Cima Lastè, from Col Indes

Introduction

31/01/04 I tackled this fun excursion with enthusiasm: the plan was to climb to cima Lastè from the Sasson della Madonna side and then descend through the Val Sperlonga to Casera pian del le Stele and then to Casera Cate. The enthusiasm was somewhat dampened despite the extraordinary environment when during the descent, near the flat sections, it was still necessary to push... The next day I went back up to the Laste peak and this time I descended from the side of the Semenza refuge in the Val de Piera: a whole different story, steep slopes amidst rock jumps, wonderful skiing.

Description

Parking the car near the agritourism, follow the path that at first leads to the Mognol huts and then to Sasson della Madonna (barrier, signs with directions), from here, once the wooded part is over, the ascent becomes evident: on the right the Semenza refuge, on the left the Cornor. Climb further in the direction of Cornor until you catch a glimpse of the Semenza hut. Turn right, keeping below the rock face (summer ascent path), and in a short time you will reach the hut (a few delicate stretches) and then the very evident peak located to the right of the hut itself. 

Descent The descent can be made either from the Val Sperlonga side (two cars are needed) or from the Sasson della Madonna side. In the first case, you descend the valley, keeping a little to the right and a little to the left so as not to lose too much altitude. This is followed by a flat stretch, the wooded part and then Casera Pian de le Stele. From here, take the easy road to Malga Cate. We descend along what was once a glacier in an evocative and highly satisfying environment. In the second case, the descent is along the bottom of the valley, clearly visible on the right as you ascend to the Semenza refuge (Val de Piera). Aim for Sasson della Madonna, paying attention to the rock jumps that can become dangerous if you take the wrong direction. In both cases the snowpack must be well groomed.