A night at high altitude in a refuge or tent (Val Gerola, SO)

Spending a night in a refuge in Val Gerola means immersing yourself completely in the unspoilt nature of Lombardy’s Alps and the Valtellina Orobic Alps Regional Park. Far from the noise of the city, the starry sky opens out in all its splendour, offering a sight that will leave you speechless.

Covering an area of 44,000 hectares, the Valtellina Orobic Alps Regional Park crosses through fourteen Alpine valleys, including the Val Gerola, which is one of the most characteristic locations in the Bassa Valtellina. Villages like Albaredo San Marco, Cosio Valtellino, Gerola Alta and Villaggio Pescegallo provide strategic access points for summer excursions where you can explore the varied environments and scenery of the area.
There is a well signed network of trails, with routes for all levels of experience: from the more difficult walks with technical sections and high elevation gains, through to more accessible itineraries and moderate slopes, which are ideal for families or less expert hikers. Summer, especially in the period from late May to early October, is the best time for walking, thanks to the stable climate and the complete accessibility of the trails at high altitude.
One of the most popular experiences in Val Gerola is a night in an alpine refuge, which allows you to split your excursion over two days and to experience the mountain environment at its most authentic, in the silent hours. The area’s refuges offer basic but comfortable hospitality, with the possibility to enjoy dinner, stay overnight, and then have breakfast the following morning. This option is particularly useful when dealing with long itineraries or at altitude, with departure at the first light of dawn.
Alternatively, if you want that more basic experience, you can camp out at night in a tent, respecting local camping rules. This choice makes it possible to spend time in natural environments, eat out in the open, and enjoy a more independent experience of the mountains. It is important to plan with care, considering weather conditions and equipment, and checking the regulations and the availability of organised trips. 
During the early mornings or at sunset, it is often possible to sight local mountain wildlife including species such as chamois, roe deer, marmots, and foxes. In the higher areas, with a little luck and a lot of discretion, you can also see groups of ibex.
As well as excursions, the Val Gerola is an area that also has a lively farming and herding sector. In summer, the alpine meadows are still active, producing traditional cheeses, and offering the opportunity to watch the milk processing activities or to purchase local products right where they are made.
The combination of well-maintained trails, the varied landscapes, and a range of services for hikers make Val Gerola the perfect destination for experiences lasting one or more days, with the possibility to customise the intensity and duration of your open-air activities.