Forni Trail
Host
Eden Hotel
Via Funivia, 3, Bormio
Details
The one from Santa Caterina ai Forni is a winter hike of medium-low difficulty and great scenic impact. In addition to the charm of a silent and wild valley dominated by the imposing north face of Mount Tresero, there are at least two added values to be reported for this valuable winter hike: the almost always beaten ground and the presence along the route of a warm and welcoming refreshment point.
From the "La fonte" parking lot in Santa Caterina Valfurva, follow the flat road that points east toward the Forni refuge. The driveway proceeds flat for about a kilometer until, at the end of the "Lusseda" meadows, the climb begins.
A short steep section leads to the "Resamoga" locality and then enters the heart of the valley at Miravalle.
With a slight incline, the road continues through a pine forest of pure stone pine (a rarity in the entire Alpine arc) until it reaches the Molinelli waterfall, a popular destination for ice climbers.
On the opposite side of the valley the majestic north face of Mount Tresero, Valfurva's iconic mountain, repeatedly catches the eye. Its majestic bulk, the nearly 1,800 meters of elevation difference from the river to the summit, the rocks, glaciers and snowy white slopes often marked by more or less recent avalanches, give the hiker a viewpoint often reserved only for mountaineers. A mountain so close it can be touched and at the same time so imposing that it inspires immense wonder and respect.
The hike continues uphill with a steady gradient and soon reaches two characteristic switchbacks followed by a short steep climb and a subsequent small descent. Another short steep section leads in a few minutes to the Stella Alpina Refuge.
Past the refreshment stop, the gradient drops again. Continue along the obvious path until you reach and pass two more hairpin bends. A few dozen meters after the second hairpin bend, near an intersection, follow the signs for parking lots. Go past the short downhill section between the rocks and, once the small descent is over, keep left in the direction of Rifugio Forni.
At the height of the hut, point to the obvious Stelvio National Park information canopy. Upon reaching the information board, turn right and, following the flat trail, keep the refuge behind you and continue in the direction of the dark iron power pylon. A few meters after the pylon you reach a scenic panoramic balcony over the Forni glacier and its famous peaks.
The contrast between the narrow valley traversed so far and the airiness of the surrounding panorama leaves one breathless. The silence, the snow and the majesty of the environment capture the gaze and give unique and different emotions each time.
Leaving this incredible scenery, we reverse direction and, retracing our steps, return to Santa Caterina.
Enjoy your hike!
