It might seem like the beginning of a fairy tale, but it&´s not. It&´s pure reality. Smurfs, gnomes, intriguing glimpses and an abundance of colours populating an enchanted forest, little known and yet easily accessible. But where? In Val dei Ratti. The idea of animating Nature and making it fun in the eyes of everyone is the fruit of the imagination of a husband and wife team, Chiara and Luca who, with love and passion have brought new life to the Alpeggio del Lavazzo. Thanks to their willpower and inventiveness, every year they enrich the itinerary that from Alpe Nave (1474m) leads you to Alpe Lavàzzo (1535m) transforming it into a truly magical place which, step by step, amuses and seduces the little ones, and at the same time produces a quite unforgettable scenario even for their parents.
Leave from Verceia, the first little community in Valchiavenna for anyone coming from the south. Buy your permit in one of the town&´s bars, and head by car up to the legendary Tracciolino, the small-gauge railway track once active along the mid-valley side and which overlooks the shore between Novate Mezzola and Verceia.
Having left the car in the car park on high, follow the mule track that climbs up to the village of Frasnedo (1287m) where you can have a break at the refuge bearing the village&´s name, and enjoy some splendid culinary treats. From here onwards the excursion becomes a good deal gentler. Walk towards the locality of Corvéggia (1250m) heading into the untamed heart of he valley, cross the Ratti stream and climb leisurely towards Alpe Nave. As you gain altitude.
The view opens up gloriously: all the way from Lake Como to the Chiavenna plain, taking in Lake Mezzola along the way. Up above all the Cima del Cavré and Sasso Manduino dominate and adopt any hikers in a warm embrace. And here a welcome signpost indicates that it&´s only a further 20 minutes to Lavazzo. On the way back, in the Corvéggia locality, in order to go full circle follow the signs for Moledana, cross the dam and heading along the Tracciolino trail, get back to your setting out point. It&´s a magnificent walk during which you&´ll discover a little piece of Heaven, within an environment which remains unchanged over the years and where few baite (mountain huts) have been renovated. And yet everything remains tidy and in excellent order, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the few who frequent it during the warmer months. A place where the motto of the Smurfs holds sway, and who as many of us remember happily sang: "Smurfs know how to respect Nature, and what it gives to us, Smurfs know what a treasure there is, in the flower right next to you. Mother Nature always thinks about us". What an invitation. Unspoiled places, enchantment, sensitivity and....... the chance to return to childhood for a day!
