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!”

Imagna Valley among woods, spirituality, and villages

Tra sentieri e mulattiere accompagnati dal dolce fruscio delle foglie

Mountains

Altopiano of Selvino and Aviatico

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

Skiing in Piani di Bobbio

The Piani di Bobbio, in Valsassina, are marvellous during the summer season, and become enchanting during the winter

Mountains

Pian delle Betulle

Beautiful mountain resort of Alta Valsassina, surrounded by the mountains of Lake Como.

Mountains

Walking with an Alpine Guide

Mountains

5 things besides skiing that you can do in the mountains of Lombardy

Mountains

Glaciers in Lombardy

Nine glaciers in Lombardy to discover through spectacular glaciological itineraries

Mountains

Winter excursions with sled or bob

Valmalenco has plenty of paths where you can have fun with a sled or bob.

Mountains

The Plain of Chiavenna

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

Mountains

Five places to visit in Valdidentro

Esplora Valdidentro, nel cuore delle Alpi lombarde, e scopri paesaggi mozzafiato, sentieri escursionistici e attrazioni storiche.

Mountains

Starry skies between lakes and mountains

Away from the city, hunting for shooting stars amid clear skies, unspoilt nature and scenic views.

Mountains

Valmalenco

A holiday in Valtellina to discover the Valmalenco, between outdoor activities and ancient traditions.

Mountains

Val Fontana

Chiuro

Mountains

Val Seriana e Val di Scalve

Not just snow... in Val Seriana and Val di Scalve many activities for all seasons.

Mountains

The ski resort of Ponte di Legno

Mountains

Reaching New Heights in Lombardy

Suggestions for high altitude excursions.

Mountains

Insider Valle Camonica

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

Mountains

Sports activities and relaxation in Bormio and Santa Caterina—skiing, excursions and hot springs

Bormio and Santa Cristina are the preferred winter holiday spots for holidaymakers looking for a state of complete bliss, immersed in the dazzling white Alps. Find out more.

Mountains

Weekends in Valtellina

Madesimo, Chiavenna and Morbegno. A weekend in Valtellina

Mountains