Easier upper section above the better-known lower Piane; 4 rappels in an open setting; cold water.

Easier upper section above the better-known lower Piane; 4 rappels in an open setting; cold water.

From Varallo, take the Val Mastallone road and follow it to Fobello, then continue to the end of the road near Santa Maria, where you leave it at the last parking lot (la Gazza)

From the parking there are two paths; follow the one on the left (515 CAI), which almost runs alongside the Mastallone stream, passing through a pretty village. Then, cross a bridge over the Mastallone and go up the Piane valley. After a 15-minute climb, you'll find a hut on the right, then the valley levels out, continue past some huts (Alpe Quartiere), then the path passes alongside a ravine. When this ends and the valley opens up, descend along tracks in the meadow to the stream (near some huts on the other side, Alpe Oro del Cortese). 50 minutes in total.

Above this upper section, there are two other abseils, but given the distance from the rest of the route, they are less interesting. You enter and find the first C20 (right) (with a hanging pool to overcome), then C18 (right), a little march and you find a small bridge with some large pipes, just after C25 (left) (with rubbing), then MC+C18 (right), here begins a long stretch of walking between large boulders.

- After 5 min. you can exit on the left, reaching the approach path; in 20 min. of descente you arrive to the parking. - Remaining in the riverbed (15 min.) you reach the lower Piane