Punta San Matteo, Valfurva, Comunità montana Alta Valtellina, Sondrio, Lombardy, 23030, Italija
Punta San Matteo, a notable peak of the Ortler-Vioz range in the Ortler Alps, straddles the border between Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in northern Italy. Standing at 3,678 meters, this mountain is not just a magnet for climbers but also a historical site, having been the battleground of the highest altitude warfare during World War I until the Kargil war in 1999.
For climbers, the most accessible route begins at Gavia Pass, near the Berni hut and a war memorial. This path, primarily a glacier tour, is known for its crevasses, offering a challenging climb that can be completed in a day. Another approach involves an overnight stay at the Bivacco Battaglione Ortles, a shelter located at 3,122 meters, offering basic amenities like sleeping spaces, blankets, and a wood-burning stove. The Rifugio A. Berni and Rifugio Bonetta, located directly on the Gavia Pass, serve as convenient bases for climbers attempting this ascent.