Scherbadung

Monte Cervandone (Scherbadung in Valais, 3210 m) is a summit of the Lepontine Alps rising above the village of Binn in the Binntal. The Swiss-Italian border runs across its top: Valais and the Binntal lie on one side, Alpe Devero in Piedmont on the other. The Swiss name is the local Valais form of the Italian one. The mountain has an intricate structure, and its broad southern face is the most imposing view.

Where is Monte Cervandone?

The peak sits between the Binntal and Alpe Devero, in the Monte Leone – Gotthard subgroup. Its higher neighbour is Monte Leone. Do not confuse it with Ofenhorn (Punta d'Arbola, 3236 m), a separate summit on the far side of the Binntal.

How hard is the climb?

This is a mountaineering objective, not a casual walk. The SAC route portal lists the north ridge from Heiligkreuz as the standard route, graded WS (moderately difficult, around grade II climbing). Other lines range from easy to demanding:

• southwest ridge and south wall: L (easy),
• west side and east-side couloir: WS and ZS,
• east ridge "Via dei torrioni": ZS+, climbing up to 4a.

On the Italian side, Alpe Devero is a common starting point, and SummitPost calls the normal route long but fairly straightforward. Hiking sites class the southern approach as T5, which means confident movement on pathless terrain.

Where can you stay?

Several huts and shelters surround the peak:

• Binntalhütte SAC (2267 m, 50 beds) on the Swiss side,
• Bivacco Combi e Lanza (2422 m, 12 places) on the Italian side,
• Rifugio Città di Arona (1758 m) and Rifugio Castiglioni (1640 m) near Alpe Devero.

What else should you know?

The summit carries a plaque showing the Virgin Mary and a visitors' book. The Wannigletscher and the Ghiacciaio della Rossa have largely vanished or lie buried under thick debris, so glacier sections of older route descriptions are losing relevance. The mineral cervandonite takes its name from the mountain and has been found only here. Mineral enthusiasts can pair the outing with a visit to Binn, a village known for its minerals.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Monte Cervandone?

3210 m above sea level. Some sources give 3211 m.

Do I need climbing gear?

On the easier lines such as the southwest ridge, rock-scrambling experience is usually enough. The standard route is rated WS and the east ridge involves real climbing. Conditions shift from year to year as the ice retreats.

Where should I start?

On the Swiss side, Binn with the Heiligkreuz area and the Binntalhütte. On the Italian side, Alpe Devero, which has several mountain huts.

Is it the same as Ofenhorn?

No. Ofenhorn (3236 m) is a different Binntal summit. The Swiss name of Monte Cervandone is Scherbadung.