Location and surroundings
Cima Marsicce is situated in Italy, specifically in the Piedmont region, under the municipal administration of Cossogno within the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola district. Geographically, it belongs to the Ticino Alps, a section of the Northwestern Alps, which form part of the broader Western Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands. Within its range, the peak ranks 323rd by elevation among 618 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features a mix of rocky alpine terrain, steep slopes, and nearby protected wilderness areas.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate surroundings of Cima Marsicce include several prominent neighbouring summits and passes situated at close range. Its closest neighbour and higher peak is Cimone di Cortechiuso, located 0.6 km to the west at an elevation of 2,183 metres. Other nearby points of interest include:
- Cima della Laurasca (peak), 2,193 m, 1.3 km W
- Cima Fornaletti (peak), 1,903 m, 1.7 km N
- Monte Torrione (peak), 1,984 m, 1.8 km NE
- Cima Crocette (peak), 1,896 m, 2.2 km E
- Cima di Bina (peak), 2,181 m, 2.2 km W
- Cima Lidesh (peak), 1,830 m, 2.4 km NE
- Cimone di Straolgio (peak), 2,151 m, 2.7 km NW
The view from the summit
From the vantage point of Cima Marsicce, visitors can look out over the surrounding alpine chains. The highest peaks located within a 25 km radius include Pizzo del Forno at an elevation of 2,696 metres situated 23.5 km to the north, Pizzo dell'Alpe Gelato at 2,613 metres located 21.6 km to the north, Pizzo Medaro at 2,551 metres located 19.3 km to the north, and Rosso di Ribia reaching 2,541 metres at a distance of 22.3 km to the north. These major elevations define the wider horizon visible from the summit ridge.
The range
Cima Marsicce is part of the Ticino Alps, a mountain range that spans across Italy and Switzerland. The highest peak of the entire range is Basòdino, reaching 3,273 metres in elevation and located 39 km north of Cima Marsicce. The range contains 618 named peaks in total, with Cima Marsicce holding the 323rd rank. Structurally, the range fits within the Lepontine Alps, forming a segment of the Northwestern Alps within the Western Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.
Climate and weather
The climate data for Cima Marsicce is based on estimates from NASA POWER climate observations covering monthly means from 2001 to 2020, with summit temperatures adjusted for elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature in the warmest month, July, is about 12 °C, while the coldest month, January, averages about -5 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,200 mm annually, with November being the wettest month at about 145 mm and January the driest at about 50 mm. Common weather hazards in the region include sudden mountain storms, high winds on exposed ridges, and rapid temperature shifts typical of high-altitude environments.
Best time to visit
At the summit of Cima Marsicce, the months with a mean temperature above freezing are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, making this extended period the most accessible time of year for ascents. January experiences the lowest precipitation levels at about 50 mm, while warmer summer months bring increased convective cloud cover and potential afternoon storms. Visitors generally plan their trips during the snow-free or lower-snow months when trails are clear and water sources along the routes are more reliable.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Cima Marsicce features typical alpine vegetation, transitioning from lower forested slopes to high-altitude grasses, hardy shrubs, and exposed rock near the summit. Wildlife in the region includes various species adapted to mountain habitats, such as chamois, alpine marmots, and numerous birds of prey. The mountain and its immediate surroundings are situated within the protected boundaries of the Val Grande National Park, which preserves the local ecosystems, forests, and geological formations from commercial development.
Guides and organised ascents
For high-altitude terrain and unfamiliar alpine routes, hiring a certified mountain guide is advisable to ensure safety and navigation. In Italy, guiding standards are overseen by the Collegio Nazionale Guide Alpine Italiane (National College of Italian Alpine Guides), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. Visitors seeking organised ascents or local expertise can also look to national mountaineering federations such as the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI). Established guiding operations in the country include companies such as Società Guide Alpine Courmayeur based in Courmayeur and Società Guide Alpine del Cervino based in Breuil-Cervinia, which operate in Italian alpine regions.
Safety and preparation
Climbing Cima Marsicce requires standard alpine preparation, including sturdy footwear, windproof and waterproof clothing, navigation tools, and sufficient provisions. Rapid weather changes and exposed ridge sections demand caution from all hikers. In the event of an emergency on the mountain, the single European emergency number is 112, which reaches emergency services across any available network. Callers should ask specifically for Soccorso Alpino (CNSAS), the national mountain rescue service in Italy.
Interesting facts
Cima Marsicce is ranked 323rd among the 618 named peaks of the Ticino Alps. Its nearest higher neighbour is Cimone di Cortechiuso, located just 0.6 km away to the west at 2,183 metres. The highest point of the entire Ticino Alps range, Basòdino, lies 39 km to the north. Additionally, the mountain is positioned directly within the protected territory of the Val Grande National Park in the Piedmont region.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Cima Marsicce? Cima Marsicce stands at an elevation of 2,135 metres.Where is Cima Marsicce located? The mountain is located in Italy, within the Piedmont region, the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola district, and the municipality of Cossogno, forming part of the Ticino Alps.
What range does Cima Marsicce belong to? It belongs to the Ticino Alps, which are part of the Lepontine Alps, Northwestern Alps, Western Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.
Are there neighbouring peaks close to Cima Marsicce? Yes, the nearest peaks include Cimone di Cortechiuso at 0.6 km west (2,183 m) and Cima della Laurasca at 1.3 km west (2,193 m).
Is there water on the way to Cima Marsicce? Drinking water is mapped 1.1 km northwest near Bivacco Cortechiuso, and a spring is located 1.8 km southeast. Hikers should otherwise carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water depending on weather conditions and route length.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on the mountain? While coverage can be patchy in deep valleys and behind ridges, there are 13 mobile phone and communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest 5.6 km to the northeast, making a signal likely on open high points. The emergency number 112 works over any available network, and digital maps should be downloaded before setting out.