Discover Madesimo

Madesimo brings together a range of travel interests: skiing, waterside walking trails, alpine nature and local culture. If you are looking for a hotel, the activities you have planned can be a helpful starting point when choosing your destination. The Ski Area Valchiavenna is a specific attraction, as are the trails along the Torrente Scalcoggia and the Giardino Alpino Valcava.

Skiing in Madesimo

The Ski Area Valchiavenna in Madesimo has 11 lifts and 34 ski runs. It extends for 40 kilometres from the edge of town to Pizzo Groppera and Alpe Motta. Lifts, including a cable car and chairlifts, start in town, so you can reach the ski area without a ski bus. When planning your trip, both the size of the ski area and the location of the lift stations in town are relevant considerations.

Walking trails and waterfalls

The Passeggiata lungo il fiume is an easy trail exclusively for pedestrians. At 2.4 kilometres long, it leads from the centre of Madesimo to the valley floor, following the Torrente Scalcoggia. The first section, as far as the hamlet of Dogana Vegia, is paved, suitable for strollers and lit at night. Trail conditions and access may vary seasonally; check conditions locally if you plan to use this section.

The trail to the Cascata di Pianazzo is about 1.3 kilometres long, is intended for pedestrians and bicycles, and has 150 metres of elevation gain. The Cascata itself has a drop of 180 metres. The two trails therefore have different features: the Passeggiata is specifically designated as easy and exclusively for pedestrians, while the trail to the Cascata is also intended for bicycles and has 150 metres of elevation gain.

The Diga di Madesimo, a small dam for hydroelectric purposes, is also located in the town centre. The dam can be viewed up close via a walking trail that is suitable for everyone and lit at night. As the access described may change, check conditions locally before setting out on the walk.

Churches, architecture and local cuisine

The Church of San Martino e San Giorgio has a marble altar by Gabriele Longhi. The parish church of Madonna della Neve was built on the ruins of an earlier church. Rural architecture is also part of life in the mountain pastures of Madesimo: houses are traditionally built half of stone and half of logs. The churches and the construction of the houses offer different perspectives on the culture of the town and its mountain pastures.

Local cuisine includes the annual Pizzoccherata in Piazza Bertacchi. Pizzoccheri from Valchiavenna are served there, made with white flour and stale bread, and prepared with potatoes, sage, garlic, young alpine cheese and plenty of melted butter. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for your stay.

Alpine garden and fishing

The Giardino Alpino Valcava is located above Madesimo. It covers 70,000 square metres and lies at an altitude of between 1,800 and 1,900 metres. The garden can be reached from Madesimo by car or on foot. Its area of 70,000 square metres and altitude of between 1,800 and 1,900 metres are useful details for planning your visit.

Fishing opportunities also vary along the Torrente Scalcoggia: in the first section from the valley floor, fly fishing is allowed on a catch-and-release basis; in the second section, fishing is permitted without restrictions. Fishing zones and permits may change, so check the current regulations before fishing.

Information for your stay

The Madesimo Infopoint provides maps and public transport timetables, and offers advice on trekking, mountain bike routes, skiing and snowshoeing in winter. This is a way to get information on both trails and activities that vary by season.

The Centro sportivo di Madesimo has a gym with treadmills and TechnoGym equipment, as well as a squash court. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the latest details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Isola, San Carlo, Cataeggio, Bianzone, Buglio In Monte, Valfurva, Gordona, Chiareggio.

For the broader travel overview: Sondrio.