Punta Basei, Summit in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
Punta Basei is a summit reaching 3,338 meters in Gran Paradiso National Park with steep rock walls on its south face and glaciers on both eastern and western slopes. The formation creates distinct zones from rocky ridges to icy slopes that change as climbers gain elevation.
The mountain was first summited in August 1875 by mountaineers C. Poccardi and G. Blanchetti, who established the initial climbing route. This early ascent marked the start of documented exploration in this high alpine region.
The mountain sits between Val di Rhêmes in Aosta Valley and Orco Valley in Piedmont, creating a natural divide between two different Italian regions. Hikers and climbers experience the contrasting landscapes and local traditions when crossing from one side to the other.
The standard route starts from Rosset Lake and takes about three hours of hiking through equipped passages with cables and fixed ropes. Good footing skills and experience with altitude are essential since the path is exposed with steep sections.
The Basei Glacier on the eastern slope shows clear retreat over recent decades. Visitors can observe these visible changes directly, offering a striking example of how climate shifts affect high mountain environments.
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