The oldest tree in Lombardy can be discovered with an unusual hike among the breathtaking views of Valmalenco

Discovering the dirt roads of lower Valchiavenna, between nature and culture

Adventures in wilderness, firs and larches

Scenic route, between Livigno and Bormio, to be done in fine weather

Asimple itinerary in the heart of Valgerola, up to the Salmurano Refuge, which allows the discovery of a wonderful territory characterized by a very rich historical and cultural heritage. From the lifts of Pescegallo, a hamlet of Gerola Alta, the dirt road that will take us to the refuge is clearly evident. At wide traverses it climbs between the chairlift and the pastures and passes uphill the fork to Lake Pescegallo. Along the way, it is possible to admire the Denti della Vecchia Towers, a succession of five towers that separate the Pianone di Salmurano from the Val Tronella, from where some 20 routes of varying difficulty wind their way. Finally, after a last flat traverse, you soon reach the Refuge. In the surrounding area it is possible to admire traditional alpine pastures, where the original Bitto cheese has been produced for centuries; it is also possible to take guided tours to discover the secrets of production by asking Carlo the mountain hut keeper for information. This route is the only one recommended in the winter season with snow or ice equipment.

The Trail of Bridges, a loop route that will take us back to the land of the now famous suspended footbridge

The loop trail that we propose starts from Tracciolino and is an easy route suitable for everyone, but at the same time pleasant and very interesting. The Tracciolino Trail is one of the most spectacular works of human engineering in Valchiavenna. It is a 10-kilometer-long trail that runs at a constant height of 920 meters between Val dei Ratti and Val Codera, built in the 1930s as a link between two small dams, one in Val Codera (little more than a concrete wall) and one in Val dei Ratti (a little larger). Sections of it can be seen on this trail. Along the trail you come across the Rifugio Frasnedo where a stop is mandatory, if only to try the typical Verceia pizzoccheri. - Ph: Angel Martin

Reaching the parking lot of the San Giuseppe chairlift, take the dirt road that starts from the bridge, after a few hairpin bends through coniferous forests, you reach the locality of Barchi, where you can find another parking lot, from here the path turns into a trail towards the Barchi refuge. The ascent takes about an hour and a half, sometimes in the woods sometimes among the clearings, until you reach the wide and striking plain of Palù Lake (m 1921 a.s.l.), unparalleled is the view from its Palu' refuge, on the left of the lake. A half-hour walk along the shores provides magnificent views. There is an alternative route that is a bit longer, that is, after leaving the parking lot of Barchi provides the path on the right, it goes into the woods passing through the villages Paluetto, the Barchetto and the Zocca. N.B. in summer it is possible to take the ski lifts from Chiesa in Valmalenco more conveniently and, once you reach Alpe Palù, head to the lake with a pleasant walk of a few minutes.

A walk in the green among streams, ponds and waterfalls, which has as its backdrop the Mello Valley Nature Reserve

The Belviso Valley is the easternmost of the Orobie Valtellinesi. Dominated by the large man-made reservoir, Lake Belviso, a tangible sign of how important the hydroelectric industry is in this area, the valley has not, however, lost the natural features that make it one of the most remote and popular corners of the territory for hikers. Reaching the foot of Mount Torena, admiring the constellation of lakes that surround it, going in search of the many rock carvings scattered on the boulders, is a unique experience. A journey that begins at the Cristina Refuge. From the hamlet of Liscedo di Aprica you take the road downhill to the Ganda power plant, then the convenient dirt road that leads to Rifugio Cristina where you leave your car. From Cristina you can visit the ancient church dedicated to St. Paul. A short climb with two switchbacks leads to the Falck building at Ponte Frera. Take path number 317 to the right, which goes through ash mixed with birch and coniferous forests to Malga Fraitina, from which the view sweeps over the artificial Lake Belviso. Take the trail to the Aial dei Fiori locality, then to the glacier-smoothed rock terrace, then to Malga Torena. The view is striking: two splendid bodies of water peep out, the Black Lake with its characteristic islet, and the Green Lake where the imposing Mount Torena is reflected. The area is rich inrock engravings: graffiti and uncertain alphabetical characters visible near the lakeshore, dating back 4-6000 thousand years. From here the view sweeps from the nearby Orobie ridge to the Rhaetian Alps chain to the north. The fauna is rich: it is not difficult to admire chamois, roe deer and some deer. In recent years found traces of wolves that seem to be beginning to repopulate the area, as well as a few bears. The return is by the same route as the outward journey.

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