The large basin of the Viaschina Torrent offers numerous canyoning opportunities. Here we describe the entry via the Merigetto Torrent, the first to be explored and the most complete of the three main tributaries of the Viaschina.

The large basin of the Viaschina Torrent offers numerous canyoning opportunities. Here we describe the entry via the Merigetto Torrent, the first to be explored and the most complete of the three main tributaries of the Viaschina.

From the village of Curiglia, continue towards Ponte di Piero and park in the large parking area in front of the cable car to Monteviasco (46°04'22.8"N 08°48'55.8"E).

With cable car: from the parking area, take the cable car up to the village of Monteviasco. Walk down into the village and cross it eastwards to take the path towards Alpe Cortetti and Viasco. The trail, initially uphill and then more level, leads progressively deeper into the Viaschina valley. After passing Alpe Polusa, pay attention: the Merigetto tributary is the first significant stream encountered. The first anchor is clearly visible just beyond the railing (46°04'05.6"N 8°50'35.3"E). About 50 minutes for 150 m elevation gain. Without cable car: from the parking area, cross the bridge over the Viaschina Torrent (the final abseils are clearly visible) and at the junction take the right fork following the signs for Monteviasco. The ancient mule track, with its 1,442 stone steps, leads up to the village. Once in Monteviasco, cross the village and follow the cable car approach to reach the stream. About 2 hours for 540 m elevation gain.

01- C25 (1dx + 2 dx) 02- C20 (2 sx) 03- C10 (MC 1sx + 1sx) 04- C15 (1 dx) 05- C20 (2 dx) 06- C4 (1 dx) 07- C8 (1 dx) 08- C15 (2 sx) 09- C25 (2 sx) 10- C20 (2 dx) 11- C30 (2 dx) 12- C5 (1 dx) 13- C12 (2 sx) 14- C13 (1 dx) 15- C18 (2 dx) 16- C15 (2dx + dev-7m) 17- C5 (1 dx) 18- C30 (1 sx) Confluence with the Torrente Piancarossa canyon 19- C6 (1 sx) 20- C17 (2 dx) 21- C25 (MC 1sx + 2 dx) 22- C15 (MC 1sx + 2 sx) 23- C8 (1 sx) 24- C4 (1 sx) 25- C15 (2 sx) 26- C15 (1sx + 2 sx) Confluence with the Torrente Rattaiola canyon 27- C20 (2 sx) 28- C6 (1 dx) 29- C6 (1 sx) 30- C6 (1 sx) 31- C25 (MC 1dx + 2 sx) 32- C10 (1 sx) 33- C12 (2 dx) 34- C8 (1 sx) 35- C8 (1 dx)

The final abseil is located just below the trail bridge. Once at the Giona River, exit on the right bank and return towards the bridge and the cars. About 2 minutes for 15 m elevation gain.

Flow assessment: cross the bridge over the stream after the cable car station and descend on the left to the confluence between the Giona and the Viaschina to observe the final waterfall.