Insider Valle Camonica

Seven tips for travelling in Valle Camonica to discover the favourite destinations of those who know it well.

The corner of Valle Camonica that has stolen my heart? “Pian di Neve. In winter it is a desert of ice. It gives you a sense of infinity”.

Icaro Pigolotti is our Insider in Valle Camonica, one of the most beautiful valleys in Lombardy. His passions? Photography, sport, mountains. But also the small villages halfway up the valley, walks with snowshoes, thrilling descents, distant horizons... Here is his ranking: seven experiences not to be missed, accompanied by his beautiful images. Have you already decided where to go to first?

To discover other destinations outside the usual routes follow #INSIDERinLombardia on the social networks. With us, apart from Icaro, 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 Icaro’s tips (on Instagram for those who are curious at @icaro1969).

Monno, where autumn is an enchantment — “The woods with the most beautiful colours? At Monno, a small village halfway along Valle Camonica, where time seems to have stopped. If you want some exercise, I suggest you start from here to reach the Mortirolo Pass, where the last larches give way to the alpine moor. In autumn it can be done by mountain bike. In winter with snowshoes. The route is not demanding, but watch out for the steep bits at the start!”

The magic of the snowbound Castellaccio — “The mountain that is a symbol of Ponte di Legno? The Castellaccio which opens out like a fan over the Val Sozzine. Its ridge divides Lombardy from Trentino Alto-Adige. The summit is at 3,029 metres. In winter it is truly magical. From the Passo del Castellaccio to the Passo di Lago Scuro there is one of the most beautiful vie ferrate in the Alps: the Sentiero dei Fiori. It is a mountaineering route, and should not be underrated.”

Along the paths of Villa Dalegno — “Want to go trekking? From Villa Dalegno, a village near Temù, there are numerous paths suitable for everyone. Many can also be followed in winter. Don’t miss out on path no.55 that leads to Bocchette di Valmassa, where there is one of the best preserved trenches of the First World War. From Villa Dalegno it takes more than 3 hours, but the path, which can be followed as long as there is no snow, is very easy. And it’s worth it!”

Heaven? At Passo del Tonale! — “Skiing paradise is here, at the Tonale. There is something for everyone, from ski mountaineering to snowshoeing. The most beautiful descent is the Paradiso, which since 1963 has been one of the pistes of the Alps. From the Presena glacier the route descends to Ponte di Legno, dropping 1,700 metres in altitude. At the arrival station of the Presena cableway there is also a museum. It is called “Sounds and Voices of the White War”, and is laid out in a tunnel dug at an altitude of 2,600 metres during the First World War.”

The Adamello, heart of the Alps — “Wherever you are, you see it. It is the mountain par excellence. To orient yourself, just look for it, standing majestically high with its ridges and glaciers. In winter it offers different routes for ski mountaineering. Don’t miss the fantastic Pisgana descent after the effort of the climb. If you want to mark it in your diary, there will be an exceptional race on 18 April 2020: the Adamello Ski Raid, part of La Grande Course circuit.”

The New Year at Ponte di Legno — “It is the capital of the Alta Valle Camonica, always crowded and lively. A perfect destination for Christmas and New Year holidays but also for a weekend to discover the most authentic mountain activities. Like cross-country skiing (the circuit is a stone’s throw from the town centre) or walks along small valleys such as Val Cané, dotted with old shepherds’ huts and farmhouses offering tasty dishes. Little Vione is the starting point.”

Pian di Neve, the ice desert — “This is my very favourite place. When you are on the Pian di Neve, if a little mist comes down you no longer understand whether you are going up or down! It is located near the top of the Adamello, and is part of the largest glacier in the Italian Alps; it is like being at the North Pole. It is immense, has no slopes to speak of and gives you a sense of infinity. A desert of ice. Here’s a sensation you should try at least once!”

Summer is more beautiful in the Bergamasque Valleys

Val Brembana, Valseriana, Val di Scalve and Valle Imagna: a family-friendly holiday in the valleys of the Bergamasque Alps

Mountains

The Plain of Chiavenna

Thanks to its shape, it allows the cyclists to take an interesting ring itinerary.

Mountains

Autumn in Valtellina

Mountains

Stelvio Pass

The summer paradise for skiers.

Mountains

What to Do in Lombardy Mountains

Lombardy is a perfect destination for those who love mountain holidays in front of the beautiful scenery of the Alps.

Mountains

Snowshoe trekking

A winter trek with snowshoes on one's feet is a very pleasant experience for everyone, adults and children

Mountains

Aprica

Aprica, happy holidays in the mountains in winter and summer.

Mountains

Val di Togno

Spriana - Montagna in Valtellina

Mountains

Mountain Shelters in Lombardy

Exciting ski tours, snowshoe hikes in the unspoiled nature, hospitality of home and genuine cuisine.

Mountains

Snowshoeing in Ponte di Legno - Passo Del Tonale

Mountains

Skiing with children in Ponte di Legno - Passo Del Tonale

Mountains

Orobie: Mountains for all seasons

Visit the Orobie Park: the largest natural area in Lombardy's regional parks.

Mountains

Weekends in Valtellina

Madesimo, Chiavenna and Morbegno. A weekend in Valtellina

Mountains

Winter Mountains at Sunset

Snow, silence, and starry skies: the mountains between Brescia and Sondrio are even more magical after sunset.

Mountains

Alpine huts: Lombardy's best lookouts

A cool summer spent high in the mountains: 9 alpine huts, 2 bivouacs and a lodge to add to your Lombardy bucket list

Mountains

Val Fontana

Chiuro

Mountains

Skiing in Lombardy with our family

Whether you are a beginner or a champion, find out where to ski in Lombardy with your friends or family – from Bergamo to Valtellina.

Mountains

Insider Orobie

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

Mountains

Gola up

Gola Up is a mountaineering route traced in the gorges of Torrente Scerscen near Campo Franscia (Sondrio)

Mountains

Reaching New Heights in Lombardy

Suggestions for high altitude excursions.

Mountains