Piani di Artavaggio: pizzoccheri at Rifugio Nicola

A plateau of mountain huts and a plate of pizzoccheri

The Piani di Artavaggio are a must in Lombardy: a plateau at 1,650 metres ringed by peaks, worth visiting in every season, with routes that work in summer and winter alike.

Starting from Culmine di San Pietro we follow a comfortable trail with no steep gradients up to the plateau, then make a final effort to reach Rifugio Nicola, at the foot of Monte Sodadura. It is 17 kilometres and 840 metres of ascent: the length is the demanding part, not the climb.

At the hut the pizzocherata awaits: the traditional Valtellina dish served in the middle of the mountains, which is half the reason people come this far. The other half is the view over the plateau, with huts scattered among the meadows and peaks all around.

Why come

• the Piani di Artavaggio, a plateau of meadows and huts
• the pizzoccheri feast at Rifugio Nicola
• Monte Sodadura closing the basin
• a long route but without demanding gradients

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike for its length: 17 kilometres and 840 metres of ascent in eight hours, on comfortable trails with no technical difficulty. You need to be used to a full day out. Bring boots and water.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to the Piani.