Quiet, fragrance and colour merge in the valleys on the southern side of the Valtellina.

Picturesque scenery in unspoilt nature, often still undiscovered. The Valtellina side of the Orobic Alps, with a series of valleys that cut into the slopes from Val Lesina to the Belviso and Caronella valleys, offers multiple-days hiking routes in an untamed environment and a chance to taste traditional Bitto cheese.

Hiking in the valleys and mountain refuges
The Gran Via delle Orobie (GVO) is the most important trail in the Parco delle Orobie
Valtellinesi. This 130 km mountain route goes from Delebio to Aprica, following mule tracks, paths and the trenches along the Cadorna Line. Along the way hikers can enjoy old iron mines, glaciers and perhaps even a close encounter with a chamois deer or ibex goat. The hiking trail features several difficult stretches, but is the ideal way to discover the Monte Legnone, Trona Soliva, Passo San Marco, Dordona, and Tagliaferri mountain refuges and taste typical dishes. The GVO trail also has facilities for hikers along its way, with several alpine refuges and the “Bar Bianco” agritourism.

Discovering the park by mountain bike
The Decauville delle Orobie Valtellinesi is perfect for all free-ride fans. It follows the route of the old railways tracks, now removed, which were used for transporting people
and materials. A series of historic roads, used by farmers and woodsmen, lead up from the valley bottom to the Della Corte, Alpe Piazza, Alpe Lago, Salmurano, Beniamino, Pirata, Gino e Massimo, and Valtellina mountain refuges. Scenic uphill and downhill stretches for lots of pedalling fun.

Highlights

1. Sport. There are several via ferratas, including those on the Monte Tre Signori and Denti della Vecchia mountains in the upper Val Gerola valley.

2. Services. The Parco delle Orobie has a Joëlette, a special off-road wheelchair that allows disabled people to take part in excursions.

3. Local specialities. Must-tastes include traditional Bitto cheese, also made with goat’s milk and mascherpa, a.k.a. “mountain ricotta” cheese.

4. Culture. Another must-see is the Ecomuseum in Valgerola, to find out about the culture, traditions and life in these mountains.

5. Adventure. Take the zipline in Albaredo San Marco for a totally safe flight high above the unspoilt nature in Bitto valleys. Two-person flights are also available.