Introduction: An unusual, alternative route that can give great thrills, repeatable in summer as well as at the end of winter. The Canalone dei Mezzi Litri is a ski-mountaineering classic but, when there is snow and the Forca di Presta pass is inaccessible, it is a worthwhile crampons-and-ice-axe alternative for climbing to the summits of Monte Vettore, Cima del Lago and Punta di Prato Pulito.
Route characteristics: There are no path markings, no paint marks and no defined track; what we can suggest in this route fact sheet is a rough line in a setting that is not too wide. The view over the nearby Monti della Laga is beautiful.
On the way up you can stop at Rifugio Tito Zilioli, whose winter room is always open.
Route description
The Canalone dei Mezzi Litri is a wide funnel usually climbed by ski mountaineers. It is not unusual to find the cars of people who have gone up this way. From the car park you head north-north-east. There seem to be traces of path: careful, these are the marks left by grazing animals.
You cross the lower part of the gully and climb up its right-hand side. Here you go up along a not very obvious ridge of shrubs and grass. As you gain height there are more and more spurs, pinnacles and rocks to scramble on. This is the fun part of the hike. You move along the eastern ridge, always taking care not to stray too far from the gully. Past the band of pinnacles the slope becomes steep; in places you need to use your hands too, to keep your balance (nothing difficult). You aim for the promontory above and carry on. Past the promontory the wide upper funnel of the gully opens up. Here you can see Rifugio Zilioli a short distance away, and you head straight for it for a stop to refresh and rest.
Variants and alternatives
Variant A – From Rifugio Zilioli you can climb to the summit of Monte Vettore, making the whole ascent a hiking route alternative to the usual normal route. You bear east and, in wide zigzags, after passing near the cross dedicated to Tito Zilioli, you finally reach the summit.
Variant B – From Rifugio Zilioli you pick up the crest of the ridge that climbs towards Punta di Prato Pulito. You walk keeping to the southern side of the crest; the other side is decidedly overhanging (the problem doesn't arise at all). After the first 200 metres along the ridge the ground becomes gradually wider and safer (especially with icy snow) and in a few steps you reach the summit of Punta di Prato Pulito. A short distance away the second and higher summit, Cima del Lago, is clearly visible. The view from both summits is magnificent and imposing.
Beautiful views over Pizzo del Diavolo (Devil's Peak), as well as the overall view of Monte Vettore, which usually stays hidden by these summits.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Do you need winter gear for the Canalone dei Mezzi Litri?
With snow, yes: the text presents the gully as an alternative to be done with crampons and ice axe when Forca di Presta cannot be reached. In any season, on the right-hand side ridge you have to use hands and feet among spurs and pinnacles.
Is the route waymarked?
No. There are no paint marks and no defined track: the fact sheet suggests a rough line along the eastern ridge of the gully up to Rifugio Zilioli. In the lower part watch out for livestock tracks, which can look like paths.
