Ski Italy

The Valley of the river Malenco in bordered from one side by Switzerland and area of town Sondrio from the other.
The river is squeezed between two mountain groups : 27 km long the Bernina range with highest peak 4049 m, which descents on the Swiss side to Upper Engandine and St.Moritz,
and range Disgrazia with the summit of the same name 3678 m asl. Another mountain in the area is Pizzo Scalino (3223 m).
The largest village in Valmalenco, Chiesa ( 960 m) has benefited from stones and minerals extraction since the Middle Ages, and at the beginning of 20th century enjoyed the tourist boom with the construction of the most advanced at the time hotel complex in the Alps – Gran Hotel Malenco.

There are two ski areas in Valmalenco : Alpe Palù and Caspoggio, both of them located near Chiesa and quite often
together reffered ( unofficially) as Valmalenco, or Chiesa Valmalenco and there is a common ski pass for two ski areas, or separate for Caspoggio only.
The resort Alpe Palù got its name from Lago Palù with picturesque cross-country run around the lake.
The new gondola Snow Eagle from Vassalini (Chiesa) carries up to 160 people to Alpe Palù 2020 m.
The most popular is black run ‘Thoeni’ designed by the great Italian champion Gustav Thoeni himself, featuring over 2 km of constant changes of pace and a final wall with a formidable gradient of 73 %.
There is also a panoramic piste Direttissima Sasso Alto – 5 km descent from Sasso Alto ( 2336 m) among the pine trees.

The village Caspoggio (1098 m) holds numerous national and international competitions, in the local school trained Italian champions like Pegorari, and Elio Presazzi.
The famous Vanoni race commences of the same named black run, which has two variants, both steep and exciting.
In spite of famous names and events the area is also prepared for the beginners.

45 km of Nordic skiing in three areas:
Lago Palù basin, Lanzada and San Giuseppe Chiareggio.

Night lighting 1,5 km

Areas reserved for Snowboarding, Half-pipe, Boardercross and a snowpark in Chiesa

[ on the photo: area near Lago Palù courtesy of roachy 737]

Tags: resorts, Valtellina