Autumn delights for all
The days are closing in, temperatures dropping, summer sounds of bells ringing out across the pastures and the whistle of a watchful marmot are becoming increasingly rare. And there’s a tangible restlessness about the colours too; green is making way for a cornucopia of orange, yellows and browns and a novel crispness takes to the air as you breathe in the scents of a season often held too lightly. Welcome to Madesimo: where Autumnal excursions await, with the discovery of some fascinating phenomena. The hold that water has over Man is unquestionable, nevertheless the heady romance of waterfalls remains quite remarkable. To observe a flow of water suddenly plummet headlong, the deafening uproar that obliterates every other sound and the feeling of the infinite power of Nature: there is little more dynamic than a waterfall. And there’s a classic example just a short stroll from Madesimo itself. We’re talking about that of Groppera, which is easily reached by following the flow of the torrent until its spectacular 50 metre drop. There are two further falls to take in along the enjoyable walk from Madesimo to Pianazzo: those of Catino and Pianazzo. The former, boasting a drop of 100 metres is fed by the waters of the Scalcoggia
torrent and its name is derived from the basin-like shape of the rock below, the result of erosion; the other represents the highest fall in Valchiavenna with a drop of fully 180 metres. A fitting end to your leisurely outing.
Further afield: set out from Isola and head for the equally acclaimed waterfall in Val Febbraro fed by the glacier pizzo dei Piani where a pair of falls have created natural terracing where you can enjoy a welcome break and appreciate the unspoilt nature all around.
DESIRE TO MUSH
A highly-recommended first staging: 20th and 21st October, at Alpe Motta, “Desire to Mush”: two days dedicated to sled dog on land, an event featuring races and meetings open to both experts and enthusiasts and of course an interested public at large. It’s a weekend when dogs become the stars and where the real specialists in the field will be on hand to pass on the benefits of their experience. On Sunday a race forming part of the Coppa Italia 2017/18 on land will be staged and selections for the WSA and FISTC.
FAIRYTALE PATH
The perfect way to encourage the little ones to wander out and experience the magic of Nature. A Fairytale Path! It’s a route which sets out along the river and covers a loop of the Andossi slopes, divided into various stages. All along the way the children will discover coloured, illustrated panels telling the story of the little bird Piuma and her friend Topolino. The idea is to bring the youngsters into closer contact with mountain terrain, encouraging them along the route by following a gentle tale about friendship.
