Pizzo Cengalo

Pizzo Cengalo (Piz Cengalo in the Swiss Grisons) is a 3,369 m peak in the Bregaglia range of the Alps. The Swiss canton of Graubünden meets Italy along its summit ridge. It rises above the Val Bondasca beside the famous Piz Badile, and ranks among the most recognisable granite massifs in the region.

Where is Pizzo Cengalo?

The mountain sits on the Swiss-Italian border at roughly 46.29° N, 9.60° E. On the Swiss side the nearest village is Bondo, in the municipality of Bregaglia, at the mouth of Val Bondasca. Italian slopes drop towards the Val Masino.

Who made the first ascent, and what does the name mean?

The name comes from Tschingel, a word meaning girdle. D. W. Freshfield and C. Comyns Tucker, guided by François Dévouassoux, reached the summit on 25 July 1866, during the pioneering decades of Alpine climbing.

What happened here in 2017?

On 23 August 2017, millions of cubic metres of rock broke away from the northeast face. The rockslide turned into large debris flows that ran down Val Bondasca towards Bondo. Eight people who were in the valley died, and the village was buried in mud and boulders and evacuated. Protective works and monitoring have since been installed, and the slopes remain under observation.

What can you see around it?

Expect classic high-alpine scenery: steep granite towers, glaciers and deep valleys. Most visitors enjoy Cengalo as a view rather than a climb, following valley trails that open up the whole Sciora, Badile and Cengalo skyline. Mountain huts in the area, including Capanna Sciora and Capanna di Sasc Furä, serve as bases for climbers.

Can you climb Pizzo Cengalo?

This is an objective for experienced mountaineers rather than a walk. It needs rock-climbing skills, alpine fitness and a sound read of conditions, and the 2017 collapse changed the safety picture on several routes near the east side. Check current notices from the Bregaglia municipality and the huts, and consider hiring a local mountain guide.

When should you go?

The season in the Bregaglia mountains generally runs from summer into early autumn, once trails are clear of snow. Weather at altitude changes fast and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Pizzo Cengalo? 3,369 m above sea level.

Which country is it in? It stands on the border of Switzerland (canton of Graubünden) and Italy.

What happened in Bondo in 2017? A large rockfall from Cengalo triggered debris flows down Val Bondasca that buried parts of Bondo. Eight people died.

Can a hiker without climbing experience reach the summit? No, it is a mountaineering route. Hikers can admire the massif from trails in Val Bondasca, after confirming which paths are open.