From Rifugio Madonna delle Neve, the route first descended through dense forest into the valley below. Once at the valley floor, the trail followed a quiet road as it climbed steadily into another side valley. Later, the route left the road and passed once more through a stretch of forest before reaching the Santuario di San Giovanni d’Andorno.
The sanctuary building bore clear signs of damage, having been struck by a massive rockfall—an unmistakable reminder of the natural forces at work in these mountains. From there, the ascent continued along a paved road that was closed to traffic. The switchbacks climbed relentlessly, and at first the forest trail that would normally shortcut the road was nowhere to be found.
As the elevation increased, the landscape opened up. The path finally left the road and crossed wide alpine meadows, climbing steeply toward the slope above. Reaching the other side, the view opened dramatically, and the enormous Basilica of Oropa came into sight in the distance, dominating the mountainside below.
From there, the route descended steadily toward Oropa. After a long day of varied terrain—forest paths, valley roads, and exposed alpine slopes—I eventually reached my hotel in Oropa, marking the end of another demanding but memorable stage of the journey.