Longerin Cima Sud from Aiaredo (CAI-142-165-195)
.142 Without permission to transit on the Forest Road of the municipality of S. Nicolò ‘we have to leave the car at the church of Tamai (1214 m a.s.l.). We walk eastwards along the Provincial Road 30 ‘Panoramica del Comelico’ and almost immediately afterwards we turn left onto a forest road that is first paved and climbs towards Giao Storto. Following the CAI-142 trail sign at the hairpin bend we go up the gravel road (1238 m.a.s.l.). Now we proceed north along the fir forest of Ferrera when we cross the Rio Saletta we are almost there, at an altitude of 1602 m a.s.l. we leave the road and go along the path exiting on the right before the hairpin bend that passes under the Vallona power line.
At this point the slope becomes consistent, proceed along the bed of the Rio Saletta almost to the top. At an altitude of 1990 m a.s.l. we are on the ridge and below us we can see the Val di Melin, now the path turns suddenly eastwards and runs slightly uphill along the screes of the Torrioni dei Longerin we find ourselves above the pastures of Salvades and after crossing them we soon arrive at the P.so Palombino (2035 m a.s.l.). Wonderful crossing wedged between M.Palombino and the Crode dei Longerin. Now we leave the path traveled up to the Cima del Palombino and continue to walk along the screes under the Torrioni dei Longerin for CAI-165 trail signs.
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 Cima Sud. 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.
.considerations 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 curve before Aiaredo you have an elevation of 921m and cover 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 towards Aiaredo 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 turning towards Aiaredo then going down to Val di Melin and then going up P.so Palombino. 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. To consider also the emergency descent in Val di Melin or Londo towards the homonymous Malghe.
