Self-guided hiking tours in the Alps: among mountain dairies in Stelvio National Park

This is a beautiful hiking tour that combines the custom of the peasant world, the traditional hospitality of Trentino, a good alpine cuisine with its flavors and the sound of nature in the largest protected area of the Alps.

This is the ideal self-guided tour in the Alps to discover the harmonious fusion of nature and alpine traditions in the heart of Stelvio National Park.

We are in Val di Rabbi, small alpine valley crowned by the peaks of Ortler Cevedale, where still persists the habits of alpine pastures. This old tradition consists in the 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 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!

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Val di Sole and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - MONTE SOLE
  Ascent: +800m. Descent: -0m. 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, the trail continues 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 the ascent begins along the meadows at the foot of Monte Sole until it reaches its southern slopes. Dinner and overnight stay in mountain dairy (2.048 m).
   
• DAY 3 - VAL MALEDA
  Ascent: +330m. Descent: -360m. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 4h
  A trail at high altitude leads 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 (2.060 m).
   
• Day 4 - VAL SAENT
  Ascent: +400m. Descent: -30m. 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. With a gradual ascent the trail skirts the coast of the mountain overlooking Val Saent and passing through vast grassy slopes and clear waterways it reaches a wide hollow at the foot of Ortler Cevedale. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2.437m).
• Day 5 - SAENT WATERFALLS
  Ascent: +0m. Descent: -920m. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 3h30
  A pleasant and panoramic descent 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. 
   
• Day 6
  Departure.

What if you have less days at your disposal? No problem! Our hiking tour among mountain dairies and huts can be adjusted and it is available in a three hiking days' solution too.

Program details - 5 days: 

The first three days correspond with the first three days of the 6-day program:

• Day 4 - SAENT WATERFALLS
  Ascent: +280m. Descent: -960m. Distance: 9km. Hiking time: 4h30.
  After a good breakfast, the hiking day starts along the mountain coast towards the romantic Campisol – a natural balcony over the valley, place for peaceful rests. After a steep but easy descent into the forest, the trail passes between the bridges and the water features of Saent waterfalls, the most majestic in Val di Sole. The mountain dairy, which is located at the end of the hike, will be an excellent and tasty conclusion of the hiking trip, before going back to the hotel. 
   
• Day 5
  Departure.

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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