Via GeoAlpina - Stage 3: Prato Sornico-Cavergno

Starting from Prato-Sornico, a few steps from Peccia – where Switzerland's only marble is extracted – begins the third and last stage of the Via GeoAlpina – Ticino Alps towards the Monti di Rima. The ascent leads to a beautiful village of rustic houses. Through the Müresc Forest you then reach the Corte Grande di Brünesc, from where you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the Lepontine Alps. Between Pizzo Massari to the north and the Corona di Redorta to the south, there are some interesting geological features. The most important structure is undoubtedly the overthrust plane between the Maggia nappe and the Simano nappe, a boundary that is not easy to distinguish as it separates two rocks of similar nature: the Ruscada gneiss downstream and the Ganna gneiss upstream are both relatively compact gneisses (respectively light pink and brownish). In summer the alpine pasture is dotted with livestock; around the Bocchetta di Fiorasca, in the passage to the Val Bavona, the landscape becomes alpine. This is followed by the descent to the Fiorasca Hut, also unmanned. The route to Fontana is steep and long; those who wish can stay overnight in the hut and regain strength before tackling the last section. The Val Bavona is almost entirely occupied by the Antigorio nappe, composed mainly of granitic orthogneisses and some amphibolitic fractions. The Val Bavona is quite special in many respects, one of them being the Splüi: true boulders detached from the rock face used as cellars, dwellings, or shelters for livestock. From Fontana, you finally take the PostBus to Cavergno.