Pizzo Coca
Encyclopedia
Pizzo Coca is a mountain that straddles the Val Seriana and the Valtellina
in Lombardy
, Italy
. It is the highest peak in the Bergamo Alps
(also called the Orobie Alps). Its height is 3050 metres with a prominence height
of 1878 metres and a saddle
of 1172 metres. A post-glacial valley
exists near a point called "ometto in sassi" (literally "little man in rock") at 2,400 meters.
orogenic
belt of mountain chains, called the Alpide belt
, that stretches through southern Europe
and Asia
from the Atlantic
stretching eastward to the Himalayas
. The Bergamo Alps have three prominent peaks named Pizzo Coca, Punta Scaiss and Pizzo Redorta. As with its parent Alpine belt, Pizzo Coca is composed of "dark-coloured" sedimentary mountain rock
with "huge rocky spurs" known as a pyramid type peak
. Pizzo Coca, along with the other Bergamo crystalline peaks, exist parallel to the Valtellina Valley
. Narrow and vertical chimney clefts stretch towards Pizzo Coca's summit, which has rock debris, before it levels off. The mountain rises to 2,924 meters by "Dente di Coca" (literally Tooth of Coca") before settling out by Pico Coca's summit.
Pizzo Coca's Subalpine regional climate ranges to 1,800 metres with the lower levels available for cultivation. The Alpine regional climate exists between 1,800 to 2,500 meters. The Glacial regional climate extends from 2,500 to Pico Coca's top at 3,050 metres with snow falling at the higher elevations.
. From here the path leads to Rifugio Coca, a "hut" managed by Club Alpino Italiano
based in Bergamo, then continues towards Lago di Coca. From here, before reaching the lake, climbers must crawl up the scree
to the east. After this, the trail climbs quickly, approaching a radio column installed for emergency calls, then follows a semicircle along the natural amphitheatre at the foot of the Bocchetta dei Camosci
. From here begins the steepest part of the path allowing climbers, after 300 to 400 meters uphill, the base of Pizzo Coca is reached.
From the peak, there is an unrestricted view to the east and the surrounding area. The Rhaetian Alps
that connects to the north are visible, as is Lake Barbellino, Monte Torena
, Pizzo Strinato
, Monte Costone
, Monte Trobio
, Monte Gleno
and Pizzo Recastello
, Corona di Redorta
, the glacier of Marovin, and the Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda
in the west, Presolana
and Pizzo Arera
to the south as well as several other peaks, and beginning from the valley of the Serio River, the starting point of Valbondione.
The initial trail leads to a series of rifugios, which is Italian for refuges, like the first Rifugio Coca mountain hut. This is a hike
to this stage or refuge. Past Rifugio Coca, becomes a YDS 3
or a climbing route
with scrambling
uphill amongst boulders, creeks, cliffs and zig-zag markers. Based upon exposure to falling and increased YDS 3+ in some hard rock climb areas, climbing equipment like rope, climbing harness
, boots, crampons
, ice axes, snowshoes and skis is recommended.
in Bergamo, Italy
. The nearest "convenient center" is Valbondione.
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
in Lombardy
Lombardy
Lombardy is one of the 20 regions of Italy. The capital is Milan. One-sixth of Italy's population lives in Lombardy and about one fifth of Italy's GDP is produced in this region, making it the most populous and richest region in the country and one of the richest in the whole of Europe...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It is the highest peak in the Bergamo Alps
Bergamo Alps
The Bergamo Alps are a mountain range in the Italian Alps which forms part of the Central Eastern Alps. They are located in northern Lombardy and named after the city Bergamo, south of the mountains....
(also called the Orobie Alps). Its height is 3050 metres with a prominence height
Topographic prominence
In topography, prominence, also known as autonomous height, relative height, shoulder drop , or prime factor , categorizes the height of the mountain's or hill's summit by the elevation between it and the lowest contour line encircling it and no higher summit...
of 1878 metres and a saddle
Saddle surface
A saddle surface is a smooth surface containing one or more saddle points.The term derives from the peculiar shape of historical horse saddles, which curve both up and down....
of 1172 metres. A post-glacial valley
Post-glacial rebound
Post-glacial rebound is the rise of land masses that were depressed by the huge weight of ice sheets during the last glacial period, through a process known as isostasy...
exists near a point called "ometto in sassi" (literally "little man in rock") at 2,400 meters.
Geology and orogeny
The Alps form a part of a tertiaryTertiary
The Tertiary is a deprecated term for a geologic period 65 million to 2.6 million years ago. The Tertiary covered the time span between the superseded Secondary period and the Quaternary...
orogenic
Orogeny
Orogeny refers to forces and events leading to a severe structural deformation of the Earth's crust due to the engagement of tectonic plates. Response to such engagement results in the formation of long tracts of highly deformed rock called orogens or orogenic belts...
belt of mountain chains, called the Alpide belt
Alpide belt
The Alpide belt is a mountain range which extends along the southern margin of Eurasia. Stretching from Java to Sumatra through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic, it includes the Alps, the Carpathians, the mountains of Asia Minor and Iran, the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas,...
, that stretches through southern Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
from the Atlantic
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
stretching eastward to the Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
. The Bergamo Alps have three prominent peaks named Pizzo Coca, Punta Scaiss and Pizzo Redorta. As with its parent Alpine belt, Pizzo Coca is composed of "dark-coloured" sedimentary mountain rock
Sedimentary rock
Sedimentary rock are types of rock that are formed by the deposition of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause mineral and/or organic particles to settle and accumulate or minerals to precipitate from a solution....
with "huge rocky spurs" known as a pyramid type peak
Pyramidal peak
A pyramidal peak, or sometimes in its most extreme form called a glacial horn, is a mountaintop that has been modified by the action of ice during glaciation and frost weathering...
. Pizzo Coca, along with the other Bergamo crystalline peaks, exist parallel to the Valtellina Valley
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
. Narrow and vertical chimney clefts stretch towards Pizzo Coca's summit, which has rock debris, before it levels off. The mountain rises to 2,924 meters by "Dente di Coca" (literally Tooth of Coca") before settling out by Pico Coca's summit.
Climate
The Alps are split into five climate zones, each with a different kind of environment. The climate, plant life and animal life vary on different sections or zones of the mountain such as Pizzo Coca. The initial altitude at Val Seriana, one of the recommended southern access points, is 1,100 meters and part of a valley. The valley trail rises to 1,892 meters by Rifugio Coca which is a rest stop.Pizzo Coca's Subalpine regional climate ranges to 1,800 metres with the lower levels available for cultivation. The Alpine regional climate exists between 1,800 to 2,500 meters. The Glacial regional climate extends from 2,500 to Pico Coca's top at 3,050 metres with snow falling at the higher elevations.
Approach
Pizzo Coca can be reached from the south starting from ValbondioneValbondione
Valbondione is a comune in the Province of Bergamo in the Italian region of Lombardy, located about 90 km northeast of Milan and about 45 km north of Bergamo...
. From here the path leads to Rifugio Coca, a "hut" managed by Club Alpino Italiano
Club Alpino Italiano
The Club Alpino Italiano is the senior Italian alpine club which stages climbing competitions, operates alpine huts, marks and maintains paths, and is active in protecting the Alpine environment...
based in Bergamo, then continues towards Lago di Coca. From here, before reaching the lake, climbers must crawl up the scree
Scree
Scree, also called talus, is a term given to an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders. Landforms associated with these materials are sometimes called scree slopes or talus piles...
to the east. After this, the trail climbs quickly, approaching a radio column installed for emergency calls, then follows a semicircle along the natural amphitheatre at the foot of the Bocchetta dei Camosci
Bocchetta Pass
The Bocchetta Pass is a pass in the Ligurian Apennines in Liguria north of Genoa, Italy. It is at an elevation of 772 meters .It is crossed by a highway that connects Genoa and Alessandria. An old Roman road ran through Bocchetta Pass from Genua to Dertona .-References:Webster's New Geographical...
. From here begins the steepest part of the path allowing climbers, after 300 to 400 meters uphill, the base of Pizzo Coca is reached.
From the peak, there is an unrestricted view to the east and the surrounding area. The Rhaetian Alps
Rhaetian Alps
The Rhaetian Alps are a part of the Central Eastern Alps along the Italian–Swiss and Austrian–Swiss borders, mostly located in the Graubünden canton in eastern Switzerland.Piz Bernina , set on the Italian border, is the highest peak....
that connects to the north are visible, as is Lake Barbellino, Monte Torena
Monte Torena
Monte Torena is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, Pizzo Strinato
Pizzo Strinato
Pizzo Strinato is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, Monte Costone
Monte Costone
Monte Costone is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps.- See also :* Alpine Brigade Orobica* Swiss Alps* List of national parks of the Alps-External links:...
, Monte Trobio
Monte Trobio
Monte Trobio is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, Monte Gleno
Monte Gleno
Monte Gleno is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
and Pizzo Recastello
Pizzo Recastello
Pizzo Recastello is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, Corona di Redorta
Corona di Redorta
Corona di Redorta is a mountain in the Lepontine Alps, located in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.-External links:*...
, the glacier of Marovin, and the Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda
Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda
Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
in the west, Presolana
Presolana
Presolana is a mountain located in Lombardy, northern Italy, about 35 km north of Bergamo. Part of the Bergamo Alps, it is included in the province of Bergamo, and divides the Val Seriana and Valle di Scalve....
and Pizzo Arera
Pizzo Arera
Pizzo Arera is a mountain in the Oribie or Bergamo Alps of northern Italy. Its peak is 2512 meters above sea level, and it is part of the ridge that divides Val Seriana from Val Brembana. The town of Roncobello is nearby. Fossils can be found on some ridges....
to the south as well as several other peaks, and beginning from the valley of the Serio River, the starting point of Valbondione.
The initial trail leads to a series of rifugios, which is Italian for refuges, like the first Rifugio Coca mountain hut. This is a hike
Hike
Hike may refer to:* Hiking, walking lengthy distances in the countryside or wilderness* Hiking , moving a sailor's body weight as far to windward as possible, in order to counteract the force of the wind pushing sideways against the boat's sails* Alternative spelling for Heka , an Egyptian god*...
to this stage or refuge. Past Rifugio Coca, becomes a YDS 3
Yosemite Decimal System
The Yosemite Decimal System is a three-part system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. It is primarily used by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. The Class 5 portion of the Class scale is primarily a rock climbing classification system. Originally the system was...
or a climbing route
Climbing route
A climbing route is a path by which a climber reaches the top of a mountain, rock, or ice wall. Routes can vary dramatically in difficulty and, once committed to that ascent, can be difficult to stop or return. Choice of route can be critically important...
with scrambling
Scrambling
Scrambling is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges. It is an ambiguous term that lies somewhere between hillwalking and rock climbing. It is often distinguished from hillwalking by defining a scramble as a route where hands must be used in the ascent...
uphill amongst boulders, creeks, cliffs and zig-zag markers. Based upon exposure to falling and increased YDS 3+ in some hard rock climb areas, climbing equipment like rope, climbing harness
Climbing harness
A climbing harness is a piece of equipment used in certain types of rock-climbing, abseiling or other activities requiring the use of ropes to provide access or safety...
, boots, crampons
Crampons
Crampons are traction devices used to improve mobility on snow and ice. There are three main attachment systems for footwear: step-in, hybrid, and strap bindings. The first two require boots with welts, the last adapt to any type....
, ice axes, snowshoes and skis is recommended.
Nearest services
Pizzo Coca's nearest airport is Orio al Serio AirportOrio al Serio Airport
Caravaggio Airport Bergamo Orio al Serio aka Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport is an airport located in Orio al Serio, southeast of Bergamo, Italy. It is popular with low-cost airlines offering flights to Milan, 45 km away from the airport...
in Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo
Bergamo is a town and comune in Lombardy, Italy, about 40 km northeast of Milan. The comune is home to over 120,000 inhabitants. It is served by the Orio al Serio Airport, which also serves the Province of Bergamo, and to a lesser extent the metropolitan area of Milan...
. The nearest "convenient center" is Valbondione.
Sources
- Europe Ultra-Prominences www.peaklist.org Retrieved: 2010-05-11.
- Pizzo di Coca www.peakware.com Retrieved: 2010-05-11.
- http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.peakware.com%2Fpeaks.html%3Fpk%3D765&sl=it&tl=enPizzo di Coca A GoogleGoogleGoogle Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
translation] Retrieved: 2010-05-11
External links
- Alpinfoto alpinfoto.it Retrieved: 2010-05-11. - Images from the Alps
- Alpine Convention www.alpconv.org Retrieved: 2010-05-11. - Convention on the Protection of the Alps
- http://www.alpine-space.euAlpine Space Programme Alpine Space ProgrammeAlpine Space Programme – European Territorial Cooperation 2007-2013The Alpine Space Programme is a transnational cooperation programme in the framework of the European Union cohesion policy. In this programme national, regional and local stakeholders from the participating countries in the Alpine space cooperate on various transnational projects...
] Retrieved: 2010-05-11. - EU transnational co-operational programme for the Alps