The large basin of the Viaschina Torrent offers numerous canyoning opportunities. Here we describe the entry via the Rattaiola Torrent, the southernmost of the three main tributaries of the Viaschina. Nice but rarely visited. Quite old anchors.

The large basin of the Viaschina Torrent offers numerous canyoning opportunities. Here we describe the entry via the Rattaiola Torrent, the southernmost of the three main tributaries of the Viaschina. Nice but rarely visited. Quite old anchors.

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, the Merigetto tributary (two branches) is encountered, followed by the Piancarossa tributary. After passing Alpe Cortetti, descend into Val Rattaiola; the branch described here is the second one encountered (46°03'33.8"N 8°50'24.7"E). About 1h 30’ 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 2h 30’ for 540 m elevation gain. With shuttle: return with a car to Curiglia (2 km) and park in the village (46°03'41.7"N 8°48'16.4"E). From here, on foot, take the paved road that climbs to Viasco. Once at the alpine pasture, continue on the same road, now unpaved and more level, until reaching the Rattaiola Torrent. About 1h 30’ for 300 m elevation gain.

01- C10 (nat sx) 02- C15 (nat dx) 03- C10 (nat dx) 04- C12 (nat dx) 05- C15 (nat dx) 06- C4 (nat dx) 07- C15 (nat dx) 08- C15 (2 dx) 09- C20 (nat dx) 10- C4 (1 dx) 11- C10 (nat sx) Confluence with the Torrente Viaschina canyon 12- C20 (2 sx) 13- C6 (1 dx) 14- C6 (1 sx) 15- C6 (1 sx) 16- C25 (MC 1dx + 2 sx) 17- C10 (1 sx) 18- C12 (2 dx) 19- C8 (1 sx) 20- 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 get a clear view of the final waterfall.