Trekking in Valmalenco

Does Valmalenco offer the valley’s best hiking? Tough question. This valley arguably has the highest number of mountain huts – rifugi – and no shortage of hiking trails, so it is certainly in the running to battle for the title.  

One must-do route, which can also be broken down into bite-size chunks or day-long hikes, is the 100km-plus Alta Via della Valmalenco. As most of this long-distance Alpine route is staggeringly high (hovering around 2,000 metres of altitude), you can expect spectacular views – just make sure you watch your footing.  

There aren’t many Alpine valleys that can boast as many stunning peaks as Valtellina does – and even fewer that can rival Valmalenco, which boasts the grandiose glacier top of Monte Disgrazia, the Bernina Range and Pizzo Scalino. What’s more, this valley also happens to be full of crystalline Alpine lakes and high-altitude pastures that reinvigorate both body and mind with fresh Alpine air. If you’re looking to get back to nature, Valmalenco’s natural playground with its huge trail network should be your first stop.