Among trails, farms and mountain huts: a journey into the authentic nature of Stelvio National Park

Stelvio National Park is the largest park in the Alps and one of the biggest in Italy. Here, nature is pure and untouched: forests, pastures, lakes, glaciers, and majestic peaks. But that’s not all, these landscapes blend with alpine traditions that bring you back to a slower, more genuine way of life.

This trek through mountain huts and alpine farms runs in the very heart of the park, specifically in Val di Rabbi, a small alpine villaged at the foot of Ortler-Cevedale peaks. In this valley, many old traditions are still alive, such as the practice of transhumance of cattle, which in summer moves from the valley to the grazing up in the mountains with the purpose of making the most out of the mountain’s forage resources.

Among suspended bridges and sparkling waterfalls, this itinerary leads you across some typical wooden and stone constructions, the so-called ‘Malga’ (mountain dairy). There are different types of them: from those dedicated exclusively to animal shelter and to the production of delicious cheeses to those which offer the possibility to enjoy a good Trentino dish. And again from the disused mountain dairies to the recently renovated ones with cozy private rooms that will offer you the experience of spending some really special nights under starry skies. Once immersed in the apine atmosphere, you can not miss the experience of sleeping in a real mountain hut, where you can share with fellow hikers and mountaineers the pure essence of the Alps.

A trek that combines the wisdom of rural life, traditional Trentino hospitality, and authentic alpine cuisine with the scents and sounds of nature, all within the largest protected area in the Alps.

Program details - 6 Day Tour:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Val di Sole and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - MONTE SOLE
  Ascent: +800m. Descent: -0m. Altitude: 1250 - 2050 m. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 4h
  Once reached Val di Rabbi, the itinerary begins on a forest road which soon leads to the Tibetan bridge: an amusing 100-meter passage suspended above the waterfalls of Rio Ragaiolo. Arrived on the opposite side, you continue surrounded by forest until the first mountain dairy, ideal spot for a refreshing break cheered by the sound of cowbells grazing in the pasture. After a good recharge you start the ascent along the meadows at the foot of Monte Sole until you reaches its southern slopes. Dinner and overnight stay in mountain dairy.
   
• DAY 3 - VAL MALEDA
  Ascent: +330m. Descent: -360m. Altitude: 1800 - 2050 m. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 4h
  A trail at high altitude leads you across pleasant larches and passing through unexpected waterfalls descents into a wilder valley. To welcome you along the way there will be cows, sheep and horses that will keep you company during the last stretch of light ascent. Once arrived at the mountain dairy you will feel immediately welcomed by a genuine family hospitality, before experiencing a really good dinner. Dinner and overnight stay in mountain dairy.
   
• Day 4 - VAL SAENT
  Ascent: +400m. Descent: -30m. Altitude: 1800 - 2450 m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h
  Today waking up at first lights is a must! After an energic breakfast made of products with zero food miles, you start hiking on a trail that gradually ascends and skirts the coast of the mountain overlooking Val Saent. It pass through vast grassy slopes and clear waterways it reaches a wide hollow at the foot of Ortler Cevedale. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - SAENT WATERFALLS
  Ascent: +0m. Descent: -920m. Altitude: 1250 - 2450 m. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 3h30
  A pleasant and panoramic trail takes you through Val Saent surrounded by agile marmots and rhododendron flowers. After the wide expanse of the Pra di Saent the path leads between bridges and water games of the Saent Waterfalls, the most majestic of the Val di Sole. The mountain dairy, which is located at the end of the hike, will be an excellent and tasty conclusionof the hiking trip, before going back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
   
• Day 6
  After breakfast, check-out and departure.

Program details - 5 Day Tour:

The 5-day tour includes 3 hiking days and offers two route variants. Option 1: the tour follows the main itinerary until the fourth day when, instead of continuing towards the upper Val Saent, you reach Baito Campisol. From here, you descend along the lower Val Saent, passing by its waterfalls before going back to the valley. Option 2: after crossing the suspension bridge, the tour continues directly towards Val Maleda and therefore does not reach the slopes of Monte Sole.

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team / Mountain Guide - UIAGM based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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