Corno Grande (Gran Sasso)

Corno Grande (2,912m) is the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains, forming the central massif of the Gran Sasso d'Italia in Italy. The 'Via Normale' (Normal Route) is the primary non-climbing ascent originating from the Campo Imperatore plateau. The trail traverses high-altitude karst terrain, characterized by barren limestone slopes and significant verticality. The route includes sustained climbs through the 'Brecciaio' scree field and a final Class 2 limestone scramble to the western summit. Positioned between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, the summit provides significant regional visibility over the central Italian peninsula.

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.