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Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes
A hike is more than just a simple walk: it is a chance for tourists and athletes of all ages to enjoy exercise and experience the wonders of nature.
Hiking is also a great way to spend time with family, stay healthy, boost your mood, immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains, build a sense of independence, and learn about the environment.
Lombardy is the ideal location to experience the great outdoors with your kids, boasting incredible child-friendly winter hiking trails in every province. Pack the necessary equipment, choose the most suitable option based on the age of your children, and you are ready to go.
MALGA CARICC IN THE VAL VIOLA – VALTELLINA (SO)
Highly recommended for families with children, the Val Viola in Valtellina really shines in the colder months, making it the ideal choice for a winter outing. Your mountain excursion will begin in the village of Arnoga, on the border with Switzerland. After a short walk to the entrance to the Val Viola, you can choose between two trails and, after a 2-hour walk through fir, larch and Swiss pine woods, you will arrive at the Malga Caricc clearing (1,990 metres): a truly enchanting spot below the peaks of the Dosdè and Viola groups and their glaciers. Thanks to the clear signage, the most adventurous hikers can even tackle this route at night, kitted out with a headlamp.
ICE STALACTITES ON THE VIA MALA (BS)
Are you looking for a unique destination for an icy Sunday outing with the kids? The vertiginous overhangs of the Via Mala del Dezzo, a historic road running through the Bergamo area, are even more beautiful in winter thanks to the amazing frozen waterfalls that form when the temperatures drop. A tourist trail stretching just over a kilometre, which once connected the Val Camonica to the Val di Scalve, has been made completely safe for winter walks, although visitors should always take care around the ice. Following the old road carved into the rock, the path is perched 80 metres above the Dezzo river: the water forms unique shapes as it falls and freezes, creating unique and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
VALENTINO PARK TRAIL – VALSASSINA (LC)
A plateau in the Valsassina, in the Province of Lecco, the Piani Resinelli, or Pian dei Resinelli (1471 m) is located at the foot of the Grignetta. This popular tourist spot marks the starting point for many of the Southern Grigna trails, where you and your kids can enjoy easy hikes, even in winter. The Valentino Park trail is a particularly ideal option, starting near the adventure playground: mostly flat, it takes about an hour and is suitable for the whole family. This pleasant excursion through the firs and beech trees will lead you past the Villa Gerosa House Museum, dedicated to the history of mountaineering and the local flora and fauna, to the viewpoint north of Monte Coltignone, which offers beautiful vistas of Lake Como and the city of Lecco. When there is a lot of snow, you will need snowshoes; if not, be sure to wear boots and wrap up warm.
HIKE AROUND LAKE PALÙ – VALMALENCO (SO)
In winter, Lake Palù looks like a picture from a fairy tale: almost 2,000 metres above sea level, completely frozen and surrounded by coniferous woods, the lake reflects the Valmalenco like a mirror. One of the most beautiful panoramic hiking routes in Lombardy starts in the nearby village of San Giuseppe. As the trail is not particularly challenging, it is suitable for slightly older children: the path is well-worn and signposted and snowshoes are not required, although you can bring a sledge for a thrilling journey back down the hill. Alternatively, the lake can be reached via the Snow Eagle, the largest cable car in Europe, which departs from Chiesa in Valmalenco and carries you up to a terrace (2,080 m) with amazing views of the Alps. From this viewpoint, the lake is just a short downhill walk away. Once you have reached your destination, after a well-deserved break at the Rifugio Palù, be sure to walk around Lake Palù: the snowy scenery will reward your efforts!
IL SENTIERO DELLO SPIRITO DEL BOSCO (CO)
A magical destination to spend a day immersed in nature, where your little ones can step into a real fairy-tale world, the Sentiero dello Spirito del Bosco is one of the most popular hikes for kids in Lombardy, complete with gnomes, witches and magical forest creatures, as well as wooden houses, huts and walkways. Although it is not totally flat, the magical trail is generally suitable for all ages. It starts at the Prim'Alpe centre, near the delightful town of Canzo, winding along a gentle route, with short uphill and downhill sections, to the Terz'Alpe lodge (25/45-minute walk). Along the way, kids and adults will encounter the "spirits of the forest": wooden sculptures carved into the trees to bring the enchanted woods to life. At the end of the path, little ones and grown-ups can lose themselves in the fun maze... will our heroes be able to find their way home?!
