Corni di Canzo: a loop from Valmadrera to Rifugio SEV

The classic of the Lario pre-Alps, minutes from Lecco

A timeless route starting from the trails of Valmadrera, a few minutes from Lecco. The climb winds first through chestnut and beech woods, where the scent of the undergrowth follows the first steps, then opens onto ever wider views over the Lecco arm of Lake Como and the Brianza plain.

Higher up the landscape changes: alpine meadows and huts give way to the unmistakable outlines of the Corni di Canzo, the three rocky peaks — Western, Central and Eastern — standing against the sky. The climb is never dull, alternating woodland with panoramic stretches over the Grigne and the Resegone.

The heart of the hike is Rifugio SEV, set right below the peaks: a stop with a 360-degree view before the final push to the Eastern Corno. The way back closes a 9-kilometre loop, with 950 metres of ascent in total.

Why come

• the three Corni di Canzo, unmistakable outlines of the Triangolo Lariano
• Rifugio SEV right below the summits
• the view over the Lecco arm of Lake Como
• a varied loop through chestnuts, beeches and alpine meadows

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike: 950 metres of ascent in just 9 kilometres, so there are steep sections, but no technical ground. Bring boots with a good sole and enough water: there are no fountains along the way.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb the Corni together.