This route is also ideal in winter because the Rhaetian side of the Valtellina, along the Chec Coast, is the mountain of sunshine and one can treat oneself to boundless views from the Orobie Mountains to Lake Como.

After purchasing a pass for motorized vehicles at Trattoria del Pellegrino or Agriturismo Teo, you follow the narrow agrosilvopastoral road through Prati Nestrelli Locality to Prati dell'O. Snow or ice is seldom found there, but in case, for prudence's sake, it is better to take a few extra steps by walking down the valley. There is parking where possible along the way.

The route to Mt. Bassetta, one of the most scenic spots in the province, begins at the helicopter landing pad at Prati dell'O. You pass houses heading west and continue, level, reaching a beautiful stone fountain. Shortly after, at a fork in the road, continue toward Mt. Foffricio, ignoring the signs, to the right, for Bassetta.

About half an hour's walk on a comfortable track exposed to the sun brings us to cross, at Mount Foffricio, the Bonatti Trail coming from Dubino. This, too, is a beautiful alternative, but requires much more hiking time to gain the summit of Monte Bassetta.

From here you gain elevation, quite steeply, until you reach the ridge that separates the Valtellina from the Chiavenna Valley. The challenging slope is broken only by short, rare flattenings that help you catch your breath. A clearing, with the remains of Prima Baita, provides an extraordinary view of the lower Valtellina and Lake Como and separates from a final ramp as well as the summit. Enchanting to the north are the vertiginous rocks of Sasso Manduino, which dominate the Valle dei Ratti.

To the south they fascinate, however, Lake Como and Mount Legnone, from where the long Orobie ridge is outlined to the east. To complete the hiking loop from the summit you can take yourself to Baita Bassetta from where the trail markers lead, in about three quarters of an hour and through numerous hairpin bends, to Prati dell'O.

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Ph: Roberto Ganassa