Monte Secco, Mountain summit in Lombardy, Italy

Monte Secco is a 2,267-metre limestone mountain in the Bergamasque Prealps, on the watershed between the Valcanale and the Nossana valley. Its north-east face above Rizzoli rises 1,040 metres, the highest wall in the Bergamasque Alps. Two summits stand on the ridge: the main one at 2,267 metres and, to the east, Monte Secco di Clusone at 2,216 metres, topped by a cross.

The mountain was first documented as climbed in 1931 when mountaineers G.B. Cortinovis and E. Corio reached the summit. This early ascent helped establish routes that continue to be used by hikers today.

Locals from Ardesio and Valcanale call the snowfield at the foot of the north-east wall, between 1,000 and 1,100 m, the Gias del Secco; it is one of the lowest of the Alps. The eastern top, Monte Secco di Clusone at 2,216 m, carries a cross, while the main summit cross was mounted in 1965.

Marked trails lead to the summit, though climbers need solid mountaineering experience and proper gear for safe passage. The weather can change quickly at this elevation, so visitors should prepare with appropriate clothing and plan enough time for the ascent.

At the foot of the north-east face, between 1,000 and 1,100 metres in the Val Las, lies the Gias del Secco, one of the lowest snowfields in the Alps, known to residents of Ardesio and Valcanale. The east face also releases the Ludrigno avalanche, called Il Vendöl, a spring slab avalanche that in March 1916 killed eight people and in March 1984 reached the Serio river, dragging a car.