Over the Pass da Casnil

The route is very interesting because it is varied and excellent with many magnificent views of the mountains around the two basins. Particularly magnificent is the view of the firn north face of Cima dal Cantun and the wide Forno glacier. The last section, on the other hand, leads through the woods at the picturesque Cavloc lake. The whole hike can also be done in the reverse direction without significantly changing its effect.

It is recommended to start with the first ride of the Albigna cable car - the schedule begins at 7:00 a.m. - or to spend the night at the Albigna hut. From the mountain station, you climb up on the right edge of the mighty dam, cross it and reach the meadows on the other side. Here begins a marked path that leads in a long, slanting climb to the Albigna hut (2336 m). Beyond the hut, the path climbs over a grassy knoll towards Piz dal Päl and Piz Balzet to a beautiful plateau with water pools. You turn towards the summit of Piz Casnil and follow the path that stays on the right side of a pronounced rocky ridge. Of the two pass crossings - north and south - the southern one (2941 m) is more pleasant; you reach it on the right at the foot of a modest elevation that separates the mentioned passes. On the other side, you first walk along the left edge of a snowfield that precedes an even valley basin, then over a steep slope that leads directly to the glacier below. Caution is advised on the last section due to steep moraine terrain with loose blocks. You do not turn towards the Forno hut, which is in sight on the opposite valley side, but walk lengthwise across the glacier, always nicely in the middle - there is no danger of crevasses. Shortly you reach the markings of the access path to the hut. At the end of the glacier, follow the path on the left valley side to the small reservoir of Plan Canin. Slight ups and downs characterize the last section before the charming Cavloc lake (1907 m), from which you continue the return journey on a wide forest road. After the bridge over the Orlegna, you reach a flat road to the Maloja Pass and the end of the hike. You can return to Pranzaira by the post bus, which runs every hour.