Fuorcla Sesvenna (Sesvennascharte) and Schadler from Slingia (Schlinig)

Introduction

This route was traveled on February 5, 2024, and all subsequent observations and considerations apply fully only to that day.

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Approach to Rifugio Sesvenna or Sesvennahütte

From the parking lot, there is a single groomed snow path that crosses the cross-country ski trails several times, up to Malga Slingia or Schliniger Alm.

Then, in my two experiences in this valley, there are a couple of main routes used by skiers, snowshoers, and walkers: one passing between the two main buildings of the malga and the other just below (today on the way there I followed the second and on the way back the first).

Then the tracks join and head toward the "Schwarzwand," the vertical cliff blocking the valley.

Here you go up on the right and pass above the cliff bending left with the help of fixed ropes.

Depending on the snow, there are several lines to climb on the right.

Also on descent, the snow condition is crucial for approaching the fixed ropes.

Today, for example, the snow had "completely softened" and great care was needed to reach the first rope.

Finally, there is a long and almost flat plateau leading to Rifugio Sesvenna or Sesvennahütte.

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From Rifugio Sesvenna or Sesvennahütte to Fuorcla Sesvenna or Sesvennascharte

With snowshoes, I believe it is still better to reach Rifugio Sesvenna to continue more comfortably.

You can cut through earlier – see my descent route – but it is an easy diagonal with skis but uncomfortable for snowshoes uphill.

From Rifugio Sesvenna, continue briefly west-southwest until you enter a moderately steep valley on the right that softens with a widening on the left side.

Then you reach a pass with a spectacular snow-covered plateau that gently slopes toward Passo di Slingia (a possible wider variant for descent).

Here you have to go around the wide inclined left flank, and I followed a ski track that immediately rose diagonally on the slope.

If I had to make the track with and for snowshoes, I would have gone lower to have a flatter path even if it meant a bit more distance.

Now there is a long stretch of gentle uphill more or less northward leading below the steepest passage of the excursion.

There is a narrow channel on the left and a regular slope just to the right: the regular slope is indeed consistent in its good gradient, while the narrow channel is mostly easier but with a steeper "exit tooth."

I ascended via the regular slope and descended through the narrow channel.

In any case, settled snow is needed here.

A little above opens the very wide final valley with a large cairn in the center just before a depression and a hump, both central.

I noticed tracks on both sides, and I ascended on the left and descended on the other side.

The valley is easy, and you reach the little Furkelsee lake where, for the last meters of ascent, you must shift to the left side to bypass an almost vertical section.

Immediately, a splendid view opens on the Vedretta del Sesvenna, and the day's continuation is clearly visible on the right reaching Fuorcla Sesvenna or Sesvennascharte.

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Ascent from Fuorcla Sesvenna or Sesvennascharte to Schadler

Fuorcla Sesvenna or Sesvennascharte is on the border between Italy and Switzerland, and you continue along the border ridge but just slightly on the Swiss side where it is regular and with no more than a moderate slope.

Here, unlike what was found so far, the sun exposure is almost perfectly south, and the day's snow, consequently, "could be a novelty."

With good snow and some turns, the climb is without problems.

Today, toward the end, I found only a short spot (maybe 5 vertical meters) a bit steeper, but this may vary depending on wind work after various snowfalls.

Last easy meters and arrival at the summit cairn with Piz Rims and Piz Cristanas in the background beyond the ridge continuation.

And then there is the rest of the 360° panorama❗😉