Val Viola is a lateral valley of the upper Valtellina, situated along the road that ascends from Bormio to Livigno. We are within a remarkable natural setting, both due to the altitude of the route and the majesty of the surrounding peaks. Snowshoeing in Val Viola, however, is safe and easily doable, as despite the considerable distance (almost 11 km), the elevation gain is moderate and allows reaching the Caricc refuge/farm, which is open in winter. The route consists of two variants, a “High” one and a “Low” one. In this article, we describe the loop by taking the low variant on the way there and the high variant on the return. The low route is generally very safe and less prone to avalanche risk. Before embarking on the high route, it’s advisable to check the weather and snow reports.

This itinerary starts from Chiareggio, in Valmalenco. The snowshoeing to Alpe dell’Oro is ideal to be undertaken in early spring (or during winters with little snow) when the road leading to Chiareggio is clear of snow and open to traffic. Alternatively, for the more experienced, the two itineraries can be combined and completed in a day. The route, through a comfortable and wide mule track, allows you to reach the alpine pastures above Chiareggio and enjoy magnificent views of the North face of Mount Disgrazia, which at 3678 meters dominates the valley.

Chiareggio is a well-known tourist village in Valmalenco, a lateral valley of Valtellina. Inside the village, numerous accommodations welcome visitors, offering delights of typical Valtellinese cuisine. The easy snowshoeing route in Chiareggio follows the road, which is closed to cars in winter, that leads from San Giuseppe and the valley floor up to the village.