle. Although there might be alternative way-marks, the amount of snow may cover them entirely. Skirting the solid rock and turning left again will bring you back on the trail. (Examining the rock closely from above you will also find the rusted remains of the steel cable.) 

Facing the last steep section of the ascent route there is a narrow and fairly exposed chimney to negotiate. This is one of the technically more demanding parts of the whole trail. For one thing because the fatigue already exacts its tool, for another thing because of the gravel and scree covering ledges and handholds. The rock itself is again extremely frangible and should be checked with utmost care before putting a strain on it. Climbed the chimney the trail passes a small cave before meandering to the summit plateau and, further on, to the summit cross of Monte Camicia (peak No. 7).

The descend route, which is also the normal route to Monte Camicia, is quite evident. However, there might be some larger spots with crusted snow covering the trail. From the rocky cliff it is possible to have a look down the impressive north face of the mountain, a vertical drop of about 1,300 meters.

Depending on your timing, and your stamina, you may choose between two options now: a) keeping on to the cliffs in direction of Monte Tremoggia and Monte Siella (peak No. 8 and 9) or b) descending via the normal route to the mountain hut Rifugio Fonte Vetica, which is already in sight in the valley below. [With heavy clouds rolling in and the time of the sun set approaching I had to call it a day, thus postponing these two peaks to the next morning.] In any case, keep in mind that it is still a long way (several kilometres) to Monte Siella and that you will have to descend, either way, on a considerable steep hiking path and loose terrain.

In case you should have decided to leave Monte Tremoggia and Monte Siella for the second day, it is recommendable to get up early in the morning (around sunrise). From the mountain hut turn towards the forest at the feet of the mountain chain (north) and look for another (closed) mountain hut. Immediately behind this hut the terrain rises. Initially there might be no recognizable trail to follow, but once you crossed the forest it is hard to miss the path that winds up the slopes. The path uses more or less the geographical features of a broad ravine and leads up to the col 'Sella di Fonte Fredda' between Monte Siella (right-hand) and Monte Tremoggio (left-hand). From the col it is a short ridge walk to Monte Siella (peak No. 8), marked by a small heap of rocks. From this point simply turn around and, after passing again the col, follow the way-marks (red and yellow spheres) to the top of Monte Tremoggia (peak No. 9). 

From up there it is possible to enjoy fine views on the lowlands and the Adriatic Sea (north), the Majella mountain range (east), Campo Imperatore (south), the east face of Monte Camicia and Dente del Lupo (west).

The grassy south slopes of Monte Tremoggia have a serious inclination and are rife with gravel and larger rocks. Descending in a straight line could easily lead to a wrenched ankle. Hence, it is advisable to keep following the trail until it meets again with the normal route to Monte Camicia. Instead of going down all the way to the mountain hut, leave the path just before reaching the distinctive pine reforestation and bypass it on the right hand side. Although there is no trail to follow orientation is not an issue as you may simply hold to the brink of the valley (Vallone di Vradda). At a certain point you should spot an old retaining wall that runs across the stream bed. Descend here, traverse the valley and proceed in a south-eastern direction. Just over the hillock there is a well (or trough) where it is possible to fetch drinking water directly from the faucet.

Turning right again you will be overlooking the extensive plains of Campo Imperatore. No need for indications here. Keep walking and skirt the lower slopes of Monte Camicia's south face. It is a long walk now, and there are several dry stream-beds to be crossed. But in the distance you should soon recognize the characteristic shape of Monte Prena and Monte Informace. Aim for the interstice between them, Monte Veticoso (peak No. 10) is situated right in this triangle. (See also the image here below.)

Another recognizable feature are the remains of a disused lignite mine right at the feet of Monte Camicia. There is a dirt track leading up to the abandoned buildings and a hiking path branching away from it in a north-western direction. You may now either follow the latter or cross another very extensive streambed by using one of the retaining walls and climb up the slope on the other side. In order to discern Monte Veticoso keep in mind that it is the highest spot of the 'Veticole' area and pretty close to Monte Prena. In order to reach the top you will have to negotiate a height difference of 300 meters. The peak itself is marked by a larger heap of rocks and offers nice views, f.e. on the craggy south face of Monte Prena and Monte Infornace. Also the Scindarella mountain chain (peak No. 11 to 13) will come in sight for the first time.

In order to cut short you might descend in a south-western direction. Keep to the right of the scree filled indentation of the mountains south slope. Right at the feet of Monte Veticoso you should come again upon the hiking path. However, the path itself would not be of great use as runs in a north-south direction and connects the asphalt road with the starting point of another interesting ascent route to Monte Prena, the so-called Via dei Laghetti. Instead of following the hiking trail proceed in a western direction and cross the last larger stream-bed. With the long crest of the Scindarella mountain already in sight you will soon pass some abandoned buildings. They are in a very bad state but, in case of bad weather, they may well serve as provisional shelters.

Now, aim slightly left for the onset of the slope that will lead up to Monte S. Gegorio di Paganica. After a few kilo meters you will come upon the asphalt road and a junction. The small side road terminates at an edifice resembling a (closed) mountain hut and the distinctive ruins of San Egidio. Although some maps may show a hiking trail there is no such thing to be found on this slope. In order to reach the peak it is possible to ascend the broad shoulder of the mountain in a (more or less) straight line. The terrain is easy and not very steep, but the ascent itself seems very long and is quite sapping. 

Once you have reached the top Monte S. Gegorio di Paganica (peak No. 11) you will simply have to follow the cliff line which is passing also the actual peak of Monte della Scindarella (peak No. 12) and its foresummit (peak No. 13), - all three of them marked by a heap of rocks. From the ridge you can enjoy some fantastic views on high plains of Campo Imperatore, most of the peaks of the 'Centenario' trail, on Monte Aquila, Corno Grande and even some peaks of the Western chain of the Gran Sasso, f.e. Pizzo Cefalone. Also the initial trailhead 'Vado di Corno' is now in sight again.

On the ridge there are some remains of the neglected hiking trail and a few way-marks (red and white). Where you come upon the ski resort (see the image about), you will have to decide for a descent route on the north side of the mountain in order to reach the asphalt road which will take you back to the trailhead (and your car).

Basically, there are two options: a) the direct route, i.e. the craggy and steep north ridge you will encounter in proximity of the ski resort, and b) the ski slope itself. Though the ridge might look like the more interesting route, keep in mind that the last few hundred meters are a bit tricky. You will have to climb down some unstable rocks and negotiate a number of big stone slabs. So, your mauled feet may thank you for choosing the second option. 

Accommodation and board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) can be found at the mountain hut Rifugio Fonte Vetica, situated on the high plains of Campo Imperatore, at the foot of Monte Tremoggia and Monte Camicia, at the end of the 'Centenario' trail. 

The mountain hut offers a number of clean and comfortable rooms as well as the only (authorized) camping ground of the area. The two communal bathrooms can be used both by guests of the inn and the camp site. There is no cell phone reception in the valley, but the hut has a fixed phone line. 

The asphalt road which terminates at a parking area in the vicinity (location Fonte Vetica) is well signposted. Various maps of the region and the mountain range are available at the reception. 

Tel. +39 0862 938138 (open from June to September)

Recommended gear

With fair weather conditions the itinerary does not require the use of any climbing equipment. Bringing the following basic gear, however, is recommended and should be considered, if only for keeping with the motto "better safe than sorry":

As already mentioned above, the steel cables (and ladders) in place are ill-conditioned, if not dangerous in themselves. Hence, bringing a complete Via Ferrata kit is not indispensable. A basic set might become handy for some short exposed passages. Bringing a helmet is a good idea, though. 

N.B.: As there are no perennial wellsprings etc. to be found on the first part of the tour (Centenario), make sure to bring also a sufficient water supply, at least 2-3 liters. 

Maps