Bivouac Forcola

Bivacco Forcola sits at 1,838m on the Forcola pass in Lombardy's eastern Alps. Reach it from Schilpario (a small village near Castelli Crespi) by hiking 2–2.5 hours northeast through mixed forest and meadow. The trail climbs steadily but never steeply. From the Valtellina side, approach via the Riosecco valley in 3–3.5 hours; this route is longer but grades easier. Both paths converge at the pass, where the bivouac stands as a simple stone shelter with views across the Orobie range.

This is a working bivouac, not a staffed rifugio. It has 12 beds split across two sleeping areas, drinking water from a reliable source, and basic flush toilets. There is no warden, no meals, and no heating. Bring a sleeping bag and cook stove if you plan to stay. The bivouac serves as a base for ski touring in winter and scrambles across the Orobie in summer. It sits at the threshold between the Bergamasque and Brescia provinces, making it useful for ridge-line traverses or as a refuge on longer hut-to-hut routes.

Check conditions before departure; snow and ice can block the pass until May. The bivouac may fill quickly during July and August weekends because it's one of few shelters accessible from both the Valtellina and Bergamasque sides. No booking system exists—first come, first served. Bring a torch, extra fuel, and a map with good topographic detail.