A Three-Day Backpacking Adventure in Valmalenco
Jason, an avid backpacker from Australia, reached out to us in early July looking for a three-day trekking experience near Milan. As a gateway to the Italian Alps, Milan is the perfect starting point for any outdoor adventure. This is especially true for backpacking in Valmalenco Lombardy in the Italian Alps. After learning about Jason’s fitness level, hiking experience, and goals, we sent him a few tailored proposals in different regions of the Alps.
Jason chose the Valmalenco valley in Lombardy, an area of Italy known for its breathtaking natural beauty. This location was perfect for him since he had a work commitment nearby. It made it easy to fit in a few days off in nature and enjoy backpacking in these stunning Italian Alps.
We met Jason in Milan, and after a 2.5-hour drive, we reached upper Valmalenco. We started our hiking adventure at an elevation of 2,000 meters. Backpacking in Valmalenco Lombardy in the Italian Alps offers scenery that is stunning from the very start. There are impressive Bernina glacier views and dramatic high peaks all around. The path was a great introduction to the medium-challenging terrain we’d be tackling over the next few days.
Climbing to the First Mountain Hut
The first day was entirely dedicated to reaching our first mountain hut. Jason was a well-trained and experienced hiker, so we aimed for a higher refuge. This allowed us to position ourselves for a potential summit attempt the following day.
Unfortunately, the weather turned, and it wasn’t safe for a high-altitude climb. For this reason we quickly adjusted our plan and followed the normal route to our next hut on our second day.
We made it just in time, arriving before the rain started. We were able to settle in and enjoy a cold beer and a hearty pasta dish while the storm passed. The sun emerged just as quickly as the rain started. So, we took the opportunity to walk to a marvelous alpine lake near the glacier to take some photos. Staying in a mountain hut is always a fantastic experience; it’s a social setting where you can connect with other hikers and share stories about the path and your adventures. This includes tales of backpacking in Valmalenco Lombardy.
Summiting a 3,000-Meter Peak
On our third day, Jason was still full of energy and ready to take on a challenge. He decided to attempt a 3,000-meter peak. Such peaks are prime highlights when backpacking in Valmalenco Lombardy in the Italian Alps. We started our climb early in the morning. The air was filled with the sounds of marmot “whistles” as we passed them. While many people think of this sound as a whistle, it’s actually an alarm call. It warns other marmots of approaching animals—or humans.
The first section of the climb was a bit challenging due to the steep slope and elevation gain. We reached a small mountain shelter on the border with Switzerland where we took a short break. From there, we followed a rocky path, and after about an hour of climbing, we reached the summit. The panoramic views were spectacular. Jason was incredibly lucky. The clear weather offered dramatic and distant glacier views. We were even able to do some wildlife watching, spotting an ibex and a majestic bearded vulture soaring high above the peaks.
Jason was so excited and grateful for the experience. This three-day backpacking trip was a fantastic adventure. We’re confident that he’ll be back for more incredible hikes in these remote parts of the Italian Alps.
Do you want to know more about this trekking routes in the Alps? have a glimpse to the standard proposal in Bernina trekking!
