From San Martino follow Val di Mello until you come to the Osteria Gatto Rosso (km 2). Follow the path on the lower part of the valley to the large grassy meadow where the Cascina Piana alpine hut is located. The trail continues and after a gentle slope comes to a big boulder with a sign which points left for the mountain hut. First the trail passes grass and boulders and then, as it becomes better marked, it ascends over numerous switchbacks. Enter the woods and pass by the impressive rock walls of the orographic right side of the Val di Zocca (the right side when facing downhill). Then, maintaining elevation, cross the river over the bridge and continue to the grassy field of Casera di Zocca (1725 m; 1 hr and 30 min). The trail continues ascending slightly in the sparse larch woods and then begins crossing the extensive narrow pastures (this takes a long time). Pass the large boulder with the Parravicini cross and, at 2070 meters of elevation, enter Piano di Zocca, a striking ampihtheater surrounded by rock walls which are in turn dominated by the summit at the head of Val di Zocca. Cross the valley heading north, ascending gradually towards the right. Then go up a steep slope and traverse left. Pass by a river and the glorious old Allievi mountain hut to get to the new building.

To Albigna mountain hut 2331 m, via Zocca Pass 2749 m (F; 3 hrs).
To Gianetti mountain hut 2534 m, on the Roma trail (EE; 5 hrs).
To Pontimountain hut, on the Roma trail (EE; 6 hrs). From the new mountain hut take the trail that goes up towards the left just after the old hut. The trail passes through narrow pastures with boulders adn gradually curves towards the east. Following this path, you'll cut across the entire eastern arc of Val di Zocca, dominated by a view of impressive and savage peaks. Before reaching the ridge which borders on Val Torrone, the trail descends to come to Torrone Pass, a deep furrow in the ridge at the foot of the monolith of Picco Luigi Amedeo. From the pass go down into Val Torrone. (Fixed ropes, be careful of hard, slippery frozen snow!) Once at the bottom of the valley, start ascending again, going through pastures towards the NE. The yellow cliff of the southeast wall of Picco Amedeo towers over you on the left while the mountain chain at the head of the valley offers one of the most strikingly beautiful and majestic high mountain views in the Alps. The trail, which is always well-marked and easy to follow, passes by the large rock "island" where the old Manzi bivouac was located. It then passes the col above, near which the brand new Manzi Pirotta bivouac has been built. Continue north along the moraine and cross the easy Cameraccio glacier diagonally to get to Cameraccio Pass (2898 m). At the foot of the magnificent double rocky "step" of the eastern part of Pizzo Torrone. (Fixed ropes will help you with the last part.) From the pass descend a short way, often over snowfields, to begin the long monotonous traverse at the head of Val di Mello. Follow the abundant signs to come to the rocky bastion of the ridge which forms the watershed between Val di Mello adn Val di Preda Rosa. A last steep climb takes you to the rocks which, equipped with metal cables, brings you shortly to the edge of the crest (Bochetta Roma). After this, an easy descent over large slabs and narrow pastures leads you to Ponti mountain hut.

To Cima di Castello 3388 m on the Via Normale. Elevation Gain: 1000 m. Time: 3 hours. Difficulty:F. Equipment: rope, ice axe and crampons. Route: From the mountain hut ascend towards the north over grassy knolls and rocks to enter the large valley between Punta Allievi and 3021 meters of elevation (CNS). Follow the tracks and trailmarkers (rock stacks) and climb up to a small rock wall below the watershed ridge. Climb the wall using a series of easy ledges to get to the ridge. The opposite side is taken up by the upper offshoots of southern part of the small Castel glacier. Head north-east over the easy glacier and, from a distance, go around the top of Punta Allievi and then around the point at an elevation of 3228 meters, keeping parallel to the ridge. A last moderate slope will bring you to the large snowy dome of the mountaintop.