The main valley of the province of Bergamo and the Orobie Alps, Val Brembana takes its name from the Brembo River, which runs through it from north to south.
The main ski resorts and the most fascinating routes are easily and quickly accessible from major Lombard cities such as Bergamo, Milan, or Monza. Add the snow-covered, typically alpine landscapes, the charming villages, and the traditional cuisine, and Val Brembana becomes an excellent destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip during the winter season.
With this article, we hope to help by suggesting 6 ideas for activities you can enjoy during your winter stay or visit to Val Brembana.
- On-Piste Skiing and Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Ski Mountaineering
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Sledding and Ice Skating
- Spas and Wellness Centers
1. On-Piste Skiing and Snowboarding
The valley’s main ski resorts are two: Foppolo-Carona and Valtorta-Piani di Bobbio, with the smaller resort of Piazzatorre adding to the options.
Foppolo-Carona is the highest ski area in the Orobie range, reaching an altitude of 2,163 meters. It offers 22 km of slopes, mostly red (intermediate), served by 9 lifts. The resort also features two freestyle/snowpark areas and a kids’ area with a conveyor lift and mini slopes.
Valtorta-Piani di Bobbio is the largest ski area, with 12 lifts and 35 km of slopes, mostly blue (easy). It can be reached either from Barzio, in Val Sassina, or from Valtorta, in Val Brembana, and is the most popular choice for visitors coming from Milan or Brianza.
Piazzatorre, as mentioned, is the smallest resort with just 4 km of slopes and 2 lifts, located on Mount Torcola. Unfortunately, due to its relatively low altitude and increasingly warmer, less snowy winters, it often struggles with a lack of snow.
2. Snowshoeing
The many valleys and peaks of Val Brembana offer several enjoyable routes for snowshoeing. Among the most classic itineraries are the Piani dell’Avaro, an area well-suited for families. The more experienced can continue up to Mount Avaro. Another easy option is to hike up to the Gremei refuge in Piazzatorre and reach Mount Torcola.
The more experienced can reach the Laghi Gemelli (though the refuge is usually closed in winter) or, starting from Vedeseta in Val Taleggio, hike up to the Gherardi refuge and then continue on to the Nicola refuge, Mount Sodadura, and the Piani di Artavaggio.
For those seeking solitude and unspoiled nature, the perfect choice is the wild Val Terzera, along what is known as the “Casere trail.”
Finally, the San Simone basin area, where the ski lifts are no longer in operation, has become a true paradise for snowshoers and ski mountaineers.
During the winter season, BergamoXP organizes snowshoe hikes in the San Simone basin with its alpine guides. If you have no experience and want to try this fascinating way of exploring the mountains in winter, book your spot with us!
3. Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering also has a home in Val Brembana. In fact, there are numerous routes suitable for all levels!
One of the easiest routes is the dedicated trail that climbs up the Foppolo slopes, leading to the Salomon terrace refuge. The more experienced can continue on to Mount Valgussera. Another “easy” option is to follow the carriage road up to the Gremei refuge in Piazzatorre and then continue to the summit of Mount Torcola.
For a greater challenge, you can head to the San Simone basin, where the most popular destinations are Cima di Lemma and Cima dei Siltri. Another great classic is the Dordona Pass and then Mount Toro, starting from Foppolo.
The most experienced and well-trained can finally choose to ascend Mount Cabianca or Corno Stella.
4. Cross-Country Skiing
Several areas in the upper valley are dedicated to cross-country skiing. In Foppolo, near the ski lifts, there is a loop of about 3 km. In Carona, on the other side of the ski area, there is also a trail of about 3 km. Staying near the alpine ski lifts, cross-country skiing is also available in Valtorta, in the dedicated “Tre Signori” area.
The Piani dell’Avaro are an excellent destination, sunny and at high altitude. There are several loops ranging from 1.5 to 7 km in length. However, the most renowned area in the valley is Oltre il Colle, which offers as many as 16 km of trails.
Snow permitting, it is also possible to ski the loops in Branzi and Roncobello, though being at a lower altitude, they often suffer from a lack of snow.
5. Sledding and Ice Skating
And for families or those who don’t ski? In Piazzatorre, there is a large indoor ice rink where you can skate throughout the entire winter season. Also in Piazzatorre, near the ski lift departure area, children can have fun with sleds and bobs.
Moving on to Foppolo-Carona, there is an outdoor ice-skating rink near the ski lift departure area on the Carona side, as well as one on the Foppolo side. In addition, both adults and children can enjoy sledding and bobsledding on the dedicated slopes and areas—one at Bar Pineta on the Carona side and one in Foppolo. Valtorta-Piani di Bobbio also offers, within the ski area, a dedicated bobsled and sledding zone with a conveyor lift.
In addition to being a paradise for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering, the San Simone basin offers a large area near the Scoiattolo refuge, perfect for families who want to have fun in the snow. Another family-friendly destination is the Piani dell’Avaro, where you can enjoy sliding down the gentle slopes with sleds and bobs.
6. Spas and Wellness Centers
All that sporting activity left you tired? Feeling chilled after a day on the snow? Then there’s nothing better than a rejuvenating dip in warm thermal waters. Of course, the most renowned and prestigious facility is QC Terme, located in the romantic and picturesque town of San Pellegrino Terme, inside the old municipal casino. But beyond this option, many of the valley’s top hotels also offer their guests SPA & Wellness centers. Among the most notable are Agriturismo Ferdy and Orobie Alps Resort.
For a unique winter experience, BergamoXP organizes a magical weekend in the snowy Val di Rezzalo, in Alta Valtellina, featuring easy hikes on groomed snow under the magic of the night and an exhilarating sled ride under the stars!
BergamoXP
BergamoXP is the first aquatic sports center in the province of Bergamo. We are a team of nature enthusiasts, outdoor and adventure lovers, connoisseurs of our territory and professionals specializing in the disciplines of Kayak, Canyoning, Rafting, Hydrospeed, River Trekking.
Choose BergamoXP, adventure is waiting just around the corner!
