Nature
reigns supreme in the commune of Valdisotto, a narrow ribbon of tranquillity
that follows the course of the river Adda and links Bormio with the rest of
Valtellina.
It’s an
area for spending 365 days a year outdoors, making the most of its dramatic
scenery and luxuriant vegetation, shaped by Alpine lakes, valleys, burbling
streams and natural springs – the freshest kind that you find in the bottles of
Levissima.
During the
summer months when everything is in bloom, the natural beauty of the Stelvio
National Park and the Riserva Naturale del Paluaccio is captivating. By foot or
by bike, you can take in the many picturesque sights in both locations – the
Sentiero Calosio and the Sentiero Valtellina can be taken at pace or at your
leisure, filling your lungs with invigorating mountain air. For mountain
bikers, there are trails and terrain to suit all tastes and skill levels.
As snow
settles on the meadows and pine trees, snowshoes and skis of all disciplines
are warmly welcomed. The ski slopes of Oga/San Colombano form part of the wider
Valdidentro ski zone, catering for keen amateurs and experts.
For a
taste of history, visit the Forte Venini di Oga, a military outpost built at
the beginning of the 20th century, as well as Cepina’s small church of San
Bartolomeo de Castelàz that miraculously came out unscathed from the calamitous
1987 Val Pola landslide and subsequent flooding that dramatically impacted the
entire valley. Next to the Church of S. Maria Assunta in Cepina, you’ll find
the ossuary and its ornate 18th-century iron gates, the only one of its kind in
the province of Sondrio.
For anyone
holidaying in Valdisotto, you’ll be hard pressed not to be swept up by its
exuberant social and cultural offerings, with everything from concerts,
festivals, conferences and street parties with night-time markets and shows.
Standout events include Cepina’s Notte Blu, held each year on Ferragosto (15th
August), and Oga’s Sagra del Perseghin festival, where chanterelle mushrooms
take centre-stage.
Info: www.bormio.eu / www.visitvaldisotto.it
