Piz Uccello, Mountain summit in Lepontine Alps, Switzerland.
Piz Uccello is a summit in the Lepontine Alps located between Ticino and Graubünden cantons, standing at 3,218 meters. Its northern slopes are covered with glaciers, while the southern face drops steeply without ice cover.
The mountain was first climbed by mountaineers in the late 19th century and became an established alpine climbing destination. These early ascents brought it to the attention of European alpinists.
The summit carries names in three languages: Piz Uccello in Romansh, Vogelhorn in German, and Pizzo Uccello in Italian. This linguistic diversity reflects the border location between three language regions, where local communities have maintained their own designations.
Access to the summit is via Passo dei Cadabi at 2,915 meters, requiring alpine equipment and climbing experience. This route is suitable only for experienced mountaineers with proper preparation.
The mountain stands out for its sharp contrast between consistently glaciated northern slopes and entirely ice-free southern faces. This dramatic difference makes it a visually distinctive landmark in the region.
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