Great Angel
Introduction
The Great Angel is the second highest top in altitude in the subgroup Vertana / Angel of Ortles-Cevedale. The northern chain that divides the Vinschgau from the Solda valley is largely wilderness, the panoramic view from this peak reveals a world of rocks and ice still relatively little known and visited. It is a very elegant and distinctive peak, easily recognizable by the curious outstanding glacier that crowns its regular round shape. It can be reached without great difficulty and, above all, without having to walk on glaciers. The path is marked by red and yellow stripes until the top. As mentioned, it is a privileged viewpoint and is reached by a large number of hikers. Particularly striking is the view of the nearby Top Vertana and on the whole subgroup of the same name with the beautiful peaks over three thousand meters among which also stands the Croda of Cengles.
Description
From the top of the chairlift take immediately to the left a path that goes up a short hill and heads straight for the valley of Zay. The trail stays on the right side (direction) of debris, skirting the base of Top Vertana. After a ten minute walk leave the path that continues on the right side of this valley and has been declared dangerous due to numerous landslides from the peaks above. We must then turn left and continue downhill until you reach the center of the valley and a lovely wooden bridge which crosses the main river of the valloon. Beyond the river the trail continues to your left to climb the left side (looking at) of the valley with numerous hairpin trails. On top of a step in front, you see the refuge that is then reached with an horizontal crossing and then with a short but hard pull (about 1.30 hours to reach the Refuge Serristori).
Immediately behind the refuge follow the path (nr. 5) that goes in the direction of the Zay Col / Great Angel / Croda di Tschengls (signs). Among grass and rocks it points to a stream. Just across the river you can see a sign for "Great Angel" pointing to the right toward a small valley debris. It passes between two small lakes along the valley and continue with the path (nr.2) later replaced by signs red and yellow striped with the aim to clear the spur of the ridge that forms the forepart of the Great Angel Southwest versant. Remaining on this peculiar terrain with debris and moutonnée rocks first with turns, then directly, (be careful with signs!) reach the base of the spur itself. Head back up again following the signs and past the most treacherous stretches with the help of some fixed rope (be careful with any frozen sections, the spur is in the shade!). Once at the summit you find yourself on a short rocky shelf at the base of the ridge and immediately suspended at the right of the big glacier which here looks bold and majestic. (Up to here about 1 hour and 40 minutes from the refuge is needed). Besides, on the right, see the bulk of the Top Vertana with its impressive glacier . The ascent of the ridge, in constant steep climb, not difficult, is driven by signals with confidence. In proportion, as we climb, the landscape is becoming more and more impressive. The last section of the ridge towards the summit ask to be cautious, in particular during the short passage between the pre-peak and the summit itself, particularly on the exposed side of the suspended glacier. On the spacious top, lies a curious cross of iron.
Author
- Check the page ofGiovanni Consigli
Bibliography
- Gino Buscaini: Ortles Cevedale - Guida dei monti d'Italia CAI-TCI Club Alpino Italiano, 1984
Cartography
- Ortles-Cevedale 1:25.000 - foglio 08 Editrice Tabacco - Udine, 2006
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