The Fellaria Glacier

Description of the route

As a way to explore the raw beauty surrounding the Fellaria glacier, the Luigi Marson glacier route brings you up close with one of the biggest glacial formations in the central Italian Alps. Hikers can follow either route A or route B to discover various glaciological aspects as well as the region’s geomorphology.

From Rifugio Bignami, head towards Marinelli, crossing the torrent and navigating northwards over the pastures. Route B dips under a rocky outcrop on the way to the edge of the proglacial plain. It is waymarked with blue symbols as it winds across the plain and highlights the drastic retreat of the glacier since records began in the Little Ice Age (around 1850). From this proglacial plain it is possible to rejoin route A (which follows the high variation of the Alta Via’s stage 6 for its final part) by taking the more gentle gradient on the glacier’s right lateral moraine up to the tiny lake of Fellaria before returning on a trail that descends above the rocky outcrop and down into the valley.

This route requires good weather and good visibility. Pay special attention on the exposed sections. Do not attempt to walk on the glacier without an Alpine guide or without having the appropriate training and equipment.

Hike to the Fellaria Glacier: useful info

Start: Alpe Fellaria - Rif. Bignami
Finish: Fellaria Glacier
Min. altitude: 2415 m
Max. altitude: 2656 m
length: 5 Km 435 m
period: june - september