Insider Orobie

From the Valle Brembana to the Val Seriana. Discover seven tips from those who have travelled the Bergamo Orobie far and wide

From the Valle Brembana to the Val Seriana. Discover seven tips from those who have travelled the Bergamo Orobie far and wide.

At the Passo Aviasco “where there are so many ibexes that it seems it is they who are looking for you”, along the sunless Valle, with the mountaineering skis to Pizzo Corzene, at dawn on the Tre Signori. Discover the Bergamo Orobie with us.

To tell us about all this we have our new Insider: Stefano Parietti, 33, computer engineer. He has two special passions: mountain and photography. To pursue both, every weekend Stefano leaves Seriate (BG) behind to follow the most spectacular itineraries of the Bergamo Orobie. What experience would you recommend to a friend? “Spend a winter night at Rifugio Grassi, at Bocchetta di Camisolo (2,000 metres), in the shadow of the Pizzo dei Tre Signori. The dawn that rises from the Pizzo is truly breathtaking”.

To discover other destinations outside the usual routes follow #INSIDERinLombardia on the social networks. With us, apart from Stefano, there is a large team of “photo ambassadors” invited to tell you about cities, mountains, lakes, villages, first-hand experiences.

Ps If you live in Lombardy, you love photography and also want to become an #INSIDERinLombardia, send us your application!

Here are Stefano’s tips (on Instagram for those who are curious at @stefanoparietti)

Mezzoldo and the Madonna delle Nevi mountain hut — “This is the last village in the Valle Brembana before Passo San Marco, which connects it to the Valtelline. A borderland, in the past it housed the Venetian customs post, but today Mezzoldo is also famous for its cycling hill climbs. From the village of stone houses you can reach the Madonna delle Nevi mountain hit on foot or by shuttle, which is open every weekend, and from where numerous excursions start for the surrounding valleys. A recommendation? The Abetaia path. In winter it becomes a circuit for cross-country skiing.”

The ibexes on the Passo Aviasco — “There are so many ibexes that it is they who seem to be looking for you, and not the other way around! At 2,289 metres, the Aviasco pass divides the Valle Brembana from the Val Seriana. A little further down there is Lake Aviasco, one of the five that can be reached in a great circuit from Valgoglio. In winter it is very difficult: the snowy route is not very hard, but you need to know where to go! After the thaw it is one of the most popular excursions along the Orobie.”

Mountaineering at Pizzo Corzene — “The peak of the Presolana massif, Pizzo Corzene is an accessible destination even for those who are beginners as regards mountaineering. The winter route starts from the Cassinelli Hut, in the upper Val Seriana, and, following the Valle dell’Ombra, reaches the Canale del Dito, which takes its name from the limestone rock that rises in the middle, dividing it into two branches. From there, with an ice axe and crampons, the route goes up the scenic gully to the Madonna statuette on the summit (2,215 m) which offers a splendid view of the Presolana, on one side. On the other the view is of Monte Pora and the ski resorts of the Val Seriana, and as far as Clusone."

Valcanale, the valley without sun — “Did you know that in Valcanale, a side valley of the upper Val Seriana, the sun disappears from November until the beginning of February? When it comes back after three months, there is a big party. The area is always very busy: in winter for ski mountaineering or to introduce small children to snow with sledging, and in the summer for the numerous and easy paths amid pine forests and ponds. Going up the valley, I recommend a stop in the small village of Piazzolo di Ardesio, with its characteristic fourteenth and fifteenth-century stone houses.”

Dawn at Pizzo Tre Signori — “A meeting point between three territories: Valsassina (Lecco), Valtelline (Sondrio) and Valle Brembrana (Bergamo), Pizzo Tre Signori is an unforgettable experience. My advice? Spend a winter night at the Grassi mountain hut, at Bocchetta Camisolo (2,000 metres), which is always open at weekends (weather permitting): snow, good food, night-time snowshoeing and the dawn that rises over the Pizzo.”

The Path of the Western Orobie — “For trekking lovers it is a must. The 101 is a beautiful path that connects most of the mountain huts and bivouacs of the western Orobie, from Cassiglio (Valtorta) to the Passo del Tartano, in Val Brembana. The route winds between a minimum altitude of 600 metres and a maximum of 2,300. Some stretches can also be done in winter, with snow. But you have to have the right equipment and know the areas well!”

A dinner at the Vodala mountain hut at the foot of the Timogno — “The climb to Monte Timogno is one of the classic panoramic tours of the Val Seriana. The climb can be steep and tiring, but technically it is not difficult. And the view of the Presolana group repays every effort! In winter I suggest you stop at the Vodala mountain hut, in Spiazzi di Gromo: this can also be reached by chairlift. From December to April, it remains open until late evening for dinners illuminated by a magical bonfire.”

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