Longerin Cima Sud from Digon Valley (CAI-165-195)
.165 Our excursion begins at the share of 1660 m a.s.l by M.ga Melin, or, if we prefer, we can leave the car to Pian della Mola 1420 m a.s.l. The journey to the hut, passes through firing forest and is asphalted until the construction. To date, in some point the road is very rough, especially when you have to cross the Rio Mandrette. In a half hour of climb we travel the whole Val di Melin towards the east and we reach the alpine hut of the same name, where the woods leaves room for the pasture still used.
We proceed in the same direction, passing now on a dirt road with CAI-165 signpost. Soon, going up, the pasture leaves space again on the woods, mixed between fir trees and bushes. Very rich area of water which also has swampy features. Now let’s proceed by gradually turning south; Abetaia never leaves us as long as she begins to mix with the larches and branches out. At this point we are now at the altitude of 2035 m a.s.l of the P.so Palombino, an important crossroads that dominates the Val di Londo and from which you have access to the climb for the M.Palombino through the normal route with CAI-142 signpost, but from which you can also go down to Val Visdende by path with a CAI-167 signpost.
From the pass the Longerin towers observe Severe and very close. We continue for CAI-165 signpost, which now proceeds horizontally along the gravels at the base of the towers. At the east east of the complex, the path carried out to the south and decidedly altitude salt. We climb until we reach a small fork at the turn of the last tower from which we have a unique gash on the whole upper part of the Val Vissada.
Now, paying close attention to the winding of the street, not always clear, we direct towards the other side of the towers, being careful not to slip down, due to the remarkable slope, the presence of grass: which can be slipped in case of rain, and moreover, also the small width of the path. Slowly, it takes south west and, after crossing a small landslide ups and downs, you can easily go down to steep meadows until you cross the path with a CAI-195 signpost which leads straight to Cima Sud of the Crode dei Longerin.
.195 We resume the route by taking the path marked CAI-195, which climbs straight up to the South Peak. Continue westwards, climbing through meadows, and gradually enter the natural arena that distinguishes the mountain. Soon the meadows give way to gravel that confuses the path making it disappear from view, especially if at the beginning of the summer season. Climb zigzagging between large rocks often marked by the trail marker until, now at an altitude of 2460 m a.s.l., leaving the main path a few meters, you can reach a fork from which you gain a unique view of the west side of the mountain. It allows you to admire the mountains along the state border, especially Monte Cavallino in a central position, and, moving your gaze further to the left, the Blocco del Monte Spina, Col Rosson and Col Quaterna’.
The final stretch of the climb points southwest, cross the gully that descends from the south summit from right to left, aiming for the next F.la below the summit, being careful not to let the stray stones start. In a few meters you can see the cross, and turning back, looking down, we notice that the road we have taken is very steep. A few meters left and with a few steps you reach the summit.
The view on clear days is enchanting. The whole Val Vissada extends below us, even the Schiaron and the S. Daniele are below us and further on extends the Val Visdende, while in the other directions the Italian-Austrian Border Line, Monte Palombino, Monte Zovo and the whole block of Monte Spina appear.
.considerazions The ascent to the C.de of the Longerin leads to an altitude of 2523 m a.s.l. of the South Peak; starting from the Melin M.ga you have an elevation of 863m and travel 5km in about 3 hours. The difficulty of the excursion is EE because, along the climb to the mountain proper, on the CAI-195 trail marker, the path is not well marked, forcing us to proceed over gravel and rocks, even with a significant slope. In addition, the crossing of the towers requires experience in following the track, it is not evident in some points, and some passages on the south side can be defined as dangerous. The descent can also be undertaken on the south side of the mountain, in this case the path is marked little and only with stone cairns.
.the Tunnel In the surroundings of the F.la Longerin, facing The Torrioni, we can descend slightly from the Val di Londo side, along a path half-hidden by the pines. Continuing on a slight slope on gravel, it leads to a tunnel carved into the rock dating back to the First World War. The eventual shelter goes into the Tower for about fifteen meters and ends on the other side, where we find an artillery loophole that offers an unprecedented view of the Val di Londo.
.water The track guarantees a good supply of water, especially the first part of the climb in Val di Melin and up to P.so Palombino. The second part, on the other hand, does not present any source of water, which must therefore be taken first.
.bici The climb can also be undertaken by bicycle but only up to P.so Palombino as the road is generally wide. The ascent to Cima Sud along path 195 and the crossing of the towers for path 165 cannot be undertaken by bicycle. The excursion can continue descending from the pass and heading towards Val Visdende.
.dog The whole excursion can be accompanied by a dog or more, as long as the animal is used to the altitude and knows how to behave on high mountain paths in the presence of rolling stones. Alternatively, you must proceed with a leash. In general there are no passages that can put four-legged animals in difficulty.
.shelters The presence of the new Val Vissada bivouac and the Longerin cave guarantees good shelter in bad weather.
