Piz Bernina with its front peak Piz Alv or Pizzo Bianco (3996m), is the highest mountain of the Grisons alps and the only 4000 summit in the east alps. The highest spot is entirely on Swiss territory. The frontier crosses over the shoulder (it. la Spalla, 4020m), roughly 200m at the south of Piz Bernina.
This striking mountain boasts three prominent ridges:
The N-ridge, known as « Biancograt », offers one of the most famous climbs on a 4000m and therefore is dubbed the heaven ladder.
The S-SE ridge known as "La Spalla" is the standard and consequently the most climbed one from Rifugio Marco e Rosa.
The E-ridge (first ascent) was qualified until 1914 as a normal route, today is rarely used.