Il Corno Grande

THE MOUNTAIN CALLED CORNO

Looking around, it seemed as if I were in mid-air

[Quote: Francesco de Marchi]

The entire mountain range of the Gran Sasso d'Italia was anciently identified with the name Monte Corno, but the same toponym was used to indicate its highest and most prominent mountain, Corno Grande. Before emerging, the mountain was a marine basin formed by coral reefs covered by shallow water.

Corno Grande boasts the four highest peaks The highest peaks of the entire massif: the Western Peak, which reaches 2,913 m above sea level and is the highest peak in the entire Apennines, the Eastern Peak at 2,903 m, the Central Peak at 2,893 m, and finally the Torrione Cambi at 2,875 m.

Once you reach the summit, the view extends 360°. over all the other peaks of the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the Monti della Laga, over much of central Italy, the Adriatic Sea, and the other great massifs and groups of the Apennines.

The first documented ascent to the summit dates back to August 19, 1573, by sixty-nine-year-old Francesco de Marchi, who, fascinated by the mighty mountain, wanted to attempt it with five other companions.

There are many hiking and mountaineering routes to reach the summit. The most suitable for less experienced hikers is the famous "Via Normale," which leads from the Franchetti Refuge to the Western Summit in about two hours. Another famous route to the same peak is the "Direttissima." To tackle it, you need to have a minimum level of confidence with rock and not suffer from vertigo, as there are many exposed sections. A helmet is required for the climb due to the ease with which rocks and rocks can fall. This trail's fame stems from the beauty of its landscapes, a combination of towers, gullies, and small walls; from the route, you can admire the renowned Valle dell'Inferno.

• To ascend the Eastern and Central Peaks, numerous rock routes are available that ascend the "Paretone" (a high rock wall pointing east, with a 1,600-meter drop) and the walls overlooking the Calderone glacier. The best-known via ferrata leading to the Eastern Peak is the "Via Ricci." From the Franchetti Refuge, climbing along this rock ridge may seem more challenging. It's even more dangerous than it really is.

• The Western Peak can be climbed via the Calderone glacier, but only in late spring, from late May to early July, when the basin between the three peaks of Corno Grande is still full of winter snow, well transformed by the sun and easy to climb with crampons.

Furthermore, during the winter, when weather conditions permit, it is possible to go ski mountaineering and snowshoeing on Corno Grande.