Lake Branchino in winter with Cimalp and PeakVisor: from Valcanale to Alpe Corte below Pizzo Arera
Ardesio, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day · Sunday•Hiking · 1,800 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Lake Branchino in winter, with Cimalp and PeakVisor
This is a special outing: we do it together with Cimalp, the French brand that has been dressing mountain people since 1964, and PeakVisor, the app that names every peak in front of you. We climb to Lake Branchino, a small lake in the Bergamo Orobie under Pizzo Arera, in its winter look.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
With the Guidders we set off from Valcanale, above Ardesio, and climb gently through quiet woods and clearings up to the lake. There we take out our phones and use PeakVisor to recognise the peaks around us, then we walk down to Rifugio Alpe Corte Bassa for a hot lunch together.
It is an intermediate hike, with a gradual climb and no technical passages. In winter you need boots, mini-crampons and layers: a waterproof shell, a windbreaker and a thermal top. Lunch at the hut is optional; you can bring a packed lunch.
Come with the Guidders: let's climb to Lake Branchino together.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
For the selected date: by 25 November, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+16 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
650 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 650 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Ardesio
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
650 m
Max altitude
1,800 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
6 h
Sunday
29 Nov
10 km · D+ 650 m · 6 h
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Piazza Chiesa 16, 24020 Ardesio provincia di Bergamo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking
€5 per day with a "scratch and park" ticket, bought and scratched on site or at the machine with coins or card.
We meet the Guidders in the church square in Valcanale, above Ardesio (BG), and set off into the woods: first steps, first smiles and the muffled quiet of winter days.
B
11:00LAKE
Lake Branchino
A panoramic climb with sudden views and soft light, up to Lake Branchino below Pizzo Arera. Here we take out our phones: with PeakVisor we put a name to every peak around us. Photo stop all together.
C
13:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Alpe Corte Bassa
We descend towards Alpe Corte Bassa, where a hearty and convivial lunch awaits us in a mountain hut. Expect warming dishes, a cozy atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of sitting around the table, pleasantly tired and happy to have shared the trail.
D
15:00RETURN
End of the hike
Back to the trailhead.
How do you get to Ardesio? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for the selected date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Mini-crampons (in autumn-winter)
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Thermal shirt
REQUIRED
Gloves
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses
RECOMMENDED
Guiddy Experience
Sunday 29 November
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Upcoming Guiddy Experience outings
Picked for you, with guides and coordinators we choose.
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 650 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 25 November, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
Lake Branchino in winter with Cimalp and PeakVisor: from Valcanale to Alpe Corte below Pizzo Arera
Ardesio, (BG) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,800 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
650 m
Max altitude
1,800 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+16
▣ 11 photos
+7 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Lake Branchino in winter, with Cimalp and PeakVisor
This is a special outing: we do it together with Cimalp, the French brand that has been dressing mountain people since 1964, and PeakVisor, the app that names every peak in front of you. We climb to Lake Branchino, a small lake in the Bergamo Orobie under Pizzo Arera, in its winter look.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
With the Guidders we set off from Valcanale, above Ardesio, and climb gently through quiet woods and clearings up to the lake. There we take out our phones and use PeakVisor to recognise the peaks around us, then we walk down to Rifugio Alpe Corte Bassa for a hot lunch together.
It is an intermediate hike, with a gradual climb and no technical passages. In winter you need boots, mini-crampons and layers: a waterproof shell, a windbreaker and a thermal top. Lunch at the hut is optional; you can bring a packed lunch.
Come with the Guidders: let's climb to Lake Branchino together.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
650 m D+ · 10 km · 6 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 650 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Ardesio
Itinerary
Sunday · approximate times
Explore the map
4 stops
Meeting point 9:00Ardesio
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking
€5 per day with a "scratch and park" ticket, bought and scratched on site or at the machine with coins or card.
We meet the Guidders in the church square in Valcanale, above Ardesio (BG), and set off into the woods: first steps, first smiles and the muffled quiet of winter days.
B
11:00LAKE
Lake Branchino
A panoramic climb with sudden views and soft light, up to Lake Branchino below Pizzo Arera. Here we take out our phones: with PeakVisor we put a name to every peak around us. Photo stop all together.
C
13:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Alpe Corte Bassa
We descend towards Alpe Corte Bassa, where a hearty and convivial lunch awaits us in a mountain hut. Expect warming dishes, a cozy atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of sitting around the table, pleasantly tired and happy to have shared the trail.
D
15:00RETURN
End of the hike
Back to the trailhead.
How do you get to Ardesio? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 650 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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