Schedule and Pricing
Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.
Randy Pausch
Valmalenco
Add your name to the TerraTreks mailing list and join this trek by clicking on "Reserve Your Spot" at the bottom of the page.
This year's trek includes a challenging scramble over boulder fields and a Via Ferrata if conditions permit. The route up is steep, in places narrow, and requires the use of cables and ladders permanently fixed to the rock. We will use a harness on the Via Ferrata. You must have previous experience to sign up for this hike and be sure-footed, although you do not need any special skills. You must not have a fear of heights, however.
Details:
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Valmalenco may be the last undiscovered corner of the Italian Alps for hikers who enjoy the solitude of the trail. The region, tucked beneath the Swiss border, is still steeped in Italian traditions and the culture of mountaineering, this is an area you want to experience before the crowds get there. The Valmalenco in Italy's Valtellina, located in the heart of the Rhaetian Alps, is an almost unknown paradise for hikers. The glaciers of the Disgrazia, the Bernina and the Scalino amaze and impress, the water of the alpine lakes shimmers crystal clear, and on the high-altitude alpine pastures covered in wildflowers the concerns of daily life seem far away. The variety of the terrain is also thrilling. Walk under a waterfall, cross vast meadows, do some rock scrambling, and scale a Via Ferrata if weather allows.
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Our accommodations include two beautiful , family operated Rifugios. The views, and innkeepers are amazing, and the food is delicious.
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PRICE INCLUDES:
Expert guide service, on-site trip organizer, 7 nights in Rifugios, rental gear (Via Ferrata harness and helmet, ice spikes if needed), 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, shuttles, . Training tips, packing and gear guides.
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NOT INCLUDED:
Meals as indicated, lunches are purchased independently at Rifugios along the trails, extra food and snacks during the day, drinks, airfare, transportation to/from Milan to Sondrio (although I will coordinate and can purchase tickets in the class of service desired), special transportation during the hike if needed or wanted, travel/medical insurance, and evacuation insurance.
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REQUIRED GEAR:
Hiking boots (no trail shoes), rain jacket, rain pants, headlamp, climbing gloves for the Via Ferrata (I use my weight lifting gloves, they are less expensive to buy), gloves or thick glove liners for warmth, hat (for sun and rain).
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TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
You need a head for heights, sure-footedness and mountain experience. You do not need technical climbing skills to participate in this hike, but you should be comfortable scrambling across boulders, hiking steep inclines and declines. There will be a few segments with cables and/or ladders; you should be comfortable navigating trails with steep drop-offs.
Because multi-day hikes are challenging you will need to have the required items before we depart from Milano Centrale. If you arrive without the proper gear, you will either need to purchase it, at your own expense before we depart, or regrettably, you will not be able to join the hike for safety reasons. Hiking boots are required, please no trail shoes.
This hike includes stays at two Rifugios. It is van supported between Rifugios; we hike with only a day pack.
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$3175
8
Days
07/06/24 - 07/13/24
Good to Know:
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​The Valmalenco Trek is limited to 8 hikers and requires a minimum of 6 hikers to depart.
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We depart from Milano Centrale Train Station for the trip to Sondrio where we are transported by van to our first hut. The cost of transportation from the Sondrio train station to the first hut is included.
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Transportation back to Sondrio is included.
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Last day to sign up and pay in full is April 30.
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Train travel to Sondrio from Milano Centrale is not included but will be coordinated and tickets can be purchased through TerraTreks at the class of service requested (if that class available).
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A deposit of $500 is due at signup and monthly payment plans are available.
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Deposit is fully refundable up to March 30, 2023.
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April 1 - 30, all but $250.00 is refundable (because I will be charged cancellation fees).
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After May 1, the entire deposit is forfeited (because I will have to pay more fees). Please purchase Travel/Travel Medical Insurance in case you need to cancel or are injured. Unfortunately, I must enforce the cancellation policy.
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After June 1 there is an $2500 cancellation fee. Again, please purchase travel/medical/accident insurance.
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TerraTreks accepts payment by check or bank transfer.
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Travel/Travel Medical Insurance is required. Be sure your policy covers Via Ferrata. See links under the Travel Insurance page.
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The liability release must be signed and uploaded prior to the trip.
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Because multi-day hikes are challenging each hiker must have the listed required items before departure.
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Price is for double occupancy, typically two twin beds. On the Valmalenco trek we have in room bathrooms. A luxury on treks in the Alps and Dolomites.