Verzel Point

Introduction

Punta Verzel (2,406m) rises along the southern ridge of the Graian Alps, in the sector known as the Gran Paradiso Alps, marking the natural boundary between the Sacred Valley and Val Savenca in Canavese, Piedmont. The summit is located on the main watershed that divides Val Soana from the three lateral valleys that slope down towards the plain: among these, Val Sacra plays a distinctive role for its secluded environment and rich in scarcely anthropised views. From here, the Verzel dominates the Frassinetto and Castelnuovo Nigra valleys, providing a privileged vantage point towards the Canavese plain, the Monte Rosa group, the pre-alpine peaks of Piedmont and, on a clear day, the distant Alps as far as Monviso.

Description

The environment that characterises the ascent and summit is typical of the Piedmontese pre-Alps: slopes covered with thick forests at low altitude that open up, as they climb, into wide grassy slopes and stretches of light-coloured rock outcrops. The geological substratum is dominated by schists and quartzites, formerly exploited for mining. The summit pastures, in the late spring period, are noted for the blossoming of daffodils, which add a naturalistic interest to the traverse.
The Verzel Peak is part of the so-called 'Bella Dormiente', a mountain profile clearly visible from the Canavese plain and constituted, together with the Quinseina, so characteristic as to be a source of tales and a popular iconographic reference for the local communities. The toponym 'Verzel' seems to be related to the dialect term 'vers', meaning 'slope exposed to the sun', a clear allusion to the favourable southern exposure of the main slope. The mountain does not boast a mountaineering history of national importance, but has traditionally been frequented by valley dwellers and shepherds, becoming a classic hiking and, to a lesser extent, ski mountaineering destination, with the first documented ascent attributable to the local area in the second half of the 19th century, probably much earlier if one considers Alpine pastoralism.
The most popular route to reach it starts from the Sacred Valley, in particular from Alpe Frera or Pian delle Nere. After skirting a now inactive quartzite quarry and passing woods and clearings, you reach the Rifugio Fornetto (2,130 m), the area's main support point. From here, climb up the south slope along tracks and clear paths to the summit. There are two main variants for the summit section: the easiest and most popular (difficulty "E", hikers) follows a progressive route without any particular difficulties, while the second (difficulty "EE", experienced hikers) tackles a steeper and rockier section on the eastern slope. In the spring months, the ascent can be made treacherous due to the presence of residual snow.
Another worthwhile itinerary starts from Issiglio, climbing up along paths that wind through woods and over dirt tracks and, at Piano dei Francesi (2,168 m), joins the main route. The summit ridge, joining the nearby Punta Prafoura and, towards the south-west, the Quinseina, offers the possibility of continuing on long ridge traverses, which are very scenic and technically not very demanding, ideal for those who enjoy medium-altitude routes and vast open landscapes.
Local curiosities include the celebration of the 'Bella Dormiente', a symbolic figure in local alpine legends, and the frequent organisation of mountain running races that stop at the summit, following the ridge that connects it to Quinseina. During sporting events, more exposed sections of the ridge are temporarily equipped with fixed ropes, while in quieter periods the mountain offers quiet environments and a discreet approach to nature. In terms of fauna, the area is home to roe deer, chamois and, among the birds, kestrels and buzzards, which can easily be observed along the grassy slopes.
The Punta Verzel is accessible in all seasons, but is at its best in late spring, between late May and early June, when the flowers adorn the pastures and visibility towards the Alps is often optimal. The hike does not present any particularly exposed or dangerous sections in summer conditions, but in winter and late spring adequate equipment is required due to the possible presence of hard snow, especially on the final section.

Information

Top: 2406m
Alternative name: -
Mountain group: Mount Giavino Coast
First ascension:
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First winter ascension:
First winter ascension: