True sanctuaries dedicated to biodiversity, these nature reserves safeguard Lombardy's wildlife heritage and teach us to respect it

An invitation to take a journey into Lombardy’s folklore, rediscovering seven ancient legends and traditions

The trenches of the Linea Cadorna

The high route of Valmalenco is a trekking of 8 stage, around 110 km.

Il monte Rolla costituisce un esempio di realtà montana unitaria: racchiude un insieme di beni culturali rappresentativi di un ambiente di vita e dei modi di vita e lavoro che lì si sono succeduti e ne accompagnano lo sviluppo.

Valmalenco is embraced by majestic peaks, such as Mount Disgrazia, Piz Bernina, Piz Scalino

PIAN DELLA VALLE BIVOUAC The Pian della Valle bivouac (1187 m s.l.m.) was built on a grassy patch among the woods of one of the wildest and less-known valleys of the province - Val Malgina. Val Malgina is the ideal destination for canyoning, climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering lovers. The Pian della Valle bivouac is open all year round. It is a masonry building consisting of one room which contains a table, chairs, flatware, a fireplace and firewood. There are also four wooden beds, but mattresses and blankets are not provided. A fountain in front of the building provides water, although its amount isn't always enough. The Druet peak (2913 m) and the Malgina Devil's peak (2926 m) stand out against the background. On the left side of the Devil's peak there is the steep and narrow Malgina avalanche chute that is the longest in the Valtellinese Orobic Alps (1400 m). A 20-minute walk leads to the feet of the avalanche chute, where waterfalls can be admired. LA PETTA BIVOUAC In val Malgina we also find the La Petta bivouac (1452 m), in a clearing on the right side of the Malgina avalanche chute. The bivouac is a stone building containing a wooden plank with room for 5/6 people and sleeping bags. It also has a wooden table with benches, a cabinet, flatware, firewood and a spot where it's possibile to light fire. It is necessary to fetch water from the closest creek. The bivouac is open all year round, but it is advisable to reach it in summer, when the classification of the route is EE. The itinerary is much harder in winter, when due to snow and ice it is necessary to use proper equipment. Photo: Ago76

Piateda

A nice mule track leads to this massive building, located on a promontory overlooking the creek Livrio

The seat of the Valtellinese History and Art Museum is Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari, a severe building built in the 16th century in the old town center of Sondrio. Besides an archaelogical section, that includes local discoveries and antiquities, such as the Sertoli coin collection, there is an area dedicated to Eighteenth century clothing, several paintings by Pietro Ligari - the most remarkable Valtellinese painter - and by his kids Cesare and Vittoria. The museum also hosts a worthy carved Stua. Its ceiling is decorated with the coat of arms of the Grison families that ruled the valley from 1512 to 1797, but the room also houses sacred wooden sculptures made during the Counter-Reformation.

Tour enogastronomico e culturale

Passo del Tonale is located on the border between Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige. Passo del Tonale is a natural, outdoor and scenic amphitheatre that unfolds from 1,884 to 3,100 metres above sea level. Passo del Tonale is one of the most famous ski resorts in northern Italy. A natural amphitheatre that separates the Camonica Valley from Val di Sole, its extends from 1800 to 3000 metres above sea level between the Ortler Alps and Adamello-Presanella mountain groups, offering the opportunity to practice almost any kind of winter sport in contact with unspoilt and welcoming natural surroundings. Its lifts, connected to those of Ponte di Legno and Val di Sole, provide access to more than a hundred kilometres of slopes. Passo del Tonale, fully exposed to the sun, is the ideal place for learning how to ski, with slopes suitable for both beginner and seasoned skiers. From the legendary black "Paradiso" trail (3 km long with a slope of 710 metres) to the sprawling and scenic Alpino trail that is 4,500 meters in length and 725 metres in altitude. One not-to-be-missed slope is the direct route of Presena-Tonale-Pontedilegno: an 11 km long trail with a slope of 1740 metres. In addition to the ski slopes, the resorts also have a Freestyle Arena snow park and an easy Arena, an area for beginners for safely practicing jumps and tricks. Be sure to try snow tubing: a downhill adventure on top of a special, oversized tyre. The area of Passo del Tonale offers ski touring opportunities for exploring the natural settings and traces of the White War (the named used by locals to indicate the First World War), which ravaged these areas at the beginning of the last century. What's more, you can immerse yourself in the enchantment of the mountains and woods with snowshoes or even practice Nordic walking. In summer, this is the ideal starting point for heading out on walks, practicing mountaineering and mountain biking along the route of the Adamello Bike Arena. The Paradiso cable car that leads to the glacier is also open during the summer months, at the disposal of mountaineers and anyone interested in going for a hike in the mountains. A holiday in Passo del Tonale is an opportunity to discover the surroundings, filled with relics from the past, like the rock drawings of Valcamonica, and destinations for relaxation and well-being, such as the thermal baths of Darfo Boario. Finally be sure to taste the local food and wine specialities that bring together the finest traditions of Northern Lombardy and Trentino.