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

1. Livigno (Sondrio, Valtellina)

Well-deserved first place for the destination that is called "Little Tibet" because of such a beautiful, lived-in landscape at high altitudes. Livigno has two faces. The first is 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 the 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

In summer, Livigno is a mountain bike paradise in all its disciplines and varieties. The Mottolino Bike Park is one of the best in Europe with jumps for everyone from beginners to pros, plus there is a wide choice of bikeable 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 cover, not only for skiing, but for all alternatives: snowmobile tours, fat biking in the snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the Fun Park for children.

Lessons for everyone at the Mottolino Bike Park

Logistics

Livigno is 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 is a must for anyone passing through Livigno, pulled trails and drops for every level of daring and daredevilry, and when you've run out of batteries we suggest you go and recharge them at the edge of the lake by soaking 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 town has been restored respecting the architecture of yesteryear, plus it is the gateway to theAdamello, a mountain that is particularly interesting from many points of view: in fact, in addition to being an unmissable destination for wilderness-loving hikers, it was the scene of the White War, one of the Alpine fronts of the Great War. In Temù, there is the museum that tells precisely about those terrible battles.

Ponte di Legno and its views

Things to do

500 km of bikeable trails around Adamello and the Tonale Pass bike park guarantee fun for all levels. For dizzying thrills try the suspension bridges of the Flower Trail. On the other hand, as far as winter is concerned, Ponte di Legno is one of the few destinations where you can experience husky sledding, feeling like an explorer of pristine, snow-covered territories.In addition, Passo del Tonale is one of the best destinations for freeriding, where you can really surf in the snow.

Dog sledding 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, if you are coming from Valtellina from Sondrio it is 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 uniqueness you won't find anywhere else is definitely the White War Museum in Temù, but if you have more leisurely aspirations throw yourself on the Railzip, it only takes 5 minutes, but it will be the longest of your life.

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

We remain in the area to conclude this triptych of the Rhaetian Alps. Bormio is the closest point to reach the Stelvio Pass, a unique place where you can ski even during the summer season, from which you can set off on 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. There is true wilderness there, 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 can ski on the slopes pretty much anytime, but it is during the winter that Bormio is at its best: from ice climbing to picturesque horseback riding. St. Catherine dressed in white is romantic and most elegant.

Logistics

Bormio is 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 is to pass through Passo del Tonale, via roads that are less smooth, but certainly more scenic and impressive.

Not to be missed

The uniqueness of the place is certainly the thermal baths, which are distinguished between e Bagni Nuovi in a sumptuous Art Nouveau structure and Bagni Vecchi, perhaps even more scenic and exposed. here you can really devote yourself to your psychophysical well-being by reaching very deep 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 very close to the via Spluga, where there is evidence of passages as early as prehistoric times, perhaps this is why it is a destination with an ancient tourist vocation: in fact, it was born as a ski resort as early as 1911, the locals have hospitality in their blood. In addition, Madesimo is particularly interesting for its food: 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 evolved and now presents itself as a modern destination with numerous opportunities for both summer and winter experiences. In the warmer season there is canyoning in the Bondengo valley, horseback riding in Campodolcino, the majesty of the Acquafraggia waterfalls, and finally there is also a bike park in Madesimo with rental and guided descent opportunities. In winter, in addition to the giant ski resort, snowshoeing or snowmobiling tours are available at .

Logistics

Madesimo is located at the top of the Chiavenna Valley, a stone's throw 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 via Spluga, such as the Spluga Pass or the Cardinello Gorge are unique and worth exploring, especially in summer they are accessible and do not require special physical effort. In winter try the legendary Canalone, once traced as a slope today remains a test for anyone who wants to try their hand at downhill skiing on fresh snow.

The Spluga Pass