From when you start climbing along the via ferratas and up to the summit, the landscape that you admire is simply spectacular: the Maggiore and Varese lakes, the Borromean Gulf islands, the Lombard shore, the Prealps and the Alps chain form a whole. Truly magical. To reach the via ferratas, in Baveno, follow the signs for Tranquilla (Oltrefiume hamlet), where arrows indicating the M3 path are located near the campsite of the same name; after about 15 minutes you cross the Picasass M3b path which leads in about 20 minutes to the start of the routes. For the climbs it’s mandatory to use your own via ferrata kit. VIA FERRATA DEI PICASASS level of difficulty EEA PD Walking time about 2 hours, difference in altitude 320 m, development 600 m, North / East exposure, difficulty: not very difficult; return from Monte Camoscio following the M3 path towards Baveno. Descent time about 80 minutes. Inaugurated in July 2016 by the Sect. CAI of Baveno, the name “Picasass” was chosen in honor of all those people, the “picasass” (stonemasons), who since the 19th century have worked on the extraction and processing of the famous pink granite from the Baveno quarries. It starts by climbing a steep slab facilitated by steps; numerous traverses and some slightly overhanging (but never tiring) stretches lead to the crux passage, which is the most delicate section of the via ferrata, but the most fun, an exposed terrace that leads to a climb and subsequently a vertical edge, but also this with brackets and supports on the ledge that facilitate transit. You start to climb more easily until you reach a wonderful terrace with a breathtaking view, where the summit book is positioned. From this point on, the difficulties end and the via ferrata becomes an easy progression even without the use of brackets (the granite offers great grip); you arrive below the summit where those who want to experience the thrill of walking on a steel cable (Tibetan bridge) can cross the valley and then finish the route by passing on a small ridge that leads to the summit of Monte Camoscio (890 m ) ends the way. VIA FERRATA LA MICCIA level of difficulty EEA MD Walking time about 1 hour and 30 minutes, difference in height 167 m, development 250 m, North / East exposure, difficulty: very difficult; return from Monte Camoscio following the M3 path towards Baveno. Descent time about 80 minutes. Inaugurated in spring 2020 and built by the Municipality of Baveno in collaboration with the local section. CAI thanks to the funding obtained from the call of GAL Laghi e Monti del Verbano Cusio Ossola, the name from the explosive material that the “picasass” stonecutters used in the 19th century to extract the famous pink granite from the Baveno quarries.
