{"id":23704,"date":"2023-10-17T14:53:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T12:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/blog\/the-val-di-mello\/"},"modified":"2025-08-26T12:29:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T10:29:58","slug":"the-val-di-mello","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/blog\/the-val-di-mello\/","title":{"rendered":"The Val Di Mello"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The Yosemite of the Alps! Discover with us the itinerary to visit the Val di Mello.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.outdooractive.com\/it\/embed\/254763931\/js?mw=false&#038;usr=3cvm0l&#038;key=USR-KMG3HMJD-EMWGKRBO-4OSSUGOL\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>Val di Mello is a charming valley located in Val Masino, in the province of Sondrio. Designated as a natural reserve by the Lombardy Region in 2009, it attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to admire the splendid granite rock towers that contrast with the vibrant and intense green of the valley floor. The valley is traversed by the Mello River, which forms beautiful crystal-clear pools of water. It stretches from east to west, starting from the village of San Martino Valmasino and ending in front of the imposing mass of Mount Disgrazia, which dominates the horizon at 3,678 meters. <\/p>\n\n<p>There are several refuges along the valley where you can have lunch and stay overnight. The valley is suitable for both Sunday hikers seeking unspoiled nature and climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. Additionally, it serves as an access route to the famous Sentiero Roma, a multi-day high-altitude trek in the heart of the Rhaetian Alps.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:75% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22210 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2-600x375.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>TRIP SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>DIFFICULTY<\/strong>: easy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>TOTAL<\/strong> <strong>ELEVATION GAIN<\/strong>: Approximately 650 meters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>MAXIMUM ALTITUDE<\/strong>: Approximately 1,560 meters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Type<\/strong>: A\/R<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>DURATION<\/strong>: 2.5 hours (one way) \/ 2.0 hours (return)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>START<\/strong>: San Martino Val Masino (SO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>ARRIVAL<\/strong>: Alpe Pioda (SO)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>The departure point is San Martino Val Masino, where the road open to the public ends and parking is available (for a fee). From here, a shuttle service (one-way only, 2 Euros per person) departs, allowing you to avoid the initial 200 meters of elevation gain and ascend on an asphalt road to the Pansc\u00e8r area. Note that the shuttle service is not always operational, so it&#8217;s advisable to check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.valmasino.info\/schede\/val-di-mello\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">local tourism<\/a> website beforehand. Alternatively, you can walk this section, following the signs and the obvious path. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-3-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-3-600x375.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Contessa&#8217;s bidet and Monte Disgrazia in the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>Arriving at Pansc\u00e8r, we proceed along the trail (right orographic bank) with a gentle slope that runs alongside the Mello River. This path offers the first splendid pools of water, where it&#8217;s pleasant to cool off in the summer. Among them, the most famous is the one known as the &#8220;Bid\u00e8 della Contessa&#8221; (Countess&#8217;s Bidet). Soon, you&#8217;ll reach the Cascina Piana area, where the largest cluster of houses in the valley is located, along with the first refuges. After passing through the Rasica area and its refuge, the trail continues through the forest, following the river, until you reach an impressive waterfall. <\/p>\n\n<p>From here, the last stretch begins, which is more strenuous and demanding. It involves a series of switchbacks through a coniferous forest, leading to the Casera di Pioda area in about 30 minutes. This wide green basin is nestled among granite slabs and towers and is where the namesake refuge is located. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-2-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-2-600x375.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The green valley floor of the Val di Mello<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>For the return journey, once you&#8217;re back at the Rasica area, you can take the wooden bridge that crosses the river and switch to the left hydrographic side of the valley. From here, sticking to this trail, you can return to Pansc\u00e8r, where you can cross the river again and follow the same asphalt road you took on the way there. Alternatively, you can return directly to San Martino.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22214\" style=\"width:840px;height:525px\" width=\"840\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2-600x375.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Locality Casera di Pioda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>The itinerary is easy and suitable for all levels. You can find the interactive map of the route, complete with elevation profile and downloadable GPS track, at this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outdooractive.com\/it\/route\/escursione\/italia\/val-di-mello\/254763931\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">link<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>This route is ideal for enjoying the foliage, as we&#8217;ve also discussed in this article: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/blog\/10-routes-where-you-can-admire-the-foliage-in-lombardy\/\">10 Trails to Admire Foliage in Lombardy.&#8221;<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p><em>Always plan your trips carefully, choosing appropriate gear and equipment and verifying the route before embarking.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BergamoXP<\/h2>\n\n<p id=\"bergamoxp\">BergamoXP is the first aquatic sports center in the province of Bergamo. We are professionals specializing in the disciplines of<a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/kind-of-experience\/kayak-lombardy\/\">Kayak<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/esperienza\/canyoning-in-lombardia\/\">Canyoning<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/kind-of-experience\/rafting-lombardy\/\">Rafting<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/experience\/hydrospeed-on-brembo-river\/\">Hydrospeed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/experience\/river-trekking-in-brembana-valley\/\">River Trekking<\/a>. We are a team of nature, outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, lovers and connoisseurs of our area.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Choose BergamoXP, the adventure in our backyard is waiting for you!<\/p>\n\n<p><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Val di Mello is a charming valley located in Val Masino, in the province of Sondrio. Designated as a natural reserve by the Lombardy Region in 2009, it attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to admire the splendid granite rock towers that contrast with the vibrant and intense green of the valley floor. The valley is traversed by the Mello River, which forms beautiful crystal-clear pools of water. It stretches from east to west, starting from the village of San Martino Valmasino and ending in front of the imposing mass of Mount Disgrazia, which dominates the horizon at 3,678 meters. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22217,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[283,276,281,277,275,282,285],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sondrio-en","category-autumn","category-mountain","category-nature","category-spring","category-summer","category-winter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23704"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23704\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bergamoxp.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}