The Alta Via della Valmalenco is a
long-distance hike that goes hut-to-hut at a high altitude and covers more than
100 km in total. Undoubtedly one of the most monumental routes in the region,
Valmalenco puts on a show with constant panoramic views and rugged peaks.
Typically split into eight stages, many hikers keep things simple with an
eight-day hike, but it can be traversed at any pace, split into smaller loops,
or covered in individual sections.
Starting from what is typically
stage two, the Alta Via traverses high above the tree-line at an elevation of
2,000 metres-plus, offering ever-changing and impressive Valtellina views. Keep
an eye out for Chiareggio, Lago Palù, the dams of Campo Moro and the glaciers
of Disgrazia, Bernina and Scalino.
STAGE 1, TORRE DI SANTA MARIA - RIFUGIO BOSIO
Total ascent in metres: 1694 m
Min. elevation: 801 m
Max. elevation: 2460 m
Distance: 13 km 65 m
STAGE 2, RIFUGIO BOSIO - RIFUGIO ALPE VENTINA
Total ascent in metres: 1157 m
Min. elevation: 1600 m
Max. elevation: 2662 m
Distance: 14 km 31 m
STAGE 3, ALPE VENTINA - CHIAREGGIO
Total ascent in metres: 917 m - 1313 m
Min. elevation: 1573 m
Max. elevation: 2546 m
Distance: 13 km 658 m
STAGE 4, CHIAREGGIO - RIFUGIO PALU'
Total ascent in metres: 1125 m
Min. elevation: 1601 m
Max. elevation: 2431 m
Distance: 13 km 167 m
STAGE 5, RIFUGIO PALU' - RIFUGIO MARINELLI
Total ascent in metres: 1417 m
Min. elevation: 1824 m
Max. elevation: 2907 m
Distance: 11 km 922 m
STAGE 6, RIFUGIO MARINELLI - RIFUGIO BIGNAMI
Total ascent in metres: 250 m - 688 m
Min. elevation: 2381 m
Max. elevation: 2620 m
Distance: 4 km 844 m
STAGE 7, RIFUGIO BIGNAMI - RIFUGIO CRISTINA
Total ascent in metres: 611 m
Min. elevation: 2136 m
Max. elevation: 2620 m
Distance: 13 km 704 m
STAGE 8, RIFUGIO CRISTINA - CASPOGGIO
Total ascent in metres: 164 m - 1271 m
Min. elevation: 1100 m
Max. elevation: 2236 m
Distance: 11 km 828 m
