North Face

This is the standard and best-known mountaineering route on Il Gran Zebrù. It follows the north ridge, combining glacier travel, snow slopes, and short rocky passages. The route is generally considered a classic alpine ascent rather than a technical rock climb, but it requires secure movement on exposed terrain. Objective hazards include crevasses on the glacier and changing snow conditions on the ridge. The upper mountain can feel serious in poor visibility or hard snow. It is commonly climbed from the Pizzini-Frattola area with an overnight stay at the hut.

The northwest ridge is a documented alpine route on Il Gran Zebrù and is more demanding than the normal north-ridge ascent. It is a mixed ridge climb with steeper and more sustained difficulties than the standard route. The line is exposed and requires solid route-finding, especially where snow and rock alternate. Conditions strongly influence the difficulty, with icy sections increasing seriousness. It is an alpine mountaineering objective rather than a hiking route.