Val Viola is located about twenty kilometers away from Bormio and Livigno and offers opportunities for pleasant hikes and walks suitable for both families and less experienced hikers.
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How to get to Val Viola?
To reach Val Viola by car from Bormio, you need to follow state road number 301 in the direction of Livigno. Along the way, you will be able to admire the majestic mountains of the Cima Piazzi group (3,439 meters), Cima Viola (3,374 meters) and Cima Dosdé (3,280 meters), which dominate the valley.
After passing Valdidentro, you will come to the Arnoga hairpin bend, and from there you will have to turn left, following the road that leads to Val Viola.
In the summer season, it is possible to drive down the road to the small parking lot in Altumeira, subject to payment of a toll (5 euros). Alternatively, a shuttle service is available, also for 5 euros. During the winter, however, the road is not accessible by car and you will have to park at its beginning.
Once you leave your car, the route continues on foot along the only available road. You will reach Val Viola Lake and pass through an open area with panoramic views of the Dosdé Horn, until you reach the Viola hut (2314 m). From here, and we recommend it, you can reach the nearby Val Viola Pass (2466 m) in about 30 minutes, which marks the border with Val Poschiavo in Switzerland.
What to do in Val Viola: the Walks and Refuges.
Before telling you about the activities to do in Val Viola, here is a brief trivia about the name of the area: it is highly likely that the name Val Viola originated from a mistake made by cartographers in the 19th century. At that time, they apparently confused the original name "Albiola," which comes from the Latin word "albus," meaning "white," with "Viola," and the latter name has remained in use.
There are several activities and routes you can take once you reach the area: you can opt to go to one of the three refuges in Val Viola (Rifugio Viola, Agriturismo Baita Caricc, and Rifugio Federico in Dosdé), following very easy trails, to enjoy lunch in pleasant company.
Lake Viola
Otherwise, you can choose to climb up to the Val Viola Pass to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, or stop at Lake Viola, which is about 45 minutes from the highest part of the trail.
Alternatively, you also have the option of crossing the Swiss border to further lengthen the route.
The Viola Valley Ring Route
The most famous and most popular hike in the area is theVal Viola loop itinerary, which allows you to discover all the beauty this valley has to offer.
You can follow the route on foot or by mountain bike, starting from Arnoga. This route will immediately immerse you in the beauty of the natural landscape, crossing a dense fir forest in the first two kilometers, which are mainly flat.
Walk in Val Viola
You will initially encounter the Premoglia huts and then the Campo huts (1938 m a.s.l.), which are nestled in a wide clearing. Continuing straight ahead, you will pass a small stream in an area called Stagimel, and then re-enter the forest.
Keep walking straight and, once you pass the large parking lot, you will cross a small bridge over a stream. This is one of the most striking points of the trail, where the valley opens up more and more, giving you a breathtaking panoramic view. Here, the landscape also changes, as the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, leaving room for the typical alpine flora of the pastures.
Val Viola, Bormio
Continuing along the road, after about 5 km, you will reach the Altumeria huts (2116 m). Here, you will find a junction that allows you to reach Val Cantone di Dosdé. Continuing on further, between the walls of Corno di Dosdè and the ridges of Pizzo Bianco, you will finally arrive at the Viola hut (2314 m), after passing the valley's picturesque alpine lake (Lago Viola).
Just above the hut, you will find the Val Viola Pass, which marks the border with Switzerland and connects the valley to the Poschiavina Valley.
The entire loop trail is about 11 km long and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours of walking. The elevation difference is about 500 meters and the difficulty is easy making the trail accessible to everyone even children.
Some Useful Information for Your Hike in Val Viola
Here is some important information to keep in mind before hiking in Val Viola:
- Be sure to bring enough water with you as there are no drinking fountains available along the trail. It will be necessary to reach refuges to replenish yourself.
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing as the weather can vary significantly. Be prepared for cooler temperatures once you reach the Pass, but you may also experience some heat along the way.
- As for footwear, wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to hike the section between Rifugio Viola and Rifugio Federico Valgoi or in Dosdé, it is advisable to opt for hiking boots, as the trail has rough terrain, boulders, and a stream to cross in some places.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen with you, as much of the trail is at high altitude and exposed to the sun.
- If you plan to have lunch at one of the huts along the trail, it is advisable to make reservations in advance in order to secure a spot.
- As for parking, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning, especially during peak season. Parking spaces are limited and you may be forced to park some distance away or even in Arnoga. Alternatively, you can consider using the shuttle that leaves from the village and takes you to the Altumeira parking lot at a cost of 3 euros one way or 5 euros round trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiking in Val Viola offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking views and a chance to connect with unspoiled nature. Remember to follow the tips listed above in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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