SKIING IN MADESIMO - VALCHIAVENNA, A JEWEL FOR FAMILIES AND FREERIDERS
Only 130 km from the city of Milan you can reach the Skiarea Madesimo-Valchiavenna. A small pearl of skiing located in the Italian Alps, a few kilometers from the Spluga Pass and Switzerland.
The Ski resort Madesimo - Valchiavenna offers completely renovated quality lifts and has as its point of reference the village of Madesimo, located at 1500 meters above sea level and the slopes of Mount Groppera 2948 meters above sea level.
- SNOW REPORT MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA
- WHAT TO DO IN MADESIMO
- WHERE TO SLEEP IN MADESIMO
- HOW TO GET TO THE MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA
The slopes of Madesimo and the entire Valchiavenna ski area can be reached quickly from Campodolcino by the Ski Express funicular, parking and ascent are included in the price of the ski pass. The slopes can meet the needs of every type of skier, but this resort is not to be missed for freeriders.
Moreover, in Madesimo it is possible to forget the car because all the slopes lead to the village, where it is possible to walk quietly on skis and easily reach your accommodation. All this makes Madesimo ideal for family stays.
NUMBERS: 37km of slopes, 12 lifts, from 1550m to 2948m - Nordic Ski Slopes - Itineraries for Freeriders.
"On the slopes of Madesimo we learned to ski, and then begin the adventures of freeriding on the legendary routes Canalone, Camosci, Cavallina, Giro dell'Angeloga and then undertake the ski mountaineering in Valle Spluga, on the slopes of lace Tambò, Suretta, Ferrè, and Stella.
The area of Madesimo is not very large, compared to other areas of the Alps, but it contains in a small space all the fun of skiing, ensuring it even to the most demanding.
Those who do not ski can reach Montespluga, when there is no wind, where you can walk, cross-country, start ski mountaineering routes or simply drink hot herbal tea or have lunch at the hotel Posta and the restaurant La Capriata. On foot you can reach in about 30 minutes the customs and the border with Switzerland, walking along the road SS36 completely covered with snow."
Lorenzo e Paolo
Reaching the top of Pizzo Groppera (2848 a.s.l.) by cable car, you can immediately walk along the legendary "Canalone" of Madesimo, an unbeaten ski itinerary where you can let off steam your desire for off-piste skiing, looking for a new "line" for each descent.
A peculiarity of the Skiarea Valchiavenna is the fact that it has exposed slopes both on the southern and northern side of the Alps, with the relative advantage of being able to benefit from the snowfalls coming from both cardinal points. For a break on the slopes, there are also refuges where you can taste the typical specialties, including the famous pizzoccheri of Valtellina and the Bresaola preserved in the "Crotti" of the Valley.
NORDIC SKIING IN MADESIMO
The ski area of Madesimo and Valchiavenna offers some cross-country skiing itineraries.
At Madesimo in the valley bottom, at Motta di Campodolcino near the arrival of the ski express, at Campodolcino near the river and of course on Lake Montespluga which is also the longest ring.
A small ring is prepared in the locality of Gualdera in the municipality of Campodolcino, an ideal place for walks in the woods up to Bondeno.
SNOW REPORT MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA
When the snow conditions allow it, freeriders can also venture along the wild Angeloga Tour, which starting from Pizzo Groppera allows you to reach the small village of Fraciscio, skiing in front of Pizzo Stella and near the Angeloga Alp, ending with the narrow channel of the river Rabbiosa.
However, it is necessary to consider the "mountaineering" component of this itinerary, and we recommend to be accompanied by an Alpine Guide.
- ADD MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA TO YOUR MYALPS WISHLIST
- MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA
https://www.exploralp.com/travel/airports-of-the-alps/itemlist/user/111-superuser?start=8#sigProId10b6444b9a
WHAT TO DO IN MADESIMO AND IN THE NEARBY REGION
IN THE VILLAGE
1. Enjoy the slopes and ski itineraries of the Madesimo-Valchiavenna ski area.
2. Winter and summer walk in Montespluga and at the Spluga Pass.
3. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the valley and on the Andossi.
4. Adventure along the famous Canalone and the Angeloga Tour.
5. Aperitifs and typical cuisine in the restaurants of Madesimo and Campodolcino.
6. Excursion with children to Lago Azzurro, near Motta Alta.
7. Visit the naturalistic garden of Val Cava.
IN THE NEARBY REGION
1. The Acquafraggia waterfall in Piuro, an amazing spectacle of the nature.
2. Vertemate Franchi Palace, in the town of Piuro (5km from Chiavenna), a fascinating villa of the XVI century, with an italian garden.
3. Visit the "Palaz" and the "Ca Bardassa" historical Museum in Campodolcino.
4. Canyoning adventure in river of Val Bodengo.
5. The log and historical trails of Via Spluga and Via Bregaglia.
6. Bike to the Como lake. 25 km from Chiavenna following a new bike road, beside river Mera and lake Novate.
7. Ski, Freeride and Alpinism in Valle Spluga, Piz Tambo, Piz Suretta and Piz Ferrè.
8. Visit the Crotti of Chiavenna and taste the typical Brisaola.
9. A short trip to Switzerland across the Spluga pass to visit Splugen, the Via Mala and the Andeer Therme.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MADESIMO AND VALLE SPLUGA - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
Madesimo is a mountain village that offers a hotels B&B and holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the Valle Spluga.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Madesimo and Valle Spluga and book the best solution for You, using this link:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN MADESIMO
HOW TO GET TO MADESIMO AND VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA
Situated between Lake Como and the Spluga Pass, Madesimo can be reached by car via the SS36 road. Madesimo is connected by bus to Chiavenna and in summer also to nearby Switzerland, through the Spluga Pass (closed in winter).
Skiers wishing to reach the slopes of the ski area Madesimo - Valchiavenna in a day, can easily park their car at the Ski-Express Campodolcino and reach the slopes by funicular. Parking and the trip with the ski-express of Campodolcino are included in the ski-pass.
The ski express reaches Motta di Campodolcino, where you can immediately ski, also the area has restaurants and small outdoor activities for children.
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:
ZHR - Zurich airport 4,00h (IN WINTER)
MXP - Milan Malpensa airport 2,00h
LIN - Milan Linate airport 2,00h
BGY - Milan Bergamo airport 2,00h
DON'T MISS THIS SITE OF THE ALPS
SAVE IT NOW. It is Easy! Just Log-in your MyAlps personal area and then Add it to your MyExplorAlp Wishlist using the follow botton:
Are You not registered to Myalps yet? Do it here: MyAlps
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT MADESIMO VALCHIAVENNA SKI AREA?
CONTACT US NOW or let Your precious comment or suggestion in the follow Comment Form of this page.
KITESURF AND WINDSURF IN ALTO LARIO, IN THE WATERS OF LAKE COMO
Everyone here knows the "Breva", the wind coming from the south that blows in the northern area of Lake Como, the Alto Lario, a true guarantee for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
During the summer the "Breva" guarantees pure fun, for many hours of the day, from mid-morning to late afternoon.
So, where can you practice kitesurfing and windsurfing on Lake Como?
The villages and lidos of Gera Lario, Domaso, Colico, and Sorico, located in the northern area of Lake Como, called Alto Lario, are perfect places for kitesurfers and windsurfers, especially those coming from northern Europe.
"The Alto Lario is our lake, from Chiavenna is only 20 minutes by car or train. We know it well and for us it means evening walks, aperitifs, mountain bike excursions, water sports, canoeing, a nice pizza in front of the lake or an excellent risotto with perch, not to be missed.
In winter the area is quiet, but the slopes of Mount Sasso Canale, above Gera Lario, give us every year an exciting alpine ski tour overlooking the lake "
Paolo
Campsites, newly equipped areas, sailing schools, rental facilities, allow an absolute fun and thanks to the new redevelopment of the beaches and cycle paths of Colico and Gera Lario, large public areas have been used for recreation and relaxation in the open air, facing the waters of Lake Como.
The Alto Lario is popular, but not like the Lake Garda area that suffers from crowdedness during the high season, so it can be the perfect destination for just a few hours of relaxation in the sun, until sunset, the best time for an aperitif.
The whole area of the upper Lake Como has a strong vocation for sports tourism, both at the lake and on the surrounding mountains.
MTB routes and long bike paths, trekking on the high streets, relaxation on the shores or tastings in restaurants and typical farmhouses and finally for a few weeks also winter scenic excursions on the snow with skis or snowshoes.
WHERE TO GO WINDSURFING, KITESURFING OR SUNBATHING?
Lido di Colico, Lido di Gera Lario, Lido di Domaso, free equipped green areas, lakefront. In these places, there are also public or private outdoor swimming pools with entrance fees.
SAILING AND KITESURFING AT THE PARÈ BAY
In the area of Lecco, the southern part of Lake Como, you can have fun on the waves of the lake, with sailboats, kites, and windsurfing at the Parè Bay, located between Malgrate and Valmadrera.
- ADD KITE AND WIND SURF IN ALTO LARIO TO YOUR MYALPS WISHLIST
- MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT KITE AND WIND SURF IN ALTO LARIO
https://www.exploralp.com/travel/airports-of-the-alps/itemlist/user/111-superuser?start=8#sigProId1e07222486
WHAT TO DO IN ALTO LARIO AND IN THE NEARBY AREA
IN THE ALTO LARIO
1. Enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing on the waters of Lake Como, pushed by the "Breva".
2. Enjoy the sun and a swim in the shores of Colico, Sorico Domaso, and Gera Lario.
3. Take off from Montemezzo with your paraglider and fly over Lake Como.
4. Enjoy the typical cuisine of the farmhouses and do not miss the typical fish of the lake.
5. Aperitif at sunset at Lido di Colico (Ontano area).
6. Cycling excursions in the natural park of Pian di Spagna.
IN THE NEARBY AREA
1. Take a boat from the beautiful Varenna to Bellagio.
2. Visit the militay fort of Montecchio in Colico.
3. Kitesurf and windsurf in Colico and Gera Lario.
4. A panoramic excursion to the Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona.
5. Bike to the famous Bellagio across the hills and visit the museum of the bikers at the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.
7. Don't miss a visit of Como and Brunate.
8. MTB on the Tracciolino Trail.
9. Visit the Ossuccio and the Comacina island.
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE AREA
INFO AND BOOKING
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ALTO LARIO - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
Alto Lario is the area north of the Como lake where it is possible to find hotels and a good number of Campings, B&B and holiday houses.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Alto Lario and book the best solution for You, using this link:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN COLICO AND ALTO LARIO
HOW TO GET TO ALTO LARIO
The Alto Lario area includes the municipalities of the northern area of Lake Como, from Dongo to Gera Lario to the west and from Colico to Dervio to the east.
Colico can be easily reached by car via the highway SS36, by train directly from Milan, by bus and boat from Como.
The other villages are connected by bus and well connected by cycle paths
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:
MXP - Milan Malpensa airport 1,30h
LIN - Milan Linate airport 1,10h
BGY - Milan Bergamo airport 1,30h
DON'T MISS THIS SITE OF THE ALPS
SAVE IT NOW. It is Easy! Just Log-in your MyAlps personal area and then Add it to your MyExplorAlp Wishlist using the follow botton:
Are You not registered to Myalps yet? Do it here: MyAlps
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT ALTO LARIO?
CONTACT US NOW or let Your precious comment or suggestion in the follow Comment Form of this page.
ALTA VIA DEL LARIO: SOLITARY TREKKING AMONG THE LAKE COMO PEAKS
The Alta Via del Lario Occidentale is an old-fashioned route, not too difficult, but long and lonely, and can be covered in about four days. An experience for those who love nature, the never too harsh views of the Pre-Alps, the rural and not much-frequented area, and has good training.
The Alta Via del Lario Occidentale begins above the mountains of Gera Lario, alternatively a little further north, from Paiedo in Val Chiavenna.
- WHAT TO DO AND SEE ON THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO TRAIL
- WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO TRAIL
- HOW TO GET TO THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO TRAIL
The itinerary winds for about 60 km with a positive difference in height of almost 5000m and a maximum altitude of 2520m. The path is in some places exposed to equipped points, such as the Ferrata of the Ledù peak. The support points are few and often closed (it is, therefore, necessary to request the keys downstream).
The Ledù bivouac (about 8 places in a small sheet metal structure) is the first shelter and the only one always open, located immediately after the via Ferrata in an extremely solitary and panoramic place.
"The Alta Via del Lario was one of the first experiences we undertook with a good dose of youthful unconsciousness, in the late winter period. The Ledù via Ferrata with its snow and wind is unforgettable for us, but this spectacular itinerary, if followed from spring to autumn, offers wide pastures, ridges, passes, and long valleys.
A fantastic wilderness world on the edge of the sky to be covered slowly.
The icing on the cake, for us, was the dinner and the bottle of wine enjoyed at the refuge Menaggio after four days of walking "
Paolo
Along the Alta Via del Lario you will cross long valleys, in particular, the valley of Stazzona, you will cross many passes, entering Switzerland for a while and you will walk along some crests, reaching Monte Grona, the last peak of the itinerary, which overlooks the village of Menaggio.
From here you can end this fantastic experience by relaxing at the Rifugio Menaggio, with an excellent dinner and perhaps an overnight stay, to enjoy the fantastic night view over the villages of Lake Como, including the famous Bellagio.
https://www.exploralp.com/travel/airports-of-the-alps/itemlist/user/111-superuser?start=8#sigProId64351538d5
WHAT TO DO AND VISIT ON THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO AND IN THE NEARBY AREA
ON THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO TRAIL
1. Dive into the solitary nature between the valleys and the passes of the Alta Via del Lario.
2. Discover the first stretch of the Alta Via by visiting the Gera Lario Mountains.
3. Face the via Ferrata of the Ledù peak and spend the night in the panoramic Ledù bivouac.
4. Wild nature in the long valley of Stazzona.
5. Reach the top of Monte Grona, the last stage before descending to the valley.
6. Celebrate your adventure along the Alta Via with a dinner at the panoramic Menaggio refuge.
IN THE NEARBY AREA
1. Take a boat from the beautiful Varenna to Bellagio.
2. Visit the militay fort of Montecchio in Colico.
3. Kitesurf and windsurf in Colico and Gera Lario.
4. A panoramic excursion to the Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona.
5. Bike to the famous Bellagio across the hills and visit the museum of the bikers at the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.
7. Don't miss a visit of Como and Brunate.
8. MTB on the Tracciolino Trail.
9. Visit the Ossuccio and the Comacina island.
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE AREA
INFO AND BOOKING
WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
The Alta via del Lario is a long trail between the north area of the Como lake to Menaggio.
On the trail there are only few bivaoucs (in the beginning of the trail, the Ledu bivouac) and refuges (at the end of the trail the Rifugio Menaggio).
It is possible to find hotels and a number of B&B and holiday houses in the villages of the Como lake.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses nearby Domaso and book the best solution for You, using this link:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN DOMASO AND ALTO LARIO AREA
HOW TO GET TO THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO
The Alta Via del Lario can be started from the Gera Lario Mountains, 20 minutes by car from Gera, or Paiedo in Valchiavenna, both places reachable only by car.
The itinerary ends at the Monti di Breglia above Menaggio.
VIEW THE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF THE CAMP TO CAMP ROUTE
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:
MXP - Milan Malpensa airport 1,30h
LIN - Milan Linate airport 1,30h
BGY - Milan Bergamo airport 1,45h
DON'T MISS THIS ITINERARY OF THE ALPS
SAVE IT NOW. It is Easy! Just Log-in your MyAlps personal area and then Add it to your MyExplorAlp Wishlist using the follow botton:
Are You not registered to Myalps yet? Do it here: MyAlps
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE ALTA VIA DEL LARIO?
CONTACT US NOW or let Your precious comment or suggestion in the follow Comment Form of this page.
SIGHIGNOLA THE BALCONY OF ITALY IN VAL D’INTELVI
Sighignola is a fantastic viewpoint located at 1320m in the upper Val d'Intelvi, a side valley of Lake Como.
This natural terrace is not a popular destination for traditional tourist circuits. The viewpoint faces west directly on the border with Switzerland, overlooking Lake Lugano, Lugano city, Campione d'Italia and the Monte Rosa group until you see the Cervino-Matterhorn.
- WHAT TO DO AT THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA
- WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE SIGHIGNOLA
- HOW TO GET TO THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA
Thanks to an asphalted road it is possible to reach Sighignola from Porlezza or Argegno, even if the last part of the road is quite narrow and steep.
Once you reach the car park at the top, you can reach in a few steps a large terrace where the Italian flag flies and just below there is another panoramic terrace in Swiss territory, where there is also a small playground for children.
The panorama is exceptional both during the day and at night, with the contrast of colors between the sky, the mountains and the lake of Lugano. A play of lights reflected in the waters of the lake, all surrounded by the frame of the Western Alps.
"Wandering around the lake with four Belgian friends on board, I left Porlezza on my way up the road to the Intelvi valley.
The companions of adventure, accustomed to the plains of northern Europe, were quite worried.
The arrival in Sighignola and the view from the balcony of Italy left everyone amazed and enthusiastic about this fantastic place hidden in the woods.
We had a cool beer at the Baita di Lanzo, which ended our afternoon in joy"
Paolo
From the car park, you can also reach the top of the promontory, where there is a religious chapel of the Alpini.
Sighignola is also a take-off point for paragliders and hangs gliders. Less than a kilometer from Sighignola there is a typical inn "La Baita Lanzo". The restaurant offers typical dishes, main game, in a setting surrounded by forest, ideal for a dinner with friends, then reach the "Balcony of Italy" and admire the sunset or the spectacle of a night view.
Under the Baita Lanzo, there is a small ski lift with ski slope, open in winter, ideal area as a ski school.
THE CAMPIONE D’ITALIA CABLEWAY PROJECT
This fantastic place, called the "Balcony of Italy", also witnesses to a long and sad history. At the end of the sixties, a company began work to connect Sighignola to Campione d'Italia by cable car and make it a tourist attraction as well as the funiculars and lifts in the Swiss mountains above Lugano.
Due to major financial problems, the project was suspended, leaving an advanced construction site and some pylons in a state of abandonment for years.
Thanks to the interest of the local community and the proposal to FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) to restore the area, today the terrace has been cleaned, restored and made accessible to visitors.
- ADD THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA TO YOUR MYALPS WISHLIST
- MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA
https://www.exploralp.com/travel/airports-of-the-alps/itemlist/user/111-superuser?start=8#sigProIdbc92e55f0b
WHAT TO DO AND VISIT AT THE BELVEDERE AND IN THE NEARBY AREA
AT THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA
1. Enjoy the fantastic view of the lake and the Alps from the "Balcony of Italy".
2. Visit the small chapel of the Alpine troops.
3. Take off from Sighignola with your paraglider or hang glider.
4. Enjoy the typical cuisine at the Baita di Lanzo.
5. Have fun with the children in the ski school camp.
6. Have a walk in the woods of Val d'Intelvi.
IN THE NEARBY AREA
1. Take a boat from the beautiful Varenna to Bellagio.
2. Visit the militay fort of Montecchio in Colico.
3. Kitesurf and windsurf in Colico and Gera Lario.
4. A panoramic excursion to the Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona.
5. Bike to the famous Bellagio across the hills and visit the museum of the bikers at the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.
7. Don't miss a visit of Como and Brunate.
8. MTB on the Tracciolino Trail.
9. Visit the Ossuccio and the Comacina island.
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE AREA
INFO AND BOOKING
WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY SIGHIGNOLA - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
The Belvedere of Sighignola is located at the top of Val d'Intelvi that offers fewer hotels and a number of B&B and holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the Como lake and Lugano lake.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses nearby Sighignola and book the best solution for You, using this link:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES NEARBY SIGHIGNOLA
HOW TO GET TO SIGHIGNOLA
Located on top of the Intelvi Valley, Sighignola can be reached by car (a destination very popular for bikers and cyclists), from Como along the entire valley to Lanzo d'Intelvi, then continuing to Sighignola along a steeper and narrower stretch of road.
Alternatively, you can reach Lanzo from Lugano via Porlezza or Maroggia. By bus from Como connection to Lanzo d'Intelvi, then walk along a path, for about 1.5-2h walk.
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:
MXP - Milan Malpensa airport 1,30h
LIN - Milan Linate airport 1,30h
BGY - Milan Bergamo airport 1,45h
DON'T MISS THIS SITE OF THE ALPS
SAVE IT NOW. It is Easy! Just Log-in your MyAlps personal area and then Add it to your MyExplorAlp Wishlist using the follow botton:
Are You not registered to Myalps yet? Do it here: MyAlps
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE BELVEDERE OF SIGHIGNOLA?
CONTACT US NOW or let Your precious comment or suggestion in the follow Comment Form of this page.
AIRPORTS IN THE ALPS
