In the locality of Casacce, in Ponte in Valtellina (Sondrio), the not-so-obvious signs indicating the Sazzo-Arigna-Briotti localities should be spotted. One takes the road that leads, through the beautiful Val d'Arigna, to the Armisa power plant. This brings us to the locality of Ca' Pizzini at an altitude of 1,041 meters, where you park your car. With good snowfall you can already put on your skis and set off, following the small road, toward the meadows of the locality Foppe (1,369 m). Here it is worth taking a break and looking around. The landscape that opens up before your eyes offers a view of the most beautiful peaks of the Orobie. Continue now to the Moretti huts (1,456 m) and then to the Campei huts (1,638 m). Upstream of these you must head southeast, crossing a stretch of forest with sparse fir trees that, after about 100 meters of elevation gain, opens into an area dominated by the characteristic "pillow" (snow-covered rocks). One climbs in a northeast direction and enters the obvious little valley on the far left that, keeping face upstream, flows into the hollows adjoining the Pesciӧla hut. It proceeds in a south-southeast direction to an elevation of 1,950 meters. The slope now becomes steeper, and continuing in an easterly direction you climb a small valley that opens up, to the left, at an altitude of 2,000. You thus enter the small valley above and follow it to Pesciӧla Peak (2,344 m), at the watershed between the Arigna and Malgina valleys. You pass it and advance over varied terrain to Faila Peak (2,491 m). Skis are normally left at an elevation of 2,381 m, near a small cross. This is why one should actually speak of Faila lace. Instead, the highest peak can be reached by walking the last steep meters. The descent is made along the ascent route.

Start again by taking the trail upstream of the Inferior Pond passing the large boulder that marks a fork in the road, neglecting the sign on the left that goes up to the other two Sassersa Lakes by taking the straight one for the for P.so Ventina. Continue past another basin between large boulders and a few snowfields until you reach the notch of P.so Ventina, characterized on its right by a large flake rock. From the pass there is a grandiose panorama of the Disgrazia group and its glacier, as well as of the beautiful Val Ventina. The descent into Val Ventina is rather steep and in early season may be snow-covered in places, best to inquire first about conditions. To tell the truth a snowfield is almost always present but being in the lower part it does not create problems also because it can be easily avoided. At the end of the descent there is a section that flanks the edge of the giant glacier moraine (better not to overlook too much) then gradually descend to Alpe Ventina crossing first the Ventina refuge, then the Gerli Porro refuge. The same route can be taken in reverse.

It starts in snowmobile to discover the Val Seriana.

Val Gerola (from 400 to 2554 m a.s.l.) - formerly a settlement of immigrants from Val Brembana and Valsassina for cattle breeding and iron mining and processing, it is the undisputed home of the famous Bitto cheese, a PDO brand, named after the stream that runs through it on its way to Morbegno.   The Valgerola-Pescegallo ski area offers slopes and itineraries suitable for fans of downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The environmental heritage included in the Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park is rich. Worth visiting is the Ecomuseum of Valgerola, in Gerola Alta, and in Sacco in the Pirondini district, the "camera picta," a 15th-century fresco cycle with one of the most beautiful images of Homo Salvadego, the typical inhabitant of the valleys, a symbol of Alpine peasant culture. Also worth seeing are the church of St. Bartholomew, already known in 1307, and the Oratory of the Brothers (18th cent.). There are numerous churches and shrines scattered in the various hamlets. In summer, enjoy nature by hiking trails and mule tracks or experience the thrill of flying hanging from a steel cable with the Fly Emotion. Info: www.portedivaltellina.it / www.valgerolaonline.it Source: valtellina.it

La ciclovia della Val Seriana è uno degli itinerari più belli e varii della Lombardia.

The largest basin of the Brianza lakes, a few kilometres from Lecco

    Let's continue to Porlezza, a popular tourist destination at the north-eastern end of the lake, which can be reached by taking the Strada Statale 340 Regina road to Argegno and then crossing the Val d'Intelvi.   An embarkation point for lake cruises in the summer months, out of season it offers a more relaxed and charming atmosphere. The parish church dedicated to San Vittore, one of the 57 mediaeval parish churches of the ancient archdiocese of Milan, is well worth a visit, while a few kilometres from its centre, in the direction of Menaggio, we find Lake Piano, a nature reserve and EU Site of Community Importance, which must not be missed. Easy to ride and suitable for everyone, the 13.5-kilometre Porlezza-Menaggio cycle path links Lake Ceresio with Lake Como.  (Ph: wikipedia.org)

The loop trail that we propose starts from Tracciolino and is an easy route suitable for everyone, but at the same time pleasant and very interesting. The Tracciolino Trail is one of the most spectacular works of human engineering in Valchiavenna. It is a 10-kilometer-long trail that runs at a constant height of 920 meters between Val dei Ratti and Val Codera, built in the 1930s as a link between two small dams, one in Val Codera (little more than a concrete wall) and one in Val dei Ratti (a little larger). Sections of it can be seen on this trail. Along the trail you come across the Rifugio Frasnedo where a stop is mandatory, if only to try the typical Verceia pizzoccheri. - Ph: Angel Martin

Be enchanted by Menaggio, marvelous town on Lake Como

The most unmissable event in Ponte di Legno - Passo Del Tonale is the moonlight snowshoe walk. But this is not the only opportunity to discover the Upper Camonica Valley at your own pace.   The Ponte di Legno - Tonale ski area is a fairy-tale kingdom where you can venture into the enchanting scenery of the Upper Camonica Ali in your snowshoes. Snowshoes are de rigueur at the "Caspolada al chiaro di luna", or moonlight snowshoe walk. This event, the pride of Vezza d’Oglio, involves more than 4000 participants in a non-competitive night-time walk under the full moon. Visitors seeking their thrills at a slower pace can also enjoy sled rides towed by huskies from the Tonale Sleddog School, where you will be taught the knack of slipping silently over the snow.  Still in Passo del Tonale, you can be towed by the wind in complete safety using snow kites. Lastly, there is no shortage of cross-country ski trails at Ponte di Legno in Val Sozzine. You can ski on beaten trails of varying length and even ski at night, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery. Enthusiasts who want to combine their passion for engines with snow can ride a snowmobile round a special circuit or enjoy night-time excursions with dinner in a mountain shelter.

Berbenno di Valtellina in the heart of Valtellina is the ideal starting point to explore the valley on board a quad bike.    Among the gentle rolling terraces and the jagged silhouettes of the Alps, this outdoor activity is becoming more and more popular with those seeking adventure and freedom. And it will take you into the most authentic alpine settings, where you can discover the hidden corners of the valley.  Starting from Berbenno, the routes wind their way along mountain trails at altitudes of 400 to 1000 metres, crossing sections of the Val d’Arigna, Castione Andevenno, and the sides of the Media Valtellina, with views over the valley and on the peaks of the Orobic Alps.  These excursions are designed to meet the needs of all participants, from beginners to off-road enthusiasts. The tour varies in terms of duration and difficulty, so that everyone can choose the itinerary that best suits their abilities. Accompanied by expert guides, participants can explore the valley safely, enjoying unique views together with the thrill of driving over a range of terrains. During the excursion it is possible to admire Valtellina’s wealth of scenery: from its flourishing woods to the crystalline waters of its streams and rivers, passing the terraced vineyards that are a characteristic feature of the area. The routes include stops in places of historic and cultural interest, offering the opportunity to discover local traditions and taste the local produce, including cold meats, cheeses, honey, and the famous wines of Valtellina. The thrill of the ride merges with the pleasure of taste and the joy of discovery, turning this adventure into an all-round experience. 

Travel back in time to discover the Torri di Fraele, ancient Alpine watchtowers at the heart of the Scale Pass.