Val Viola with snowshoes
Host
Eden Hotel
Via Funivia, 3, Bormio
Details
Of low difficulty and limited elevation gain, winter hiking with or without snowshoes in Val Viola is ideal for experiencing a pleasant day away from noise and hustle and bustle.
The trail described here almost always features a beaten track by snowmobile or snowcat.
From the parking lot in Arnoga, follow the signs for trail 291 in the direction of Baite Orsa. The trail, alternating between forested sections and small grasslands leads over flat terrain until it crosses the road leading toward Val Verva.
Reaching the road, turn right and follow it uphill for about one hundred and fifty meters. At the next clearing\crossing you keep left and shortly reach a new detour.
Youleave trail 291 and continue on trail 293 in the direction of Baita Caricci.
The new trail leads to a depression followed by a short steep climb. At the end of the steep section, turn left and continue west toward Corno di Dosdè.
Slightly uphill, the trail proceeds through dense fir and larch forest for a few hundred meters until it reaches a grassy area again near an A2A water intake. You cross the bright plain and, still in the direction of the imposing Corno di Dosdè, you enter into the heart of Val Viola. When you reach the bridge over the Viola River, cross it and over a wide grassy area, continue westward toward the bottom of the valley until you reach a small bridge behind the Agriturismo Caricc. One crosses the small bridge and shortly leads to the farmhouse where a pleasant, regenerative stop is a must. (Check opening times)
Having resumed the walk, you leave the refreshment stop behind and head east until you reach again the bridge over the Viola River crossed on the outward journey. A few dozen meters ahead you turn left and uphill you set out on "high route" number 293 in the direction of Arnoga. In this section the trail faces a not particularly challenging ascent a few hundred meters long. When you reach the summer parking lot of Altumeira you turn right and following the Val Viola road entirely for about four kilometers, without any particular difficulty you return to the starting point alternating flat stretches with short ups and downs.
