Valtellina is the ideal setting for a wide range of physical activities, starting with climbing and mountaineering.
The main
climbing walls are to be found in Val Masino, which is famous for being the
climbing valley par excellence. With granite boulders of all shapes and sizes
scattered about like rough diamonds, there is something for everyone, from
absolute beginners to experts who want to test themselves on some of the more
challenging routes, or even open new ones.
Sasso Remenno
is a must. The biggest boulder in Europe, this monolithic giant measures over 1
million cubic metres and was once part of the Valle di Preda. Shepherds were
the first to conquer it, expending an extraordinary amount of effort to etch
stairs into its western face, which are still the easiest way to reach the
top.
At the end of
the valley is Val di Mello, a “little Yosemite” for pro climbers who have left
their mark on its massive granite walls. The sheer cliffs are internationally
renowned for friction climbing. These are not climbs for the faint hearted and
are quite possibly what makes Val di Mello such a Mecca for today’s climbers.
For more information, visit the official website of Val Masino
When granite
just isn’t enough, mountaineering will take you to greater heights so you can
conquer spectacular peaks that are the stuff of legends, from the Bernina range
to Monte Disgrazia, the Tredici Cime, Gran Zebrù and Monte Cevedale.
Mountaineering is incredibly nuanced. Each mountaineer brings to it their own
personality, meaning and motivations. Some say it is more about the soul than
the legs. The many refuges and Alpine guides of Valtellina promote
mountaineering as a sport that offers closer contact with nature than any
other. Contacting Guides will ensure your expedition is completely safe.
Moving from up above to down below, rather than the other way around, is what excites paragliders. In Valtellina there are innumerable launching spots that offer an exhilarating airborne flight over the stunning landscape. If, on the other hand, you would feel safer with four hooves planted firmly on the ground, then horse-riding might be just the thing for you. An infinite number of tracks wind through the province at various altitudes. You can ride from the banks of the Adda river on the valley floor through meadows, woodlands and Alpine pastures.
