Alpe Giumello: the complete guide

17 September 2024 • 5 minutes read

Located at 1,500 meters in the upper Valsassina, Alpe Giumello is a destination that offers unique views of Lake Como, both in summer and winter.

This mountain resort in Lombardy is easily accessible by car, and is an ideal place for pleasant walks along trails that offer splendid views of the beautiful mountains that surround it, such as Pizzo dei Tre Signori, Grigna and Monte Legnone.

Getting there

alpe giumello - come arrivare

Alpe Giumello is located in the municipality of Casargo, about an hour from Lecco and about 100 kilometers from Milan.

Getting there is very easy: either directly by car or on foot in about 2 hours via several trails from Narro, Indovero and Mornico.

1. The ring of Mount Muggio

monte muggio

If you are on Alpe Giumello, the Mount Muggio loop is the most popular hike you absolutely must do. It is a 7-kilometer loop trail to be hiked in about 2 hours and 170 meters of elevation gain.

It starts near the Capanna Vittoria and allows you to loop around Mount Muggio while admiring splendid views of Lake Como from above and, in the distance, on sunny days, of Mount Rosa.

2. The summit of Mount Muggio

If going around the mountain wasn't enough for you, you can climb directly to the top of Mount Muggio, where the summit cross is located at 1,799 meters above sea level, following a steep trail that covers a 250-meter difference in elevation.

The view, which is beautiful, sweeps from Lake Como to Lake Lugano, from Monte Rosa to Legnone. Calculate about 50 minutes each way on an unnumbered trail.

3. The Big Bench on the Alpe Chiaro

big bench

Another beautiful walk not to be missed on Alpe Giumello, is the one that leads to the striking Alpe Chiaro, a beautiful area of pastures and alpine meadows.

Here you can reach a Big Bench at the lookout, with an easy 1 km walk. The bench offers a breathtaking view that ranges, again, from Lake Como to Lake Lugano.

When you finish your walk, we recommend a stop at one of the many alpine huts and typical little restaurants that sell local products.

Horseback riding in the mountains above Lecco

Primaluna, Lombardy

From 35€

4. Flying in a paraglider

parapendio

If you are looking, however, for an adrenaline rush, the tandem paragliding experience is the one for you.

Tandem paragliding flights are always conducted by qualified instructors who take you by the hand to exciting new perspectives, so everyone can experience a magical feeling with unique views of Lake Como.

5. The Capanna Vittoria hut

capanna vittoria

On Alpe Giumello there are, in addition, several resting possibilities.

The first hut we recommend is Capanna Vittoria, which can be reached in a few minutes on foot from the parking lot, or via the trails from Narro, Mornico and Indovero in about a 2-hour walk.

There are many dishes offered on the menu, with classic pizzoccheri, polenta taragna, rabbit al tegame and homemade cakes to be enjoyed in the summer outdoors with splendid views of the valley.

6. The Shambalà refuge

shambalà

Another address we recommend on Alpe Giumello, is Rifugio Shambalà, which offers a sublime panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Como.

The menu offerings are extensive, but always marked by the tastes and products of the mountains . You will find it difficult to choose among the delicacies on offer. Also very original is the offering of local dishes of cucina povera food.

7. Alpe Giumello in winter

Alpe giumello - inverno

During winter you can discover Alpe Giumello in another version, shrouded in white blanket, but still with its magical views.

A few years ago, a new alpine ski lift was inaugurated with a ski lift leading up to the summit of Mount Muggio.

In addition to the slope, which has sections suitable for both beginners and experts, there is a bobsled lift, a treadmill for children, and a 3-kilometer cross-country skiing loop.

8. A snowshoe hike in Alpe Giumello

ciaspolata

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a slow-paced winter in touch with nature, snowshoeing is for you. We recommend that you contact theAlpe Giumello Association in advance for rental.

The summer tour of Mount Muggio is not feasible in winter because of a section prone to avalanches. We recommend, therefore, that you reach the Cross of Mount Muggio, skirting the forest for part of the way and then, uphill, to the summit of the mountain at 1,799 meters above sea level.

Another winter walk, shorter and easier, leads toAlpe Chiaro, a unique panoramic balcony over Lake Como, and the perfect location to end your trip on Alpe Giumello with a breathtaking view.