Routes

Valmalenco

A land of nature and legends to be protected

Awaken your sense

Hear

Let yourself be conquered by the tales of the legends of this valley.

Sight

Follow animal tracks in the fresh snow.

Touch

Shake hands with the elderly – witnesses to the stories of the mountains.

Smell

Smell the damp rock that, as soon as a warm ray of winter sun hits it, creates an imperceptible cloud of steam.

Taste

Let yourself be conquered by the unique and unrepeatable flavour of Bresaola della Valtellina PGI, which preserves the breath of the mountains and the wisdom of generations of taste artisans.

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Zenith Centro della Montagna, Caspoggio

Via Ezio Vanoni 38 – 23020 Caspoggio (SO)
T 39 344 1418115
E info@centrodellamontagna.com
W www.centrodellamontagna.com
IG @zenithcentrodellamontagna

In the heart of the western Rhaetian Alps, with the mighty 4049-metre Pizzo Bernina dominating the snow-covered landscape, Valmalenco opens up behind Sondrio. The ski area, where one can choose between downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, is reached by the Snoweagle, Europe’s largest cable car. However, modernity has not overwhelmed nature, quite the opposite.

The Valmalenco is a valley where wildlife still lives free and undisturbed and, in winter, it is possible to observe deer, chamois and even golden eagles as they flies over and survey the whitewashed peaks. In symbiosis with nature, in the small villages that animate the Valmalenco, live men and women who guard a heritage of tales and legends that have been passed down through the ages. Ask a Malenco to tell them to you. He will tell you about when the shadows grow long and suddenly take on the shape of knights of the night, or a mountain torrent that rushes down a ravine, roaring and raging like a dragon. It will not easy to understand why people in the past were afraid of them.

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Routes

Valmalenco

La Miniera Museo della Bagnada

Awaken your sense

Hear

The mine becomes a sounding board and you can hear the sounds echoing between the rock walls. If a concert is scheduled, get involved in the music inside the Camerone.

Sight

Look at the whitest rock walls of the mine reflecting the artificial light, illuminating the environment as if a thousand lights were shining in a dark night.

Touch

Feel the cold, hard metal of the equipment used by the miners. Trolleys, drilling machines, objects of toil and fear, which produced calluses on hands and strong arms.

Taste

Let yourself be conquered by the unique and unrepeatable flavour of Bresaola della Valtellina PGI, which preserves the breath of the mountains and the wisdom of generations of taste artisans.

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Zenith Centro della Montagna, Caspoggio

Via Ezio Vanoni, 38 23020 – Caspoggio (SO)
T +39 344 1418115
E info@centrodellamontagna.com
W centrodellamontagna.com
FB /centrodellamontagna
IG @zenithcentrodellamontagna

If you close your eyes and think of a mine, what do you see? Dust, soot, pitch black walls. Now open them and get ready for a surprising journey into the “white heart” of the Alps. You are in the Bagnada Mine, a museum in the depths of the earth where white talc was extracted until forty years ago.

Leaving behind the lush green forests, you are about to be enveloped by the whiteness of vast, pale, and silent galleries No, wait a moment, you hear something, a musical echo resonates from the depths. It comes from Camerone, the acoustics are so perfect that a concert could be taking place. It is surprising how hostile nature can become, over time, a place of culture and emotions.

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Routes

Tour attraverso i borghi della Valmalenco

Pizzo Scalino, the pyramid of the valley

Difficulty: Medium
Safety Level: Medium
Distance/Length: 29 km
Elevation Gain: 860 m
Road Surface: 70% asphalt, 30% dirt
Technique: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Best Period: May to October
Recommended Starting Point: Zenith Centro della Montagna

Ciclotip

Choose a bike that suits the trail and your skill level: it makes all the difference.

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Zenith Centro della Montagna

Via Ezio Vanoni, 38
23020 – Caspoggio (SO)

T +39 344 1418115
E info@centrodellamontagna.com
W centrodellamontagna.com
FB /centrodellamontagna
IG @zenithcentrodellamontagna

Suggested sandwich

Rye bread, Bresaola della Valtellina PGI, shaved Grana cheese, extra virgin olive oil.

This tour takes us to Valmalenco, a mountain paradise filled with alpine huts, stunning views, majestic glaciers, and enchanting alpine lakes—offering a unique, direct connection with the very best the mountains have to offer.

Starting from the Zenith Centro della Montagna sports center, head toward Via Seggiovia, which offers beautiful views and leads to the main square of Caspoggio. Descend towards Lanzada along the new cycle path. Once in Lanzada, continue in the direction of Tornadri. At the end of the paved bike path, you’ll come across the “calchere”—ancient stone lime kilns once used to produce lime.

Continue on a slightly more technical dirt trail to reach Tornadri. From there, descend through the traditional rural hamlets of Lanzada.

Once you reach Vassalini, begin the climb toward Costi until reaching the highest point. From here, a scenic panoramic trail begins, leading to the road that takes you to Primolo, a hamlet of Chiesa in Valmalenco. From this high vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and a spectacular close-up of Pizzo Scalino. More experienced cyclists can continue the ascent into the pine forest via a beautiful trail.

Afterward, descend to the square in Chiesa in Valmalenco, then rejoin the bike path. Along the way, you’ll also spot the famous Sentiero Rusca, a beautiful route that connects all the way to Sondrio. Continue following the path back to Lanzada, then Caspoggio. For a final scenic stretch, ride up a panoramic trail to the hamlet of Sant’Elisabetta.

After the ride, recharge at the Zenith Centro della Montagna with a delicious sandwich featuring Bresaola della Valtellina PGI.

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