Frasnedo and Rat Valley

The nucleus of Frasnedo is very characteristic, well preserved and cared for, offering passing tourists the warm hospitality of the refuge of the same name, owned by the consorzio d’alpe, which provides generous meals and overnight lodging.

The hamlet can be reached directly from Verceia or by leaving the car at Tracciolino (end of the pastoral road) with alternative routes along the Ratti stream.

It is possible to make a car permit for transit on the road leading to the Valle dei Ratti; it can be obtained in all bars in Verceia. The trail is well marked and passes through forests of ancient chestnut trees. Wanting to continue the walk, at the height of the refuge, a wide, slightly downhill track enters the valley leading to the Corveggia stables (1221 m) and the bridge over the stream at the bottom of the valley.

On the opposite side, continue following a wide track that climbs in twists and turns and reaches the houses of Alpe Nave (1454 m); just above, leave the signs for Rifugio Primalpia and continue again making an ascending traverse. It enters the forest again connecting with a wide track that must be followed to the huts of Alpe Lavazzo (1560 m), located on a terrace of this secondary valley called Val Codogno.

For those who feel up to it, the walk can continue further, adding three hours of walking. We head toward Corveggia, following small roads and paths that pass through the villages of Tabiate (1253 m), Camerate (1792 m), and Talamucca (2100 m).Passing the vast pastures, we come to the sight of a wide glacial amphitheater, where the Capanna Volta rises majestically.This place is surrounded by spectacular peaks: above all, Sasso Manduino (2888 m) and Pizzo Ligoncio (3033m).

The Volta Hut has a centuries-old history. Commissioned by the Como section of the Italian Alpine Club in the early 1900s, it stands in the upper Val dei Ratti at 2212m. The Hut offers about 40 beds, is equipped with a kitchen with water, wood stove and a pantry with basic necessities and a small cash box for payment of overnight stays and supplies.For reservations: https://volta.caicomo.it/