Freetouring per Altitude Collective epitomises freedom and a sense of harmony with the mountains. And for ardent fans of this rather special activity, here are two itineraries on which you can appreciate all the magic. Lago della Val di Lei: You’ll be well aware of photos taken in the far north of Europe of immaculate and extraordinary fjords. Well here too we can boast of having our very own “fjord,” well-hidden from civilization and surrounded by the purest snow. Our fjord is an artificial basin, the source of energy and prosperity for the valley. And to get to Lago di Lei couldn’t be easier: simply take the cable car to Groppera and then go down to the foot of the ski slopes of Val di Lei. There, you can decide whether to tackle a short climb with your skins to enjoy a more lengthy descent, or quite simply to allow your breath to be taken away by the most beautiful blue “fjord”. It’s a gentle ascent and the scenery will focus your thoughts well away from the world outside - at least as far as the transport systems to return.
Pian dei Cavalli: But you don’t even need to go to Madesimo. Pause in the little village of Isola. From the road you won’t see it, but up there, just above the trees a brilliant, pure space spreads out. The perspective on Groppera and Pizzo Stella opens up as you climb, curve after curve: it’s impossible not to marvel at the majesty of the mountains all around. Hurtle downhill, galloping up and down the valleys and dancing amongst the larches. Look for the secret passage of the old ski-lift and follow its course down to the car park.
Safety Camp: Mountains bestow joy and tranquillity, but it’s important to remember that there are invariably dangers and care must be taken: always pay strict attention to the surrounding environment, and the necessary way to behave when out, and how to react in the event of an avalanche. In this regard Altitude Collective organises courses based on the characteristics and interactions of snowpacks, as well as their own Safety Camps, lessons undertaken in the field to test the operation of safety devices, procedures to be adopted and precautions to be observed in the event of an accident due to avalanche.
Acquarela is a welcoming family-run restaurant/bar, which since 1983 has been innovating and surprising. Authentic and exquisite ingredients are skilfully combined to offer original and delicious traditional or gourmet dishes daily. Home-made desserts, a wide range of wines and drinks of every kind can be enjoyed leisurely inside the glass “circus” or on the large outdoor terrace. Open on evenings on request, it can be reached on skis, cable car or on foot. Acquarela’s kitchen is open from 11 to 16.00 non-stop.
