PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Val Viola Lakes, the authentic heart of Alta Valtellina

Valdidentro, Sondrio · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 2,457 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Sondrio, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+17
Val Viola Lakes, the authentic heart of Alta Valtellina
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Val Viola Lakes

Three glacial lakes at the end of the upper Valtellina.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Arnoga and climb an alpine path towards Rifugio Federico in Dosdè, then on to the Passo di Val Viola, with the valley opening wider at every turn. Up there the lakes come one after another: Lago Viola, Lago Scispadus and Lago di Val Viola, still water among pasture and scree. The route is a loop on earth and stone with some broken ground, and we close the circle on the way back. You do not come here only for the view: you come for real silence.

5 reasons to come - three glacial lakes in a single circuit - the Passo di Val Viola, wide open above the valley - Rifugio Federico in Dosdè along the way - a loop that never repeats the same view - the upper Val Viola, where silence is complete

Who it suits You need fitness and a sure step: the ground is broken in places and the descent asks for care.

A full, solid day out: come and live it with the Guidders.

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
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+17 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+
736 m D+ · 17 km · 7 h
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 7 h and 736 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, 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)
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Valdidentro
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
736 m
Max altitude
2,457 m
Distance
17 km
Duration
7 h
Day
17 km · D+ 736 m · 7 h
Map
The stops · 17 km
Meeting point 8:00approximate
. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
08:00PARKING
Start from P4
The hike starts from the paid P4 car park in Arnoga.
09:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Viola Shelter
Rifugio Viola is reached after an enjoyable hike along the valley. Here, the landscape opens up and the trail begins to change in character, becoming less level and more distinctly alpine.
10:45PASS
Val Viola Pass
The ascent becomes steeper as you make your way up to Passo Val Viola (approx. 2,460 m). From the pass, a wide-open panorama unfolds over the surrounding valleys: one of the most scenic highlights of the hike.
11:30LAKE
Lake Viola
Just below the mountain pass lies Lake Viola, nestled among rocks and high-altitude meadows. Its crystal-clear waters often mirror the surrounding peaks.
12:00LAKE
Lake Scispadus
Continue along an alpine trail winding through rocky terrain and mountain meadows to the wilder Lago Scispadus. Here the landscape feels more remote and peaceful, with fewer hikers passing through.
13:00LAKE
Lake Val Viola
You gently ascend toward Lake Val Viola, nestled on a wide alpine plateau.
16:30RETURN
Return to the cars
We return to the cars with the lakes and stunning views of Val Viola still fresh in our eyes.

How do you get to Valdidentro? 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
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.

Windproof
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
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 7 h with 736 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
✓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.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message 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.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Val Viola Lakes, the authentic heart of Alta Valtellina

Val Viola Lakes, the authentic heart of Alta Valtellina

Valdidentro, (SO) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 2,457 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
736 m
Max altitude
2,457 m
Distance
17 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
7 h
Guiddy points
+17
9 photos
+5 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Val Viola Lakes

Three glacial lakes at the end of the upper Valtellina.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Arnoga and climb an alpine path towards Rifugio Federico in Dosdè, then on to the Passo di Val Viola, with the valley opening wider at every turn. Up there the lakes come one after another: Lago Viola, Lago Scispadus and Lago di Val Viola, still water among pasture and scree. The route is a loop on earth and stone with some broken ground, and we close the circle on the way back. You do not come here only for the view: you come for real silence.

5 reasons to come - three glacial lakes in a single circuit - the Passo di Val Viola, wide open above the valley - Rifugio Federico in Dosdè along the way - a loop that never repeats the same view - the upper Val Viola, where silence is complete

Who it suits You need fitness and a sure step: the ground is broken in places and the descent asks for care.

A full, solid day out: come and live it with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
736 m D+ · 17 km · 7 h
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 7 h and 736 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, 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)
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Valdidentro

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 17 km
Meeting point 8:00Valdidentro
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
08:00PARKING
Start from P4
The hike starts from the paid P4 car park in Arnoga.
09:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Viola Shelter
Rifugio Viola is reached after an enjoyable hike along the valley. Here, the landscape opens up and the trail begins to change in character, becoming less level and more distinctly alpine.
10:45PASS
Val Viola Pass
The ascent becomes steeper as you make your way up to Passo Val Viola (approx. 2,460 m). From the pass, a wide-open panorama unfolds over the surrounding valleys: one of the most scenic highlights of the hike.
11:30LAKE
Lake Viola
Just below the mountain pass lies Lake Viola, nestled among rocks and high-altitude meadows. Its crystal-clear waters often mirror the surrounding peaks.
12:00LAKE
Lake Scispadus
Continue along an alpine trail winding through rocky terrain and mountain meadows to the wilder Lago Scispadus. Here the landscape feels more remote and peaceful, with fewer hikers passing through.
13:00LAKE
Lake Val Viola
You gently ascend toward Lake Val Viola, nestled on a wide alpine plateau.
16:30RETURN
Return to the cars
We return to the cars with the lakes and stunning views of Val Viola still fresh in our eyes.

How do you get to Valdidentro? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
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.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only 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 7 h with 736 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?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed