Monte Verzegnis
1,914 m
Italy
Also known as PizzatAlso known as
Pizzat
- Elevation
- 1,914 m
- Prominence
- 1,127 m
- Difficulty
- 2/10
- Hike
- Best Season
- May–Jun
- Routes
- 1
Routes
1Sources differ: E (VieNormali.it)
A straightforward hike up the highest point of the Verzegnis massif above Tolmezzo: from the road pass of Sella Chianzutan (about 955 m) on CAI path 806 through forest and pasture to the Ricovero Casera Val (about 1,660 m), then a short steep climb to the saddle beside Monte Cormolina and a broad grassy ridge to the summit. About 1,000 m of ascent and 2–3 hours up.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 5.0 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +992 m
- start → summit
- High Point
- 1,914 m
- Time Up
- 4h 01m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 2h 44m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Park at Sella Chianzutan (about 955 m) on the SP1 between Verzegnis and the Val d'Arzino. Cross the road and follow CAI 806 up the meadow and into the woods, cutting the bends of a forest track, to Casera Mongranda (about 1,070 m) in about 10 minutes. Ignore the first signs to the left and continue on 806, which climbs in steep zigzags through dense forest, eases past some rock ledges and reaches a basin of meadows. Here the Sentiero delle Creste branches left and a path right leads to the old marble quarry. Keep left on 806 to the unstaffed Ricovero Casera Val (about 1,660 m), about 20 minutes further. From the casera climb somewhat steeply to the obvious saddle to the left of Monte Cormolina, then follow the broad grassy ridge left (south) to the summit, about 45 minutes from Casera Val. Descend the same way, or from the meadow basin take the path to the marble quarry, follow the old quarry railway through a short tunnel to the remains of a cableway and rejoin the ascent path lower down. A popular longer loop continues along the Sentiero delle Creste over Monte Cormolina to Monte Lovinzola (EE, a short cable and some exposed steps).
Start
Sella Chianzutan956 m
- No public transport to Sella Chianzutan was verified; a car is needed from Tolmezzo or the Val d'Arzino
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sella Chianzutan → Monte Verzegnis | 5.0 | 992 | 37 | 4h 01m |
Waypoints
- Parking: Sella Chianzutan956 m
- Feature: Casera Mongranda1,075 m
- Hut: Ricovero Casera Val1,655 m
- Summit: Monte Verzegnis1,914 m
Key Passages
- Steep zigzags through the forest on CAI 806
- Steep slope from Casera Val to the saddle beside Monte Cormolina
- Broad grassy summit ridge
Equipment
0/4 packedDownloads
Route confidence 75%Overview
The highest point of the Verzegnis massif (1,914 m) in the Carnic Prealps, a grassy summit above Tolmezzo and Lake Verzegnis with views over the Friulian plain and the Carnic mountains. An easy 2–3 hour hike from Sella Chianzutan, with an airier ridge loop for experienced walkers.
Monte Verzegnis, also called Pizzat, is the culminating point of a compact massif in the Carnic Prealps south of Tolmezzo, bounded by the Tagliamento valley, the Val d'Arzino and the Lake Verzegnis reservoir. The massif has five named tops: Monte Verzegnis, Monte Cormolina (about 1,880 m), Monte Lovinzola (about 1,868 m), Colle dei Larici and Monte Rizzat. With about 1,130 m of prominence it stands well clear of its surroundings, and its summit looks out over the Friulian plain and the peaks around the Tolmezzo basin.
The usual ascent starts at the road pass of Sella Chianzutan (about 955 m) and follows CAI path 806 through forest and high pasture to the Casera Val shelter, then up a steep slope and a broad grassy ridge. It is a simple hike (E), well suited to spring and autumn when higher mountains are snowbound.
The massif is known for the red Verzegnis marble once quarried on its flanks: the old quarry, its railway tunnel and cableway remains lie on a common descent variant, and there is a small marble exhibition at Sella Chianzutan. The Sentiero delle Creste, opened in 2015, links the summits along an exposed grassy ridge. The mountain lies within the Natura 2000 site 'Monti Verzegnis e Valcalda'.
Climbing Notes
A half-day hike for anyone with basic hill fitness: about 1,000 m of ascent, 2–3 hours up and 5 hours round trip. The path is waymarked as CAI 806 to Casera Val; above that the slope is steep but straightforward. VieNormali rates it a year-round outing; in winter, snowshoes or microspikes may be needed, and steep frozen grass needs care.
The Sentiero delle Creste loop over Monte Cormolina to Monte Lovinzola (EE, about 6 hours and 1,300 m in total) adds narrow, exposed paths, a short section with a metal cable and a steep grassy descent towards the marble quarry; keep it for dry conditions.
The Ricovero Casera Val is an unstaffed shelter; there are no staffed huts on the mountain. Carry water and avoid the open ridge in thunderstorms.
History
The Sentiero delle Creste was built in 2015 by the Forni Avoltri station of the alpine rescue service (CNSAS) in memory of Andrea Cargnelutti, who died in 2009.
Season
Best May–Jun- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Best (best window)
- June: Best (best window)
- July: Good
- August: Good
- September: Best
- October: Best
- November: Good
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Winter hike with snowshoes or microspikes; frozen steep grass
- Feb
- Winter conditions possible
- Mar
- Snow lingers on the north-facing slopes
- Apr
- Spring; check for snow above Casera Val
- May
- Good season
- Jun
- Good season
- Jul
- Hot forest approach; afternoon thunderstorms
- Aug
- Hot; afternoon thunderstorms
- Sep
- Good season
- Oct
- Clear autumn views
- Nov
- Short days; possible early snow
- Dec
- Winter conditions possible
Access & Permits
- Getting There
Tolmezzo; Verzegnis
Trieste (TRS) or Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- Car: from Tolmezzo via Verzegnis on the SP1 to Sella Chianzutan, or from the Val d'Arzino (Pinzano or Flagogna)
- No public transport to Sella Chianzutan was verified
Hazards
- Weather
Huts & Shelters
1- 1,661 m
Ricovero Casera ValBivouacUnstaffed