Monte Zeda

The Monte Zeda is a mountain in the Lepontine Alps belonging to the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Italy).

Monte Zeda
Highest point
Elevation	2,156 m (7,073 ft)
Prominence	374 m (1,227 ft)
Isolation	10.8 km (6.7 mi)
Listing	Alpine mountains 2000-2499 m
Coordinates	46°02′42″N 8°32′09″E
Geography
Monte Zeda Location in the Alps
Location	Piedmont, Italy
Parent range	Lepontine Alps
Climbing
Easiest route	hiking

Geography

The mountain is located in Piedmont (Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola), between two Alpine valleys: Val Grande and Val Cannobina. Its summit is a tripoint at which the borders of the municipalities of Miazzina, Aurano and Valle Cannobina meet. Along with Cima della Laurasca is the highest summit of the surrounding area.^[1] On the summit, which offers a very wide view on the surrounding mountain, stands a cross bearing a box sheltering a summit register.^[2]

SOIUSA classification

According to SOIUSA (International Standardized Mountain Subdivision of the Alps) the mountain can be classified in the following way:^[3]

• main part = Western Alps
• major sector = North Western Alps
• section = Lepontine Alps
• subsection = South-western Lepontine Alps ((in Italian) Alpi Ticinesi e del Verbano)
• supergroup = Catena Togano-Laurasca-Limidario
• group = Gruppo Zeda-Laurasca
• subgroup = Gruppo dello Zeda
• code = I/B-10.II-C.7.b

Access to the summit

Footpath to Monte Zeda

Reaching the summit of Monte Zeda does not require alpinistic skill. It can be accessed starting from Premeno through Alpe Manegra, Piancavallo and, later, "Passo Folungo" (a mountain pass at 1,369 m^[4]) and Alpe Archia. Another route to Monte Zeda starts from Falmenta^[5] and takes about 5 hours walking.

Nature conservation

North ridge of the Zeda

The Southern and Western slopes of the mountain are included in the Val Grande National Park.

Mountain huts

• Rifugio Pian Cavallone^[6]