A lovely bivouac at over 2200 meters immerse between high mountain waterfalls.

Route: You can download the gps data HERE

At a Glance

Distance:  14,2km (9mi)
Duration (average):  One or two days
Difficulty Level: Easy (At very rainy times the ford can get a little sketchy)
Start / Finish: Vonzo (TO) / Vonzo (TO)
Elevation Gain: 1140m (3740 ft)
Elevation Loss: 1140m (3740 ft)

Cate and Naomi observe some of the many mushrooms on the path. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Getting There & Away:

The easiest way to reach Vonzo is by car. It is also possible to get there by public transport but requires taking several buses from Ciriè (TO).

Season: This is an easily passable route from spring to autumn. Due to the altitude and location, there is a lot of snow in the winter months and mountaineering equipment is required.

The small Cappella di San Vito in the small village of Chiappili (1450m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

Informations:
Permits: no permits are required
Language: Italian, although on the way you might not meet anyone. There are no huts, there is only the Cecilia Genisio bivouac, which is not guarded.
Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage: Above 1600 metres the phone stops working.

Resupply & Water:
Resupply: It is important to buy all the food before arriving in Vonzo, there is just an “agritursimo” which is open only in the weekends, and there are no resupplies of any kind on the trail.
Water: There are rivers all along the route and the water is good, but we recommend that you bring a water filter.

Route / Conditions:
Overview: The route starts from the Vonzo car park where you can conveniently leave your car. After an initial part in the forest, you arrive at the village of Chiappili (1450m) and from there on you cross the tree line.

The houses in the rock of “Alpe Rossa di sotto” (2083m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

What’s inside? Picture by Sofia Blu©

Continuing to follow the path, one proceeds into the valley. You will have to pass at least a couple of fords, the second of which may be more difficult if there is a lot of water.

The second ford can be dangerous in big water conditions. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Above an altitude of 2,000 metres, it is possible to find lot of snow even in the late season. Picture by Sofia Blu©

The upper plateau can hide a lot of snow that is not visible from the valley, but at least when we went the ground was rather even when we were there, not making the walk too difficult. The Cecilia Genisio bivouac (2233m) is in the middle of the valley near a set of ruins. There are several streams nearby that provide water. The bivouac is also new and has twelve beds with mattresses and blankets. There is a small solar panel that powers the interior light but it is not possible to charge one’s own devices.

During our hike, we unfortunately walked back the way we came without passing through the ‘Pian di Lee’ lake. The terrain in normal conditions (late spring, summer, autumn) should be quite easy and a viable alternative to return to the valley by taking a different route.

The Cecilia Genisio bivouac (2233m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

The night in the hut. Picture by Sofia Blu©

2000 METRES OF CLIMBING, FANTASTIC BIVOUACS AND AN ABANDONED RAILWAY LINE
The brew of this track is by Trauzl

The season is starting again and for the occasion we have chosen an exceptional trail: the Valle dei Ratti! The trail is easily accessible by train (or bus at off-peak times), the loop we propose starts and returns to Verceia (Province of Sondrio), but if you wish you can draw a higher (and more challenging) variant that ends in Dubino (the following train station). The route is steep and the altitude difference is quite demanding, but the distance is short. There are two extremely well-equipped bivouacs on the route that will repay your efforts and make it unnecessary to carry anything but a sleeping bag and some food.

Route:

You can download the gps data here: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/1075369700

At a Glance

Distance:  25km (15.5mi)

Duration (average):  Two days

Difficulty Level: Challenging but short

Start / Finish: Verceia (SO) / Verceia (SO)

Elevation Gain: 2010m (6594 ft)

Elevation Loss: 2010m (6594 ft)

Yuri, Bico and Miltown in sabbipode position on the old railway tracks. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Getting There & Away:

You can get there comfortably by train via the Colico-Chiavenna line (Trenord regional line R11). There are no other public transport facilities along the route.

Season: This is an easily passable route from spring to autumn. Due to the altitude and location, there is a lot of snow in the winter months and mountaineering equipment is required.

Clelia recharges her energy before the challenge. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Informations:

Permits: no permits are required

Language: Italian. A basic knowledge of either definitely comes in handy. The Frasnedo refuge (1280 m and slightly off the route) is the only place where you might meet someone, buy food and ask for information. When we went there, however (early April) it was still closed.

Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage: Above 1000 metres the phone stops working.

Loads of youngsters having fun without phones. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Resupply & Water:

Resupply: It is important to buy all the food before arriving in Verceia, there is not much there except a couple of bars, and there are no resupplies of any kind on the trail. There is only the Rifugio Frasnedo just off the trail but which we found closed.

Water: There is water on the entire route and also at the refuges. At low altitudes, however, we recommend using a water filter.

Yuri refills one of his flasks near the Volta Hut. Picture by Bico©

Route / Conditions:

Overview: From the train station you can, via Verceia village, take the path directly. From there, a steep ascent begins, which meets the road several times and lasts approximately four and a half kilometres. It is then necessary to take the restricted access road on the right and follow the old railway line.

The crew passing through the Moledana Dam (909 m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

Following the railway tunnel, you come out at the Moledana dam (909 m), which you have to cross to get to the other side of the Torrente Ratti. Continuing on, you pass through Moledana village and come across some pasture houses and a few ruins. Once past the tree line, the route becomes more arduous and you climb up through a landslide; in winter and early spring there may be several icy sections.

Clelia climbs the path through the landslide to the Capanna Volta (2212m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

If you are the first to arrive at the Capanna Volta (2212m), you must open the gas cylinder at the back, turn on the water (if it is winter, it will probably be frozen) and connect the electricity. The bivouac is practically an unmanaged refuge. There are about 30 beds (with blankets too), emergency food (always remember to bring something to leave), crockery and wood. If you use the bivouac, remember to leave it as you found it and it is a good idea to leave an offering.

Federico is enjoying his beverage inside Capanna Volta (2212m). Picture by Bico©

Alessandro and Andrea needed some cuddles. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Proceeding towards the Bivacco Primalpia (2476m) there is a short stretch on the coast, there is also a small chain (3 metres long) which is a little more challenging in snow, but nothing to worry about. The Primalpia bivouac is also quite large and well equipped, despite being only one large room (there are 18 beds inside, it is heated and cooking is possible).

The pack heading to the Bivacco Primalpia (2476m). Picture by Sofia Blu©

The return path continues into the forest on the other side of the stream and rejoins the first path at the Moledana dam (909 m), to re-divide and continue within the forest to Verceia.

“Hands off the Rat Valley!” Picture by Bico©

A FAST TRAIL IN THE LAKES REGION

The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) is an easy path that can be reached from all over Italy (and also from Switzerland!) by train. The trail runs around the east side of Lake Lecco and Lake Como. There are many train stops around the trail which allows even the least trained hiker to complete it in sections. The main challenge is to complete it in one go, but splitting it up is quite easy.

Route:

You can download the gps data here: https://www.komoot.it/tour/592049585

At a Glance

Distance:  46,2km (28.5mi)

Duration (average):  One or more days

Difficulty Level: Easy but long

Start / Finish: Abbadia Lariana (LC) / Colico (LC) Southbound – Colico (LC) / Abbadia Lariana (LC) Northbound

Elevation Gain: 1950m (6397ft)

Elevation Loss: 1980m (6496ft)

The Sentiero Del Viandante Waymark, you’ll find many of those around the trail. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Getting There & Away:

You can arrive to Abbadia Lariana, Colico and every checkpoint by train (Mandello del Lario, Olcio, Lierna, Fiumelatte, Varenna-Esino, Bellano-Tartavalle Terme, Dervio, Dorio, Piona, Colico).

Season: You can go almost in every season, You can find snow during the colder months near the higher points.

There are several towns along the route where you can refuel. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Informations:

Permits: no permits are required

Language: Italian. A basic knowledge of either definitely comes in handy.

Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage: As the trail is at a fairly low altitude, telephone signal coverage is good.

Yuri looks behind himself to check out his previous self. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Resupply & Water:

Resupply: The trail crosses numerous villages where it is easy to stock up on food and have a lunch or a dinner.

Water: Water can also be supplied in the villages.

The mountains and the lake blend into the horizon to create an amazing effect. Picture by Sofia Blu©

Route / Conditions:

Overview:

The Sentiero del Viandante is always well signposted and in excellent condition,  the path can be tackled in several sections or along its entire length, always benefiting from stunning views.
The best time of year to ride the trail is in spring and autumn when the temperatures are not too high.
However, it is also an excellent winter training circuit, since it does not reach particularly high altitudes and it is rarely snowy.

The “Hiking Trips and Tips” is a Rayon Vert project powered by ACG.

A DAYHIKE IN A LESS TRAVELED PATH ON THE RESEGONE

For the second OUTDOOR GUIDE we have chosen an easy route that can be reached in less than an hour and a half from Milan. We opted for this one because the Resegone, one of the most interesting peaks in Lombardy, it’s usually crowded due to the eastern chairlift and the people coming from Erve. This path that we propose it’s not so famous which allows you to see Resegone from a different point of view.

Route:

You can download the gps data here: https://www.komoot.it/tour/508276597

At a Glance

Distance:  7,83km (0.48mi)

Duration (average):  3 hours or more

Difficulty Level: Easy

Start / Finish: Valsecca (BE) / Valescca (BE)

Elevation Gain and Loss: 820m (2690.29ft)

The first climb trail mark, from A to point 1. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Getting There & Away:

You can arrive to Valsecca only by car.

Season: You can go almost in every season, You can find snow during the colder months near the top.

Claudia helps Sofia‘s stretching routine. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Informations:

Permits: no permits are required

Language: Italian. A basic knowledge of either definitely comes in handy, however, there are no huts along the route!

Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage: The phone coverage is quite bad especially on the peaks but you can have chance to reach signal inside the woods at low altitude.

Bico is ready to achieve the expedition. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Resupply & Water:

Resupply: You have to carry all your own food from start to finish, there are no suppliers along the route.

Water: On the way there are no drinking spots, looking at the map we were hoping for some stream but they have dried up.

Mario runs on the ridge line up to Cima Quarenghi. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Route / Conditions:

Overview:

The path is always well signposted and in excellent condition, in the first part it’s surrounded by trees with a soft soil and in the second one, after “La Pasada“, it becomes more rocky and exposed on the ridge. It’s not difficult, but especially near Cima Quarenghi, it could become more challenging due to longer steps and a small chain (via ferrata). It’s also a good choice for running because of the large trail and the not so technical ground.

The crew on Cima Quarenghi. From left to right: Damiano, Mario, Teo, Yuri, Sofia, Bico and Dicor. Picture by Teo Poggi©

The “Hiking Trips and Tips” is a Rayon Vert project powered by ACG.

TWO DAYS HIKE IN VAL CODERA

For the first OUTDOOR GUIDE we have choosen an easy one, reachable in less than two hours by train and bus from Milan. We thought about this one because we always heard about Val Codera, a mythical valley in the Italian Alps close the Swiss borders, which can only be reached on foot, by bicycle or by helicopter as there are no tarmac roads. We did the journey in two days but obviously anyone can make it at is own speed.

Route:

You can download the gps data here: https://www.komoot.it/tour/487037471

At a Glance

Distance:  32,6 km (20,3mi)

Duration (average):  2/3 days

Difficulty Level:  Moderate

Start / Finish: Novate Mezzola / Novate Mezzola

Elevation Gain and Loss: 2160m (7,050 ft)

The crew passing through San Giorgio di Cola. In the picture left to right Bico, Yuri, Andrea, Dicor and Joey. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Getting There & Away:

You can reach the starting point, Novate Mezzola by car or by train and bus. Taking public transports is actually super comfortable, you can take the train to Colico Station (LC). Once there, exit and after 50 m on the left there is the bus station for Val Codera. The journey takes about 20″ untill Novate Mezzola.

Season: Mid-May to October. it’s not rare to found lot of snow, even in late spring, in the valley.

Informations:

Permits: no permits are required

Language: Italian. A basic knowledge of either definitely comes in handy, however, most of the locals along the route know at least a little English.

Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage: The phone coverage is quite bad in the valley. However an increasing number of huts now offer Wifi for guests.

Cash or Card: We did’t pay with card during our journey but be sure to have enough cash for emergencies. In our experience not many huts accept credit cards.

Resupply & Water:

Resupply: The valley is full of Rifugi (mountain huts), at which you can purchase meals, snacks and sandwiches to go. Note that if you are interested in hiking out of season, you either have to carry all your own food from start to finish.

Water: During the route there are always regular drinking spots except near the bivouac, we suggest to bring with you a water filter to purify the water coming from the mountain.

A lunch pause under a bridge used as shelter against the sun. In the picture left to right Bico, Yuri, Dicor and Andrea. Picture by Teo Poggi©

Route / Conditions:

Overview:

The path is always well signposted and in excellent condition, after the village of Codera the path turns into a long but pleasant dirt road. This road will take you to the Luigi Brasca Refuge which rises in a basin of meadows and woods at the end of the wild and unspoiled Val Codera. Surrounded by grandiose peaks, such as Ligoncio and Punta Sfinge, it is the first stop on the famous “Sentiero Roma” trek that leads to the heart of the Masino-Bregaglia massif.
The long walk to get to the refuge from Novate Mezzola shows the mountain enthusiast a variety of remarkable flora, combined with the discreet and unprecedented presence of mountain villages now lived only in summer.
On the right side of the refuge begins the path which, skirting the two fascinating Ligoncio waterfalls, will take you to the Carlo Valli bivouac.

Sleeping:

Wild Camping: Officially speaking, “camping” – which is apparently defined in Europe as staying in the same tent site for more than 24 hours – is strictly prohibited. On the other hand, the “overnight bivouac” – setting up late and leaving early the following morning is allowed (or at least tolerated) as long as you practice LNT principles, we suggest to do it as stealth as you can.

Mountain Huts:

The Bivacco Carlo Valli (1900 m)

Yuri passing near the waterfalls of Pizzo Ligoncio. Picture by Teo Poggi©

The Outdoors Guides is a Rayon Vert project powered by ACG.

In recent months we have been contacted by Nike ACG®, the Nike’s outdoor line since the early 90s, to start a common project.

We always indirectly collected and gathered information about their past collections, during the years many of the research Nike ACG did about materials and manufacturing has proven to be futuristic. If we think about it, we remember some of the first shoes produced on a large scale with an hemp upper and the entire Nike CONSIDERED project (which was absolutely ahead). If we nowadays reflect about it, it was one of the most sustainable and ethical systems available, even right now. Imagine that a leading shoe manufacturer produces soles, uppers etc. and sells them on the free market disassembled. Suddenly anyone could participate by selling shoe parts made by them with the materials available in their area, investing in durability and engineering. Anyone could choose who to buy from or simply adapt what exists on the market to their need. Thus extending the life of the products and reducing the costs of transporting raw materials. It was something similar to the modular smartphone project but many years before.

When Nike asked us to collaborate together, because they were interested in our approach to the outdoors and the self-production idea behind Rayon Vert, We were enthusiastic. The idea of ​​being able to reach as many people as possible with this project and maybe, through our experience, inspiring someone to unlock his hidden abilities and to dream of a desire for autonomy, has thrilled us. Our common point is certainly the passion for the outdoors, the idea of the exploration of the wild could be a parable of a soul searching aimed at improving everyone’s skills. If the cities provide everything we need (or maybe not) with its market rules and capitalism, the outdoors symbolize anarchy and independence.

We therefore decided to start from a series of guides, and expand the concept more and more in the future (with workshops, collective journeys…), with all the information that can help anyone who wants to start approaching hiking, bikepacking or in general looking for something beyond their habits. We are going to start with a series of small guides and routes in the landscapes we know best (northern Italy and the Alps), hoping in the future we’ll be able to expand the area more and more. We will also try to make guides as diversified as possible, both in terms of difficulty level, duration and reachability so that they can be accessible to as many people as possible.

We hope “HIKING TIPS AND TRIPS” could be a small seed which could inspire anything that starts from small and becomes something big.