Mountains in Lombardy: The Best 8 Locations for Summer and Winter

16 January 2025 • 14 minutes read

A ranking of the best destinations for short or long mountain vacations in Lombardy. We propose a selection of mountain resorts that takes into account the wealth of activities the city offers, the beauty of the landscape, and the convenience of each (distance from cities, cost, etc.).

1. Livigno (Sondrio, Valtellina)

First place deservedly for the destination that is called “Little Tibet” because of the landscape soì beautiful and experienced, at high altitudes. Livigno has two faces. The first è the family on vacation, the stores, the’ancient and warm hospitality. The second portrays those who come to the mountains to find in’physical activity a more’intense rest, the face of bikers who come to Livigno on the hunt for adrenaline. Here both ideas of vacation coexist perfectly, finding multiple spaces and opportunities.

Livigno white lit

Things to Do

D’summerLivigno è a mountain bike paradise in all its disciplines and variety. The Mottolino Bike Park è one of the best in Europe with jumps for everyone from beginners to pros, plus there’è a’s a wide choice of rideable trails: comfortable and flat along the valleys or leading over passes and peaks without ever getting off the saddle. For winter activities, the high altitude always guarantees excellent snow, not only for skiing, but for all alternatives: snowmobile rides, fat biking in the snow, horse-drawn sleighs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and the Fun Park for children.

Throughout the year there are unfailing dinners at the refuge to taste typical Valtellina dishes, such as pizzoccheri or polenta.

Lessons for all at the Mottolino Bike Park

Logistics

Livigno è nestled between Valposchiavo and Alta Valtellina it takes an hour and a half from Tirano (Valtellina), but if you have the patience to get to the Livigno plateau it will be’hard to leave.

Don't-miss

The’experience at the bike park è unmissable for those passing through Livigno, pulled trails and drops for every level of audacity and temerityà and when you've run out of batteries we suggest you go and recharge them at the edge of the lake by dipping your feet or your whole body.

2. Ponte di Legno (Brescia, Val Camonica)

A very popular destination, simply because of the beauty of the place. The village è has been restored respecting the’architecture of yesteryear, moreover è the gateway to the’Adamello, a mountain particularly interesting from many points of view: in fact, in addition to being an’inevitable destination for hikers who love wilderness è it was the scene of the White War, one of the Alpine fronts of the Great War. In Temù, there’è the museum that tells precisely about those terrible battles.

Ponte di Legno and its views

Things to do

500 km of bikeable trails around the’Adamello and the bike park at Passo del Tonale guarantee fun for all levels during the summer season. For dizzying thrills try the suspension bridges of the Flower Trail. As for winter, we recommend stopping at one of the huts present to enjoy a hot lunch based on typical dishes, In addition, Ponte di Legno è one of the few destinations where è you can try the sledding pulled by huskies, feeling like explorers of unspoiled and snowy territories, moreover, Passo del Tonale è one of the best destinations for freeriding, where you can really surf the snow.

Sleddog at Passo Tonale

Logistics

Ponte di Legno is located in the province of Brescia at the top of Val Camonica, just below the Tonale Pass on the border with Trentino. From Brescia it is 120 km for a couple of hours' drive, but if you come from Valtellina from Sondrio è an hour and a half for 65 km. Once on site there is a very convenient shuttle that runs to all the points that are worth a visit or starting bases for walks

Don't-miss

The White War Museum in Temù but if you have moreù leisurely aspirations throw yourself on the Railzip, it lasts only 5 minutes, but it will be the longest of your life.

Snowmobile Tour and dinner at a Mountain Hut at the Passo del Tonale

Ponte di Legno (undefined), Lombardy

From 260€

3. Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva (Sondrio, Valtellina)

We remain in the area to conclude this triptych of the Rhaetian Alps. Bormio è the closest point to reach the Passo dello Stelvio, a unique place where you canò ski even during the summer season, from which you start for many short or long hikes, to which you arrive after exhausting pedaling. Bormio and Santa Caterina together are at the center of the Stelvio National Park one of the largest protected areas in the Alps. Là there’è true wilderness, all to be discovered.

The inhabitants of the Park

Things to do

Another bike paradise, Bormio presents itself with a bike park over a thousand meters of elevation gain and a varied trail network, we recommend renting an e-bike to enjoy the most hidden views with just the right amount of effort. You canò ski on the slopes pretty much anytime, but è during the winter that Bormio is at its best: from’ice climbing to picturesque horseback riding. St. Catherine dressed in white è romantic and very elegant.

An'activity to try even with children è definitely the walk with alpacas that is carried out in Valdidentro, between Livigno and Bormio. In this case you can spend 1 hour in the company of these friendly animals while admiring the magnificent surrounding landscape.

Logistics

Bormio è at the top of Valtellina, whichever way one arrives one usually passes through Tirano from which it is about 40 km for a half-hour drive. The’advisable alternative for those arriving from Veneto or Trentino è is to pass through the Passo del Tonale, via roads that are less smooth, but certainly more suggestive and scenic.

Don't-miss

The’uniquenessà of the place are certainly the spas that are distinguished between and New Baths in a sumptuous Art Nouveau structure and Old Bathrooms, perhaps even more scenic and exposed. here you can truly devote yourself to your mental and physical well-being by reaching the deepest levels of relaxation. Try them in the evening after a day spent in the snow!"

The location of the Bagni Vecchi

4. Madesimo (Sondrio, Valchiavenna)

Madesimo is located very close to the via Spluga, where there are evidences of passages alreadyà in prehistory, maybe that is why è a destination with an ancient tourist vocation: in fact it was born as a ski resort alreadyà in 1911, the locals have hospitality’in their blood. In addition, Madesimo è is particularly interesting for dining: the goat fiddle or the white pizzoccheri, which must be eaten in the Crotti, ancient caves once, used as wine cellars, now become charming dining rooms.

Things to do

Although Madesimo is very much tied to ancient history in recent years it has è evolved and now presents itself as a modern destination with numerous opportunities for both summer and winter experiences. In the warm season there’è the canyoning of the Bondengo valley, the horseback rides in Campodolcino, the majesty of the Acquafraggia waterfalls, finally also in Madesimo there’è a bike park with rental and guided descent possibilities. In winter, in addition to the giant ski resort, there are snowshoe or motoslide tours.

Logistics

Madesimo is located at the top of the Chiavenna Valley, one step away from Switzerland, from Lecco it is 84 km for about an hour and a half drive. The village can also be reached by public transportation, the train goes as far as Chiavenna, from which you take a bus (three per day) to Madesimo.

Don't-miss

The views of the Spluga Route, such as the Spluga Pass or the Cardinello Gorge are unique and worth exploring, especially d’summer they are accessible and do not require any particular physical effort. We also recommend that you enjoy a refuge lunch to get the true mountain experience. D’winter try the legendary Canalone, once traced as a slope today remains a test for anyone who wants to try their hand at downhill on fresh snow.

The Spluga Pass

5. Chiesa Valmalenco (Sondrio, Valmalenco)

Known winter tourist destination, Chiesa has much to offer during the summer season as well. A special feature of the area è is the working of soapstone, a rock that is quarried in this valley and a few others, used for griddle cooking and the construction of stoves and ovens. Another curiosity; è is that because of the massive presence of glaciers and lakes at high altitudes, Valmalenco is at times reminiscent of Iceland. Try it to believe.

The wonderful Lake Palù

Things to do

The Valmalenco è very important especially for mountaineering: we are in the presence of Pizzo Bernina, 4050 m of altitude difference. In this valley in every season there’s always a’different opportunity to explore the mountains, even in some years (particularly snowy) you can ski mountaineering until the’beginning of summer. Of course, there are other opportunities to experience the mountains as well: canyoning, rafting, alpaca rides or a simple walk to the’Alpe Palù, so many experiences to be outdoors surrounded by nature.

Logistics

Chiesa is located in Valmalenco a side valley of Valtellina between Val Masino and Valposchiavo. It is 25 km from Sondrio and can be reached in about 40 minutes. It’ s useful to know that è in operation the shuttle service for bikers: “In bici tra le valli” to enjoy the whole valley on two wheels, beware that for some routes è reservation is required.

The'adrenaline rush of Gola Up

Don't-miss

For an’experience linked to the land and mountain culture we recommend “Passaporto: around mountain pastures” the project aimed at enhancing the many mountain pastures at high altitude, instead for a more’adventurous experience we recommend Gola Up the’adrenaline-pumping mountaineering route along the stream in the localityà Campo Frascia.

6. Gerola (Sondrio, Val Gerola)

We change genres, because the Val Gerola has a different look than the previous places, a more modest mountain destination that does not offer a thousand organized experiences, but will be able to offer the more enterprising numerous opportunities for discovery and travel in nature. Val Gerola is located in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park, with moreù moderate altitudes, ideal for families seeking a moreù friendly mountain.

The Valgerola in rhododendron bloom

Things to do

Sports and nature are two simple ingredients for experiencing the mountains to its fullest: you don't need a lot of frills so here you canò climb 10 minutes from the village in the two boulder areas, from Pescegallo starts the wonderful tour of the lakes and for bad weather there’è a colorful eco-museum. In summer there is also a summer campus called Val Gerola Outdoor Experience for the very young who can enjoy a weekend of adventure. In winter, in addition to the ski resort, there are opportunities for those who want to try snowshoeing, ski mountaineering and for the more daring with crampons and ice axes on icefalls. For the latter activities; we suggest you ask the guides, the mountain professionals.

Logistics

You enter Val Gerola from Morbegno in Valtellina, from which to get to Pescegallo the highest resort in the valley there are 20 km for a half-hour drive.

Don't-miss

Ecomusensi è a multi-sensory nature trail beneficial for health. Accessible to all, immersed in a scenic and open setting, which makes you rediscover the power of the 5 senses. Regaining the’use of the 5 senses è rewarding.

Ecomusenses

7. Piani di Bobbio (Lecco, Valtorta)

Another mid-mountain destination, it is characterized by its wide meadows and gentle slopes, sunny and very comfortable. Its short distance from the more urbanized areas make it an ideal weekend destination and, for that reason, also quite busy, so be sure to book in advance the experiences that interest you.

Things to do

D’summer there are many opportunities between adventure park, organized e-bike experiences and hiking on a mountain made especially for the little ones. There'è also a bike park with 10 km of trails on two different difficulty levels (red and blue). In winter there are 35 km of trails to enjoy as well as two cross-country ski trails and many snowshoeing possibilities.

The map of Piani di Bobbio

Logistics

To get there there are 15 km between Lecco and Barzio, the town from which the lifts to Piani di Bobbio start, about an hour and a half drive.

Don't-miss

Flylibell è the best paragliding school in the place. Seeing things from another point of view è always revelatory, if the point of view è elevated, perhaps in the air, with feet dangling hundreds of feet off the ground, then the revelation will beà even more meaningful.

8. Branzi (Bergamo, Val Brembana)

Here alreadyà in the Middle Ages at the end of the fine season shepherds and traders met to exchange livestock and dairy products. Branzi does not have the characteristics of the above-mentioned destinations, forò it earns its place in this ranking for its veracity, remaining from an ancient time, when only dialect was spoken and gourmet dishes did not exist.

On the way to the Twin Lakes

Things to do

Horseback rides around Carona Lake are really recommended and will leave you with sweet memories. Another walk that is very scenic and suitable for everyone è the trip to the Rifugio Laghi Gemelli. Branzi has a really active pro-loco, which manages to attract cultural and d'entertainment events throughout the season. Check out the FB page to find out about events and festivals for this season. For winter you won't find a better ski resort than Brembo Super Ski in the Bergamo area, and if the winter is cold enough to get the lake frozen well then you'll experience the thrill of skating on it.

Logistics

Branzi is 50 km from Bergamo in Alta Val Brembana (BG), about a three-hour drive.

Don't-miss

Absolutely not to be missed is the Branzi cheese from the vegetable essences typical of the Orobie, along with the Taragna polenta, good for every season, here è of the house and you canò not leave without trying it.