An old Alpine settlement can be the perfect journey’s end for a summer outing.
They are invariably tranquil, captivating places often combining panorama that linger long in the heart and mind. Some wise old bird once wrote, “There are landscapes which can deliver the sense of where and those that serve up the sense of when”. The Alpe di Avero satisfies both criteria. Unobserved from the valley bottom, and accessible only on foot along the southern slope of Pizzo Stella, this little gem is situated at the heart of a small basin – in a world of its own. The community is made up of around fifty baite (mountain dwelling places), many of which have been perfectly restored, with absolute respect regarding local tradition and rural heritage. Some of the buildings are excellent examples of “Carden” or “Blockhaus” - wooden dwellings which adopt an interlocking technique common throughout the entire Alpine arc and a typical construction style of the Walser populace of German origin.
The classic route leaves from the parking area at the cemetery at Fraciscio (around 1300m) part of Campodolcino. Leaving the village behind it heads southwards crossing the Rabbiosa torrent, reaching the peat bog of Mottala and on to the village of Gualdera. If you prefer it’s actually possible to get as far as this by car by acquiring the necessary permit from local restaurants “La Montanina” and “Miramonti”, and taking the Bondeno consortium road.
However for those in shape it’s well worth taking up the challenge on foot.
The magnificent views from the Motto di Bondeno is reward itself for your efforts, with its panoramic outlook over the Camoscere group to the West. To the Northwest the highest peaks of the valley, ranging from pizzo Quadro to pizzo Tambò dominate. Eastwards, and surrounded by a combination of pastures and larch woodland is the idyllic vista of Alpe Avero (1678m). To the South Valchiavenna, monte Legnone and the peaks of Alto Lario. And once you’ve somehow taken all that on board, simply take the path leading eastwards and follow the signpost towards Avero itself.
