Val Grande: Night at the Bivouac

Two days in one of Italy's wildest protected areas, with a real overnight adventure.

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Fondo Li Gabbi, the last cluster of houses before the Val Grande Park swallows everything up. The route is a loop: we climb through woods that gradually open up, with spring streams running full and maybe a patch of leftover snow in the shadier stretches. We pass Le Fornaci, where a spring lets us refill our bottles, and continue on to the Bivacco Alpe In la Piana, one of the rare flat stretches in the whole valley: here we sleep, on wooden platforms with basic heating, right in the heart of the Park.

In la Piana isn't just a shelter: it's run by the Forestry Corps and stays open all year round, a small human outpost in one of the most isolated corners of the Italian Alps.

5 reasons to join - a real night in a bivouac, basic and unforgettable - the heart of Val Grande Park, one of Italy's wildest - spring blooms and full streams in the mountains - a loop route back to Fondo Li Gabbi - two full days to truly disconnect

Who it's for You'll need trained legs and stamina for long days: this wild environment is best suited to experienced hikers.

Come discover Val Grande Park with the Guidders: book your spot now!

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

Two days, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day 1

6 stops · from 09:00

Day 2

4 stops · from 08:00

Meeting point 9:00approximate

Back to the cars, 28859, Trontano, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

Google MapsWazeApple Maps

A

09:00MEETING

Meeting point at Fondo Li Gabbi

We meet up with the Guidders at Fondo Li Gabbi, Trontano (VCO), the last cluster of houses before entering Parco Val Grande. The indicative start time is 8:00-8:30 am, but the exact time will be shared in the Telegram group.

B

09:30WATER

Le Fornaci

We pass through Le Fornaci, with its spring and picnic area among the lush spring woods. A great spot for a snack break and to refill our water bottles.

C

10:00WATER

Alpe Cortenuovo

We climb the Scalate, the old stepped cobbled mule track, up to the grassy plateau of Alpe Cortenuovo. The valley opens up before us, with streams swollen by melting snow and the first spring flowers.

D

10:30WATER

Alpe Scaredi — Coffee Stop

We stop at Bivacco Scaredi, the wild heart of Parco Val Grande, for a hot coffee with views of the still snow-capped ridges. A moment to catch our breath before continuing down toward the valley.

E

12:00WATER

Arrival at In la Piana - Lunch

We descend to In la Piana, one of the rare flat stretches of the valley, where we stop for lunch with the Guidders. This is where we'll spend the night in the bivouac, surrounded by the authentic silence of Parco Val Grande.

F

18:30BIVOUAC

Night at the bivouac

The night is spent at the bivouac: an essential shelter at altitude, a simple dinner and an authentic mountain experience. Suggested by the system based on the route: please confirm it before publishing.

What to bring

A list made for a multi-day trek: you carry everything you bring, so less is more.

Questions?