SONDRIO e VALMALENCO

SONDRIO VALMALENCO and surroundings SUMMER AT 360째

Retic and Orobic Alps

BOULDERING

MOUNTAIN BIKE Falling in love is the important part.

Fall in love with our mountains for a world of unique emotions.

It makes no difference how you want to experience it.

The important thing is to have fun.

From trekking to mountain biking.

To classic mountaineering and finally Climbing and canyoning.

There’s something for everyone!

CLIMBING

ALPINISM

SONDRIO VALMALENCO

mountain at 360째

TREKKING

CANYONING

VALMALENCO Trekking a slice of heaven!

Walking through the uncontaminated atmosphere of mountain pastures gives you the chance to taste the specialities of genuine and old food on the spot. You have also the chance to run through those streets leading to historical passes, to go up pathways that reach high altitude passes where you can admire glaciers scenery with their primeval noise, or you can linger on morainic slopes and on rocky ravines with your camera to capture the images of very rich and natural flora or even explore spaces cleared of glaciers and search for mineralogical curiosities; you have also the chance to take relaxing walks through fir-woods in search of mushrooms and to visit old sites and places of human activity that allow you to read the life of an alpine community.

La

geografia The geography Valmalenco is the most extended of Valtellina lateral valleys : changeable heights ranging from 500 and 4000 metres, three wide valleys flowing into a main gully, marked by different rocky formations, a peak sequence nearly constantly winding above 3000 m that culminates in 4051 m of Pizzo Bernina, eight important glacial groups whose moraines bend down to pastures, alpine horizons incorporating all vegetative strips, numberless striking corners with small lakes, streams, waterfalls.

In addition to all this, you will be able to find a suitable road network, efficient public services, equipped and comfortable downstream and upstream accommodation facilities as well as a mixture of well indicated pathways...

Trekking paradise is just here.

The High Route of Valmalenco

L’Alta Via della Valmalenco, thanks to its variety of places, is one of the most beautiful high altitude excursion routes in the Alps: the richness of natural flora, the presence of soapstone old quarries, Mountain huts, shepherds’ buildings and panoramic views make it unique of its kind. Alta Via extends for over 110 Km, between 800 and 3000 metres, through woods and high pastures, passing through lateral valleys, climbing over impassable passes and winding before glaciers flows of Monte Disgrazia, of Pizzo Bernina and of Pizzo Scalino. Articulated into eight daily stages, it connects some fifteen refuges. All the route develops along three well indicated pathways.

STAGE 1 From Torre Santa Maria (772 m) to the Bosio Refuge (2097 m) Difference in altitude:: +1700 m /-400 m; Route time: 7.00 h This is the leg that leads to altitude: notable difference in altitude, but not difficult.

STAGE 2 From the Bosio Refuge (2097 m) to the Gerli and Ventina Refuges (1960 m) Difference in altitude: +1050 m /-1200 m; Route time: 8.00 h A very long leg due to the layout. The difference in altitude is concentrated in the rising of the steep Val Sassersa as far as the small lakes of the same name and the overlying Passo Ventina.

STAGE 3 From the Gerli and Ventina Refuges (1960 m) to Chiareggio (1,612 m) Difference in altitude: +900 m /-1200 m; Route time: 6.30 h A stage of great environmental interest thanks to the splendour and importance of the landscape.

STAGE 4

The High Route stage by stage STAGE 6 From Marinelli Refuge (2813 m) to Bignami Refuge (2401 m) by: a) the Bocchetta di Caspoggio (2983 m), Difference in altitude: +200 m /-600 m; Route time: 2.30 h. b) the Marinelli Pass (3120 m), Difference in altitude: +300 m /-700 m; Route time: 4.00 h.

This is shortest stage in both cases and is also the most rewarding thanks to the beauty of the upper mountain environments you cross. Crampons, ice axe and rope are fundamental, especially for option (b).

Another possible option for the Forcella di Fellaria that does not present mountaineering difficulty.

STAGE 7 From Bignami Refuge (2401 m) to Cristina Refuge (2287 m) Difference in altitude: +500/-600; Route time: 6.00 h Leg of environmental and landscape interest: the long Val Poschiavina with its walls smoothed by the glacier and the lakes of Campagneda in which the pyramids of Pizzo Scalino are mirrored.

From Chiareggio (1612 m) to the Pal첫 Refuge to Lake Pal첫 (1,947 m) Difference in altitude: +830 m /-500 m; Route time: 7.00 h Transfer leg from the Disgrazia group to the Bernina group passing over the beautiful terrace with the small lake of STAGE 8 the Alpe Fora.

From the Cristina Refuge (2287 m) to Torre Santa STAGE 5 Maria (772 m) From Pal첫 Refuge (1947 m) to Marinelli Refuge (2813 m) Difference in altitude: -1500 m; Route time: Difference in altitude: +1400 m /-600 m; Route time: 4.00 h 5.00 h Conclusive stage, characterised by the rewarding view This stage enters into the heart of the Pizzo Bernina group over almost all of the route followed.

(4050 m), the highest summit of the Alpi Retiche, to the presence of the great glacial circles of the Scerscen.

Valmalenco allows for over 100 excursions. You are allowed to choose, according to a great deal of combinations, within the close net of muletracks and pathways covering the whole valley, to explore inhabited centres, through the woods, mountain pastures and high altitude environments. There is enough for all kinds of needs and ages.

The territory morphology also allows to plan ring excursions that are the most recommended as well as the most rewarding, in that they always offer new sceneries, since return pathways are always different from those of the way out. Here are some of them. Obviously, they aren’t the only possible ones, but just a taste. Have a nice excursion!

Chosen for you

Visit the website www.sentieridivalmalenco.it

1 THE SOAPSTONE CIVILISATION 4 THE HIDDEN LAKE Chiesa - Alpe Lago - Soapstone quarry - Alpe Pirlo - Primolo Carotte - Alpe Senevedo superiore - Alpe Entova - Alpe Palolungo - Chiesa - Carotte Difference in altitude: + 640 m; route time: 4.30 h.

Difference in altitude: + 400 m; route time: 3.30 h.

At 1100 m altitude on the road for Primolo, the hairpin bend Beyond Carotte (1500 m) enter the trail that shortly leads to the turns into the trail that leads visitors amidst larch and mugo Alpe Palolungo (1657 m), veering left, and rising in the woods to pines to the beautiful basin of Alpe Lago (1614 m). From the Alpe Senevedo superiore (1796 m). Then follow the trail that the small church, take a right to reach a group of mountain returns southwards to reach Lake Entova (1862 m). This is an huts, above which we can see the quarries from where the immensely restful and evocative secluded lake. Nearby is the trail soapstone used to be extracted. A short distance on, we skirt that descends from the Alpe Entova to lead once again to the Alpe the plateau of Alpe Pirlo (1619 m), from where the descent to Palolungo.

Primolo begins.

5 THE HORSES OF MUSELLA Franscia - Alpe Foppa - Alpe Musella - Alpe Campascio - Dosso 2 EXPLORING THE GLACIER Chiareggio - Forbesina - Alpe Sentieri - Alpe Zocca - Alpe dei Vetti - Franscia Ventina - Chiareggio Difference in altitude: + 500 m; route time: 3.30 h.

Difference in altitude: + 600 m; route time: 3.30 h From the car park at Franscia (1557 m) a paved mule track opens From Chiareggio (1612 m) we reach Forbesina from where, on the right that leads to the Alpe Foppa (1857 m). Continuing to having crossed a small wooden bridge over the stream, we the left we arrive at the plain of the Alpe Musella (2,020m). It is follow a series of sharp bends through a forest of fir and larch not uncommon to chance upon herds of blonde Avelignese horses to the Alpe Sentieri (2031 m). Continue to Alpe Zocca (2198 on the pastures opposite the group of refuges. Passing in front of m) to then go downhill in steep zig-zags to Alpe Ventina the Musella Refuge we descend to the Alpe Campascio (1844 m).

(1960 m). Beyond the bridge, go right towards the glacier Having crossed the bridge over the stream we continue along the until you meet the Sentiero glaciologico (glacier path). level track to the Dosso dei Vetti (1,813 m). From here the return to Franscia is not far.

3 THE FLOWER TRAIL 6 THE LITTLE CHURCH IN RIVA ALL’ALPE Chiareggio - Alpe dell’Oro - Val Nevasco - Alpe Fora Chiareggio Alpe Largone inferiore - Alpe Largone superiore - Alpe Acquanegra Difference in altitude: + 550 m; route time: 4.30 h.

- Alpe Prabello - Sasso dell’Agnello - Alpe Largone inferiore From Chiareggio (1612 m) we reach Pian del Lupo, where Difference in altitude: + 500 m; route time: 4.00 h. we come across the mule tracks for the Muretto Pass that From the sharp bend at the Ristoro Largone (1825 m) we reach rises to Alpe dell’Oro (2010 m). Leaving the road, we curve Alpe Largone inferiore. Go up the slope amidst sparse larch and strongly right, leading to the Alpine refuges. Continuing rocky bands as far as the Alpe Largone superiore (2064 m). Having along we reach the Piana dell’Oro where begins the crossing passed a marshy zone we reach the Alpe Acquanegra refuges (2116 that leads to the Val Nevasco. Having passed the stream m). Veering left along the track of the Alta Via we arrive at the little and bypassed a ridge, we reach the Alpe Fora (2053 m). Go church of the Alpe Prabello (2250 m). It seems like a lake of grass, downhill along the pastures and veer right into the woods at with the church and the Cristina Refuge rising on its shore. Having a signposted junction to Chiareggio. crossed the plateau northwards, go left at the junction, to then go down along the steep valley to the Sasso dell’Agnello, from where you can shortly return to the departure point.

1 LA GRAN VIA DELLE OROBIE This represents the main hiking route of the Orobie Valtellinesi Park. It is developed over 130 Km, from Delebio to the Aprica maintaining an average altitude of around 1,800 m. In the Territory of the Mandamento di Sondrio the trail crosses at altitude all of the lateral valleys that overlook the Valtellina.

2 PIZZO MERIGGIO Difference in altitude: + 1087 m from 1271 to 2358 m; route time: 4 h.

Leaving the car in the open square in the locality of Campelli, follow along a dirt road. Continue on into the larch woods and follow the old mule tracks. The dirt road is intersected several times, where you leave it to continue along a level section towards a saddle, from which, along the crest, you touch upon the basin where the Baita della Piada mountain hut is found (2107 m). The whole layout of the easy final crest is now visible.

The Orobie Alps and the park 3 CAPANNA MAMBRETTI Difference in altitude: + 775 m from 1228 to 2,003 m; route time: 3 h.

From Agneda ascend towards Lake Scais, continuing to follow the road leads up the valley to a bridge over the stream Caronno. There take a left and continue uphill on the opposite slope.

Having reached the lake (1494 m), we follow its coastline to the left. You then come across the trail that rises in the direction of the Baite Caronno mountain hut (1612 m); once crossed the summer pasture and continuing on in increasingly sparse vegetation, the refuge (2003 m) will be visible after a small canal, and can be reached in a few minutes.

4 VAL VEDELLO From Lake Scais 1494 m, follow the coast to the right of the dam, to reach the opening to the Val Vedello. Several ascents are possible from here, the most rewarding of which include reaching the Cima Soliva (2710 m) and the Pizzo del Salto (2665 m) and other smaller peaks.

5 DONATI REFUGE Difference in altitude: + 1,658 m from 850 to 2,508m; route time: 5 h.

At the entrance to Aringa take the turn that leads to Briotti; turn into a trail that rises with some sharp bends and follow along the coast in a southerly direction. You reach the pastures of the Baita Spanone (1559 m), a little further along enter a rising valley by which the first Santo Stefano (1848 m) dam is reached by foot. Continuing along an easy level road the trail reaches the Valle di Quai, passing a little below the mountain hut of the same name. Having gone around Lake Reguzzo on the right, the trail veers left to reach the refuge.

The Orobie Alps are the mountain chain marking the border between the province of Sondrio and the province of Bergamo; they extend for about 50 Km in a sequence of peaks culminating in 3052 m of Pizzo di Coca. Since this territory is characterized by an integral and wild environment, it needed to be protected and safeguarded; Il Parco delle Orbie Valtellinesi resulted from this need. Downstream vegetation is rich in broad-leaf woods; it is rich in Norway spruce wood in the upper mountain horizon followed by alpine meadows that are rich in typical flora. The presence of alpine flora is remarkable; it is peopled by chamois, deer and roe deer along with rock goat that was recently reintroduced; there are also many grouses and predatory animals. This mountain area offers the chance to take excursions of different difficulty in level, from simple walks to real demanding excursions for expert climbers, for rock-climbers and for those people who are keen on mountain bike.

Valtellina path in Sondrio

GREENERY, ROCK, WATER... the kingdom of sport!

Valmalenco and Sondrio have more to offer than just trekking and excursions.

There are countless opportunities to experience the mountain at 360째.

From classic mountaineering, to the adrenalin pumping canyoning, from the sports- climbing cliffs to trails suitable for both mountain biking and Nordic walking. The map at the side will enable you to identify the zones where you can best experience the mountain with your favourite sport.

Mountain bike Thanks to the numerous trails recently set out and the wide mule tracks, the Valmalenco is also suitable for all mountain bike lovers.

The uphill stretches can be strenuous to varying degrees, depending on where you set off. The classic climbs connect Chiesa in Valmalenco to Chiareggio, via Primolo and San Giuseppe, by the road used in winter for cross country. From Chiareggio you can reach the Alpe Ventina or Alpe dell’Oro, as far as the Muretto Pass, the Italian-Swiss mountain border post. The basin of the Alpe di Campagneda is extremely panoramic and suitable also for anyone on their first time out. Other destinations, for fitter legs, are Lake PalÚ and the Motta summit or the former Scerscen refuge, along the mule track that rises next to the Longoni refuge. Finally, the areas of Arcoglio and Alpe Musella are very popular and can be reached along the valley bed, for the better bikers, or also by getting a little bit closer by car. A well signposted trail allows visitors to follow the entire valley bed next to the Adda. This is the Sentiero Valtellina, a level route suitable for all.

Climbing There are numerous opportunities for lovers of this discipline. Serpentine is the most widespread rock type in Valmalenco . There are numerous cliffs both for fledglings and for the better climbers.

The prominent cliffs of Campo Moro with the Deposito degli Inerti and dello Zoia will be able to satisfy any visitor. The Zoia represents an excellent natural gym for anyone who wishes to train and improve in a unique natural environment. The country’s best athletes, and others besides, often meet here.

Other popular spots are the cliffs of the Val Poschiavina, the Campo Moro dam, the Torrione Porro and the Sentinella della Vergine, close to the Porro and Ventina refuge.

Visitors can enjoy “bouldering” in the Spriana rocks or in the artificial gym of the “al Pradasc” sports centre in Lanzada where there is also a gym for all levels.

Alpinism

Canyoning Classical mountain climbing in Valmalenco originated at the end of 1800s. Nowadays, thanks to invaluable aid of the refuges, the routes leading to the peaks of the Bernina, Disgrazia and Scalino chains are very popular.

The star of Valmalenco is without doubt Pizzo Bernina, which is the highest peak of the central-eastern Alps, owing to its altitude of 4059 metres.

Among the last seasons’ most fashionable disciplines, the Valmalenco also offers a ripe playground for canyoning enthusiasts.

With its typically green rocks, such as serpentinite, the Valmalenco represents a exclusive land of its kind. This is a unique setting in the Alps with fantastic play of light on the rock artfully modelled like a sculpture and the emerald green water. The Cormor, a river with many underground stretches, makes the descent as challenging as it is thrilling, and the Valmalenco alpine guides are on hand to provide any information and organise specific descents.

Soverna

Ravè

Ligari

1092

Aschieri

1018

570

Prati Vesolo

Barboni

Bassola

45

Ronchi Triangina

398

898

Gatti

Mulini

760

Mossini M

Ca’ Baratta

Triangia

Pradella di sopra 722

785

Riatti

Zoia Moroni

S.Anna

S.

Colombera 470

Pradella di sotto

533

Cam

Gualzi

Piatta

La Ganda 519

Castellina 432

Triasso

Sassella 330

Sondr

Ca’ di Tarc

Sondr io and its trails

The trail system, that rises from Sondrio to the districts, corresponds to the historical road 55 system that was of considerable importance for Ponchiera i local mobility in the past. A visit to the history Maioni and art Museum, to Palazzo Sassi and to Castel Gombaro Masegra will give visitors a better understanding of the history of the city. The track known as “the path of memory” covers all of the main settlements as far back as the prehistoric settlements.

Structures of the wall belt from the 4th century, Bartolomeo traces of buildings perhaps from the Roman era, and traces of settlement of the Iron age have mpoledro been discovered. Furthermore, the trail passes by the interesting little 15th century church of S. Bartolomeo. Its interior, which is bare today, has traces of early frescoes. At the foot of the church, towards the valley, is a small archaeological site, a “giant’s pot” that is used today as a rain water tank for the underlying vineyards.

Close to Triangia we come across a medium sized glacial erratic that features a constellation of cup and ring marks in the upper face. This constitutes one of the main testaments of prehistoric man that has been discovered to date in the surrounds of Sondrio. Finally, surrounded by vineyards is the little sanctuary, Santuario della Madonna della Sassella, dating back to the 15th century and decorated with frescoes of considerable value.

rio

P.so del Muretto

2562

Rusca

M. del Forno

Sasso Nero

3214

2917

Chiareggio 1612

Franscia

S. Giuseppe

1502

1433

M. Sissone 3331

Lanzada

P.zo Scalino 3223

Caspoggio

M. Disgrazia

1098

Chiesa Valmalenco

3678

1000

Corni Bruciati 3180

Torre S.Maria Spriana

M. Rolla 2277

Monastero Pedemonte Berbenno

Mossini

Postalesio Castione Polaggia

Colorina

Cedrasco

Poggiridenti Tresivio

Teglio Ponte

Chiuro

SONDRIO

S.Pietro Fusine

Montagna

Caiolo

San Giacomo Albosaggia

Faedo

Piateda Castello dell’Acqua

path This trail, starting from Sondrio - the principal town of the province - heads for the valley of the river Mallero (Valmalenco), the Muretto Pass (m. 2562) and after crossing the Muretto valley on the Swiss side of the mountain, reaches the Maloja Pass (m. 1815). It is then possible to proceed in Swiss territory.

The trail takes its name from Nicolò Rusca (1563-1618), the high priest of Sondrio who lived during the years of the religious tensions between catholic and protestant factions. The different sides of this region, with its rich local history and breath-taking panoramas, can be discover thanks to the Rusca trail, the direct link between the heart of Valtellina and the territories that once belonged to the Free State of the Three Leagues, when the Grisons ruled these lands.

Valte llina path This trail, running along the river Adda, crosses the valley of the province of Sondrio. The Valtellina path offers the chance not only to practice sports - ranging from jogging to cycling, from canoeing to kayaking - but also to get familiar with environmental issues regarding the safeguard of the rich environmental heritage of this area. As a matter of fact, in order to pave this trail, it was necessary to clean up an abandoned river area, bringing it back to its old splendour and contributing to the safeguard of several species that would otherwise be endangered. A family-friendly trail perfect for Sunday walks, the Valtellina path attracts more and more people, who meet at the many rest areas equipped with playground toys, tables, benches and barbecues. The Valtellina Path will lead you to a wide range of experiences, such as in Caiolo, where it runs along the golf club and the airfield.

Mountain Shelters The area features a number of welcoming Alpine shelters at different altitudes, so travellers and Alpine enthusiasts heading to a number of different destinations can find comfortable lodging. These hotels and lodges are renowned for their excellent traditional cuisine, and the family atmosphere that sets Valmalenco apart. This means, for first-time visitors and expert Alpine climbers alike, Valmalenco will give you a hearty welcome thanks to its incredible mountains and friendly people.

Gerli 1965 m

Cà Runcasch 2170 m

AY VERYD

PEN E

phone 347 9804889 O sleeping places 45 manager: Giancarlo Sertore www.caruncasch.it info@caruncasch.it

phone 0342 451404 sleeping places 92 manager: Floriano Lenatti (Guida Alp.) phone 0342 556153 - 329 4159404 info@rifugiogerliporro.it

Marco e Rosa 3610 m

Tartaglione-Crispo 1800 m

phone 0342 515370 sleeping places 50 manager: G.Lenatti “Bianco” (Guida Alp.) phone 347 2563096 biancoextrem@libero.it

phone 347 8508896 sleeping places 19 manager: Tecla Fanoni rachelefanoni@yahoo.it

Ventina 1975 m

Zoia 2021 m

phone 0342 451458 sleeping places 46 manager: Diego Lenatti phone 0342 451072 - 348 8141955 www.rifugioventina.it -info@rifugioventina.it

phone 0342 451405 sleeping places 60 manager: Bergomi Emanuele e Fabio phone 349 0061085 www.rifugiozoia.it - rifugiozoia@gmail.com

Bernina Group 4050 m V A

L M

A

L

Skiarea

E O N C

Disgrazia Group 3678 m

Sondrio, capital city of the Province, is positioned at the Command Centre, and can easily be reached:

By Train from Milano via Lecco from Chiavenna via Colico from Switzerland via St Moritz and Tirano

Sondrio

By Plane From the main airports in Lombardy, connected via convenient shuttle service at the Milan Central Train Station Distance from the main airports: Linate - Sondrio: 135 km Malpensa - Sondrio: 170 km Bergamo Orio al Serio - Sondrio: 120 km

By Car From Milano via Lecco

Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi

From Brescia and Bergamo via Lecco or the San Marco Pass.

From Switzerland via the Spluga, Maloja, or Bernina Pass, or the Del Gallo and Livigno Pass.

From Austria via the Stelvio Pass.

Tourist Office in Sondrio Via Tonale 13 - 23100 Sondrio Tourist Office in Valmalenco Loc. Vassalini - 23023 Chiesa V. tel. +39 0342 451150 fax +39 0342 573472 www.sondrioevalmalenco.it info@sondrioevalmalenco.it

Sondrio - Albosaggia - Berbenno di Valtellina - Caiolo - Caspoggio - Castello dell’Acqua Castione Andevenno - Cedrasco - Chiesa in Valmalenco - Chiuro - Colorina - Faedo Valtellino - Fusine - Lanzada - Montagna in Valtellina - Piateda - Poggiridenti Ponte in Valtellina - Postalesio - Spriana - Torre di Santa Maria - Tresivio