Piani di Artavaggio: what to see and hikes to do
26 August 2024 • 6 minutes read
Piani di Artavaggio is a beautiful scenic location in Valsassina situated between 1600 meters and 1900 meters above sea level in the municipality of Moggio, a scant hour from Milan and 20 minutes from Lecco.
Getting to the Piani di Artavaggio is very easy: by a convenient cable car flight from Moggio, or, on foot from Moggio or Culmine San Pietro (the latter ideal for families with children).
From Moggio, follow trail 724, known as the "Vallone" trail, which ascends the course of the Vallone stream, inside the forest, until you come out at Piani di Artavaggio after about 2H25 and 700 meters of elevation gain.
FromCulmine San Pietro: from the pass that connects Valsassina with Val Taleggio, take the dirt road that has no technical difficulties, about 400 meters of elevation gain, to arrive at Piani di Artavaggio after 7 km of walking.
So here it is, once you get to Piani di Artavaggio, it's time to go exploring this area. Ready to find out what can be done? Let's get going!
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Nicola Refuge
Among the best-known hikes to be done on the Piani di Artavaggio is the Rifugio Nicola, an easy hike suitable for everyone immersed in a fairy-tale landscape of 50 minutes and 250 meters of elevation gain.
From the cable car arrival, or from the Castelli refuge, follow the main trail past the former skiers' hotel and the little church of Maria Santissima Madre della Chiesa di Artavaggio.
Here we recommend a visit to the interior. Just think, one part of the church is in the province of Lecco and, another, the sacristy, in the province of Bergamo.
Another 30 minutes of walking and you arrive at Rifugio Nicola, at mt. 1850, with its pyramid-shaped architecture reminiscent of nearby Monte Soradura.
The refuge offers incredible views of Sodadura, Resegone, Grigne and Zuccone Campelli, and is an ideal place to make a gourmet stop to sample traditional dishes.
Mount Sodadura
From the Nicola refuge, you can continue the hike by aiming for the summit of Mount Sodadura in 30 minutes and 150 meters of elevation gain.
After about 10 minutes on a comfortable path, the steep climb up the ridge begins where, several red dots on the rocks indicate the direction to follow.
The trail runs over rocks and boulders and is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
One last uphill climb, sometimes with 30% gradients, and you reach the top of the mountain, mt 2010, where there is the summit cross and a golden madonnina.
From here the view is truly stupendous. On a clear day the view sweeps over the peaks of the Lecco mountains, Mount Due Mani, Resegone, the Grigne and the main peaks of the mountains of Lombardy.
The return can be done along the same path as the outward journey.
Piazzo Peak
Another beautiful panoramic hike starting from the Nicola refuge of 1 hour and 150 meters of elevation gain. Continue in the direction of Monte Sodadura and then turn left along the southern ridge of the mountain that passes the Bocchetta di Piazzo and reaches the summit where there is a bronze madonnina at 2057 meters.
Trail 101 Piani di Bobbio
From Piani di Artavaggio to Piani di Bobbio (Ratti Cassin hut) mainly following the route of trail 101.
The trail is easy to hike, there are some slightly exposed points but still surmountable without much difficulty in about 3H30 each way and 480 meters of elevation gain.
Bicycle paradise
The Piani di Artavaggio are a perfect territory for both muscle and e-bike MTB practice. Easy trails and dirt roads give even beginners a way to discover the beauty of these places.
Theclassic itinerary is the one that starts from Piani di Bobbio and, on a dirt road with wide hairpin bends, gains altitude until arriving in the wonderful setting of Piani di Artavaggio.
Gourmet break at the refuge
After so much walking you're sure to get very hungry. On the Piani di Artavaggio there are numerous refuges where you can enjoy delicious Lombardy cuisine, prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Mountain cuisine is renowned for its rustic and flavorful dishes; you can't leave without tasting pizzoccheri, venison in salmì, braised donkey, grilled sausages and chops, roasted shin, mushrooms, local cheeses, and local cured meats. All accompanied by polenta or taragna. Among the refuges open for catering, we recommend the Nicola refuge, the Castelli refuge, and the Casari refuge.
Skiing and snowshoeing
And in winter? Piani di Artavaggio is a top destination for ski enthusiasts. During the winter season, this mountain area transforms into a skier's paradise. Although the area has downsized from years ago, the well-prepared slopes and spectacular scenery offer a unique experience.
Winter at Piani di Artavaggio is ideal for young children to learn how to snowplow, for cross-country skiers and for snowshoeing itineraries.
The most classic route to snowshoe partly follows the one described earlier: from the cable car arrival to the Nicola Hut. It takes about three quarters of an hour overcoming 350 meters of elevation gain.
At the refuge we recommend a short stop in the warmth, perhaps for a dessert, and off we go again until we reach the summit of Mount Sodadura, in about 45 minutes! Since it runs along the ridge, we recommend checking the condition of the snowpack before setting off and making the hike, safely!
From the top, an immaculate, all-white panorama will open before your eyes!
Still with snowshoes, don't miss the hike leading to Cima di Piazzo starting from rifugio Nicola.
In winter, you can also try your hand at adrenaline-filled bobsledding or sledding, and for the more experienced, spectacular ski touring experiences, or simply sunbathe on the panoramic terrace.
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