Ten Snowshoeing Treks in Lombardy

Choose a route through the woods or try out a panoramic trail on your snowshoeing trek!

Would you rather be trekking through the snow-covered woods and sharing your outing with friends than descending the snowy pistes?

Put on your snowshoes, whether you are on your own or out with little ones, and discover the enchanted landscapes of the hidden paradise of Pian delle Betulle or take the kids to Aviatio for a fun, easy climb through the trees.

Come down through Vallone dei Camosci and discover theMonti Pallidi or admire the unique landscape of that famous branch of the lake of Como from Manzoni, as you arrive at the Belvedere in Parco del Valentino. Walk alongside the three refuges, Zoia, Ca’ Runcasch and Cristina as you head for the panoramic point over Valmalenco or the frozen lake of Campagneda.

Set out on a panoramic excursion from Passo della Forcora, where you can admire the incredible panorama over the Swiss and Italian Alps from the natural balcony of Monterecchio. Discover loop itineraries like the Percorso dei Fiocchi, or continue up to the sunny peaks of Monte Avaro. Enjoy the wide open spaces of the Piani di Artavaggio in Valsassina don’t forget to try the typical torta di fregoloti cake.

Every route can guarantee one fundamental element: a stunning natural panorama, immersed in bright white snow.

Pian delle Betulle in the province of Lecco — Nestling among the mountains overlooking Lake Como, Pian delle Betulle in Alta Valsassina is a beauty spot that is somewhat cut off from life outside. A peaceful place that can only be reached from the cable lift in the town of Margno, or on foot from Alpe di Paglio. Among the houses is the Alpini church and a small lake, surrounded by birch and beech woods, where you can enjoy the splendid panorama. In the winter season, the ski resort of Pian delle Betulle offers a whole range of snowshoe excursions through the woods, even as far as the peak of Cimone di Margno (1800 m).

Aviatico in the province of Bergamo — On the Selvino plateau and just a stone's throw from Bergamo, you can set out on snowshoes from Aviatico, for the best snow experience for all the family to share. In fact, this trail is very accessible, since the path through the woods covers a route with a gentle slope. Only during the last part does the climb become steeper, but it is not significantly difficult, even for children. After about an hour’s walk you come to the peak of Monte Poieto, where you will find the refuge of the same name with its views over Presolana and the Val Seriana.

Piani di Bobbio in the province of Lecco — Set out on your snowshoes to discover the snow-covered landscapes of Piani di Bobbio. The stunning trails offer a fun trek up to the refuges on the peak. Try the dedicated snowshoe route, Pequeno, which sets out from the bobsleigh area towards the old Hotel Pequeno. Another very popular itinerary is the ascent up to Vallone dei Camosci, which takes around two and a half hours. Immerse yourselves in this experience in Lombardy’s pre-Alps, and observe the limestone rocks on Piani di Bobbio and the Monti Pallidi. There are countless snowshoe treks here, as well as lots of refuges where you can take a rest and enjoy typical local food.

Parco del Valentino in the province of Lecco — From the Belvedere in this enchanting park, to Piani dei Resinelli and just over an hour outside Milan, you can admire that famous branch of the lake of Como, the Corni di Canzo, Brianza and the Alps, the Briantei lakes, and of course, Lecco. The route is not difficult; it takes two and a half hours and has a difference in height of 195 m. In Parco Valentino you can even get a glimpse of the Villa Gerosa Crotta Museum House, which is only open to visitors in certain months of the year. You can choose between two paths in this snowy white setting: one to Monte Coltignone and the other to the Belvedere, both of which are part of a loop itinerary.

A Tour of the 3 Refuges in Valmalenco — Take this easy snowshoe trek up to the Zoia, Ca’ Runcasch and Cristina refuges. This itinerary is one of the most charming in the area, setting out from Campo Moro, and taking about three hours and forty minutes. The first refuge you come to is Zoia, and from here, you continue up to the panorama over Valmalenco and Pizzo Scalino. Just before arriving at the Cristina Alpe Refuge you will come to Alpe Campagneda or you can proceed along the route to the Ca’ Runcasch refuge, heading towards Prabello. On the way back, you can pass at the foot of Pizzo Scalino, reaching the frozen lake of Campagneda. (ph: sondrioevalmalenco.it)

Passo della Forcora in the province of Varese — An excursion to Passo della Forcora is perfect for admiring Lake Maggiore, but also the Swiss and Italian Alps between Lombardy and Piedmont, which are particularly easy to see from the village of Monterecchio. There are different itineraries that branch out from the peaks, offering wide-ranging, special views over the Luinese valleys, while from the peak of Monte Cadrigna as well as Lake Maggiore, you will also see Monte Rosa and the Saint-Gotthard Massif. These excursions are for everyone and even beginners can reach the village of Monterecchio on their snowshoes, following a circuit of about 6 km.

Percorso dei fiocchi Santa Caterina Valfurva — The Percorso dei Fiocchi follows a circuit that is suitable for all ages and experience levels, and is very well marked, so that it can be completed without guides or escorts. All equipment is available for hire in situ. The route begins from La Fonte and passes alongside the cross-country skiing route. At this point, you continue in the direction of Valle dei Forni, cross the plain of Santa Caterina Valfurva, and enter the woods of Nassegno, the point for returning to the town The stunning landscapes are the thing you will take away from this route.

Piani dell’Avaro in the province of Bergamo — To reach the top of Monte Avaro in the upper Val Brembana, you can snowshoe across the sunny peaks, in the mountain air. The route covers some 5.5 km and takes about two hours and twenty minutes, starting from Piani dell’Avaro and continuing north along a slightly sloping trail, turning left just past a trough for cows and continuing along a steeper slope. Passing forks and climbs, you arrive at the wide peaks of Monte Avaro, with a spectacular view of Grigne and Pizzo dei Trei Signori.

Piani di Artavaggio in the province of Lecco — Piani di Artavaggio in Valsassina is the perfect destination for excursionists who would rather go trekking or snowshoeing than out on skis. The resort is just an hour’s drive away from both Milan and Monza, meaning a day trip out to the snow is easy. The configuration of the Piani di Artavaggio area makes it the perfect place for cross-country skiing or for a snowshoe trek on natural snow. The wide open spaces and panoramic views make for truly magical excursions but they are also safe, thanks to perfect maintenance. The arrival point of a snowshoe trek is Rifugio Nicola, where you can see the major peaks, including Sodadura.

Adamello National Park — There are lots of snowshoe routes to explore in the Adamello National Park, either embarking on the more difficult itineraries or taking the relaxing option of an easy, panoramic route. Regenerate your mind and legs, as you walk weightlessly over the blanket of snow, coming to enchanting beauty spots, immersed in nature, glimpsing animals among the beech and fir trees and continuing up to the refuges, where you can enjoy specialities such as torta dei fregoloti cake, or a sbrisolona with grappa! There are many organised treks, even if the summer trails are far more numerous than the winter ones, due to the limited viability of the latter.

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