From Riale to Lago Toggia in winter: route and times
From the Riale parking lot to Lago Toggia: 12 km round trip, 470 m of elevation gain, and about 3 hours of ascent. Check snow conditions, weather, and avalanche risk
We wanted a winter hike with several hours in the mountains. But we didn't want anything too demanding. We chose Rifugio Maria Luisa and Lago Toggia. We started from Riale, in upper Val Formazza. In the end, it was partly what we'd hoped for. It was not technically difficult. But the roughly 12 km round trip takes effort, especially on snow.
Before leaving, we contacted Centro Fondo Riale. We asked about the snow and trail conditions. At elevations above 2,000 meters, checking the weather matters. So does asking about potential hazards, including avalanche risk.
Even driving to Riale wasn't particularly easy. The road up Val Formazza has lots of bends. In winter, you need to watch road conditions carefully.
The route from Riale to Rifugio Maria Luisa and Lago Toggia
We parked in Riale, at around 1,730 meters above sea level. There are two parking options. One lot is larger. The other is closer to the first houses in Riale di Sotto.
From the parking lot, continue toward the village. You'll reach a bridge. Cross it, then follow the G00 Rifugio Maria Luisa sign. Take the trail groomed by the snowcat.
The route crosses the cross-country ski trails twice. Then it climbs through wide switchbacks. In summer, this section is a dirt road. The slope is generally gentle, with no particular technical difficulties. But the climb doesn't let up.
As you climb, the view over the Riale plain gets better. From the hairpin bends, you can spot the Chiesetta di Sant'Anna. You can also see the Morasco dam and surrounding mountains.
Once past the steepest section, the trail becomes gentler. You enter a broad plateau, and the scenery changes completely. Wide snowy expanses replace the hairpin bends. The mountain hut stays hidden until just before you arrive.
The Rifugio Maria Luisa sits at about 2,160 meters. From there, follow the road for a few minutes. It passes below the dam's service building. You'll reach Lago Toggia, at 2,191 meters. In winter, the lake can freeze over completely. Don't walk on its surface: it may look solid, but it can be dangerous.
Reaching the lake means covering about 6 km from the start. You'll climb about 470 meters along the way. Allow around three hours each way, not counting stops. The return follows the same route, totaling about 12 km.
For us, the only real expense was stopping for food. We ate something at the Rifugio Maria Luisa.
If you're reasonably fit, the route has no major technical difficulties. That's assuming the snow conditions are favorable. But don't underestimate the distance. 12 km on snow, with nearly 500 meters of climbing, still takes real effort.
I'd happily do it again. I especially loved how much the scenery changed. During the climb, you see the Riale plain. Near the lake, everything opens into snowy expanses. And how could I forget the silence?
