The Seriana Valley is one of the main valleys of the Orobie and the province of Bergamo and takes its name from the Serio river that runs through it entirely from North to South.
The Seriana Valley is an excellent destination for a long weekend or a day trip during the winter season. In fact, its main ski areas and the most fascinating itineraries are easily and quickly reachable from the main Lombard cities, such as Bergamo, Milan or Monza. Typical alpine landscapes and characteristic villages rich in history will give you moments
With this article, we hope to help you by suggesting 6 ideas for activities that you can do during your stay or your winter visit in Val Seriana and in the contiguous Val di Scalve.
- Skiing and snowboarding on the slopes
- Snowshoeing
- Ski touring
- Cross-country skiing
- Tobogganing and ice skating
- Spas and wellness centers
1. On-Piste Skiing and Snowboarding
The Seriana Valley boasts numerous ski areas, although smaller in size compared to those of the Brembana Valley: Monte Pora and the adjacent Presolana Pass, Spiazzi di Gromo and Lizzola. To this must be added the Colere area, in Val di Scalve.
Monte Pora with the one at the Presolana Pass are the most renowned area in the valley. A total of over 30 km of slopes, mainly red and blue, and 8 ski lifts lie in a family setting, at the foot of the splendid Presolana massif. There is also a school camp for children and beginners.
The Spiazzi di Gromo are a small but complete area, with 15 km of slopes, mainly red, 4 ski lifts and a school camp for children.
In the upper valley it is possible to ski in Lizzola, at the foot of the Orobie giants, on an area with about 20 km of slopes, mainly red, and 5 ski lifts with a school camp.
Finally, in Colere there are the only alpine ski lifts in the Val di Scalve. Unlike the previous ones, the 20 km of slopes, half red and half black, and 5 ski lifts make it a more challenging area, less suitable for beginners.
2. Snowshoeing
Numerous itineraries that are well suited to be traveled with snowshoes are present in Val Seriana. An easy itinerary also suitable for families, the snowshoeing to Monte Alto, near the Monte Pora area, will allow you to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Iseo. A stop at the Magnolini refuge is not to be missed.
Remaining in the area, Monte Scanapà, opposite the Presolana, offers an undemanding but very pleasant itinerary.
Safe routes, even if a minimum of training is required, lead to reach the Vodala refuge, at the Spiazzi di Gromo and the Albani refuge, from Colere, through a dedicated path immersed in coniferous forests, next to the ski slopes.
The wild area of Valzurio up to the Moschel huts is a challenging but rewarding itinerary, far from the noise of the slopes and civilization, among fir forests and alpine pastures.
From Lizzola you can reach the Manina pass, for an itinerary between Val Seriana and Val di Scalve. Still in Val di Scalve, starting from Schilpario, you can finally reach the Campali pass.
If you have no experience and want to try this fascinating way of exploring the mountains in winter, BergamoXP organizes snowshoe hikes in the San Simone basin, in Val Brembana, with its alpine guides. Book your spot with us!
3. Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering is at home in Val Seriana. In fact, there are numerous itineraries, suitable for all legs!
The clearings of Gromo are “skialper friendly”, with an itinerary dedicated to ski mountaineers (and snowshoers) that leads to the Vodala refuge. The most trained will then be able to climb to the top of the Timogno, but subject to checking the snow conditions.
From Lizzola, along the Valle dell’Asta, we can reach the top of Monte Sponda Vaga and then descend along the slopes. This town also offers numerous exciting alternatives: the Manina pass, Mount Sasna, Pizzo di Petto, Pizzo Tre Confini are just some of the best known.
In the Presolana pass area, a great classic are the pellate at Pizzo di Corzene, passing through the cave of the Pagans, and at Visolo. On the Val di Scalve side, from Colere it is possible to climb to Monte Ferrante and Ferrantino.
Finally, from Valcanale, you can climb the slopes of Monte Arera, passing through the Branchino pass, for a fantastic ride along the ridge between Val Seriana and Brembana.
4. Cross-Country Skiing
The best known and most popular area for cross-country skiing is undoubtedly Schilpario, in Val di Scalve, where enthusiasts and agonists of this discipline await the fir track, 11.5 km long.
Alternatively, you can ski in Valbondione, at the Casa Corti slope, 5.5 km long and artificially covered with snow.
There are also natural slopes near Clusone and Gandino, but due to the winters that are less and less cold and stingy with precipitation, unfortunately there is often a lack of snow.
5. Sledding and Ice Skating
In Val Seriana, families and those who do not know how to ski will also find fun activities to entertain themselves with, such as sledding, bobsleigh and ice skating rinks.
One of the best-known areas dedicated to bobsleighs and sleds is the one in Donico, in the Presolana pass area, adjacent to the slopes. At the Bar Rododendro, there is also an ice skating rink.
Moving to the Spiazzi di Gromo, the area at the end of the slopes is dedicated to bobsleighs and sleds, while it is possible to ice skate in the special rink near the parking lots.
Another very popular destination, Schilpario offers a bobsleigh and sledding area with a dedicated track of over 200 m in length, adjacent to the “Schilpario ski lift”, and an ice skating rink, at the “Paradiso skating rink”.
Finally, it is possible to slide with bobsleighs and sleds at the Lizzola lifts, in the dedicated area.
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!
6. Spas and Wellness Centers
After an intense day outdoors and in the snow, nothing is more pleasant than a few hours of relaxation in a pool of hot water and the warmth of a sauna. In Val Seriana there are no specially dedicated wellness centers, but many hotels offer this service to their guests. Among these we can mention the Alpen Spa and the Grand Hotel Presolana in Castione della Presolana and the Alpen Chalet in Schilpario.
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.
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