Self-guided hiking tours in the Alps: staying in alpine dairy and mountain hut in Stelvio National Park

This is a beautiful hiking tour which 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 custom 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 suspension 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 one with cozy private rooms that will offer you the experience of spending a really special night under the starry sky.

Once immersed in the alpine 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!

The hike is available also with a single overnighy stay at the alpine dairy.

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Val di Sole and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - VAL MALEDA
  Ascent: +1065m. Descent: -225m. Distance: 7,8km. Hiking time: 4h45 (alternatively a less scenic but shorter itinerary is available. Ascent 875m. Distance 6,5km. Hiking time 3h45)
  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 – and if you have managed to wake up early you could still be in time for the milk processing! After a good recharge, walk between beautiful meadows to the old Mlaga Fratte Alta, enjoying long views over the valley and the snowy peaks of Sternai. After crossing a bridge to reach the opposite side of the valley, less than 2km are missing to reach the alpine dairy. Dinner and overnight stay in mountain dairy (2.060 m).
   
• Day 3 - VAL SAENT
  Ascent: +400m. Descent: -30m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h
  Today waking up at first lights is a must! After an energic breakfast with products at km 0, you must be ready to watch the milk processing before heading to the next alpine hut. 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 4 - 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 hut, which is located at the end of the hike, will be an excellent and tasty conclusion to this first part of the hike, 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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