Passo della Novena

Comment (Automatic translation in english)

Again taking advantage of the lack of snow this year, after climbing the Gotthard Pass we decide to also reach the Nufenen Pass. The latter is still closed to cars but is now completely cleared of snow.
We start by reaching the village of All'Acqua where there is a bar that closes the access to the pass. We then start walking along the road that goes up to Alpe di Cruina. Around the alpe, a few patches of snow begin to appear in the meadows but the road, as we have said, is still clean. We continue the ascent in total peace and quiet and after a few kilometres we finally arrive at the Nufenen Pass. There is hardly anyone around and we can enjoy a silence that is impossible to find during the summer.
After having something to eat, we start to descend again, but this time from the path that passes along the valley floor. The first section is almost completely covered in snow, but it is hard enough to support our weight. We have not in fact brought snowshoes. We then head towards the old Passo della Novena (2439 metres altitude) after which we start to descend towards the Alpe di Cruina. At an altitude of 2108 metres, we encounter the stone indicating the area where the Ticino river has its source. From this place, in fact, the 4 springs path passes, which then heads towards the Gotthard Pass. We, on the other hand, after reaching the village of Paltano, decide to continue our descent on the south side of the valley. We then take the path down to the Alpe di Formazzora from where we soon return to our starting point.
Speaking of water, there is a fountain at All'Acqua and then one at the start of the path up to the Capanna Corno-Gries hut, which is closed at this time of year. There are also streams and rivers scattered all over the place.