One
of the top picks in Lower Valtellina, Val Masino is surely one of the most
enticing and exhilarating side valleys – especially given the breathtaking
scenery found within Val di Mello. Littered with huge granite boulders, this
valley arguably has as much to offer to those who like to scale rock faces as
it does to hikers. Val Masino is narrow to begin with, before widening and
branching east and north-eastwards to Sasso Bisolo-Preda Rossa and Val di
Mello, which stretch up to the foot of Monte Disgrazia, the region’s highest
mountain at 3,678 m.s.l, and to the west with the Valle dei Bagni (the Baths)
and Val Porcellizzo.
CLIMBING, ALPINISM AND HIKING IN VAL MASINO
Alpinism
and rock climbing are often the first association that people make with Val
Masino. Home to masses of boulders that litter the landscape, including Sasso
Remenno, the biggest erratic boulder in Europe, it all adds up to create a
natural outdoor gym that attracts avid climbers and bouldering fans from all
over the world.
When
it comes to vertical gain, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Val Masino. From
Pizzo Badile to the many now-legendary routes you can climb with or without
ropes, its menu of hiking and climbing routes is hard to beat. Trofeo Kima is a
major event that comes to town every two years and follows the challenging Sentiero
Roma, one of the most important high-altitude Alpine routes. For more
family-friendly options, pick a hiking trail that winds through the
woodland, past the rocks, babbling brooks, waterfalls and crystal-clear water.
While
a Val Masino summer is all about being blown away by the wilderness, you can
justifiably choose to spend winter under cover, opting for shelter inside
Filorera’s Centro Polifunzionale della Montagna – an indoor climbing centre
with 350 square metres of wall surface to play on. Back outdoors, there are
also wintery walks suitable for all levels.
- Sasso Remenno, the biggest erratic boulder in Europe
- Pizzo Badile
Val di Mello, a natural jewel in Val Masino
Founded in 2009, the Riserva Naturale della Val di Mello is the biggest conservation area in Lombardy and is well worth a visit.
Info: www.valmasino.info
- A glimpse of the amazing Val di Mello, the largest natural reserve in Lombardy
