Itineraries and hikes on foot or by mountain bike in the Valle delle Mine, among pastures, snow-capped peaks and traditional Alpine flavours
In one of Livigno's most picturesque side valleys there is a mountain pasture, surrounded by nature, where agricultural tradition meets Alpine hospitality. It is theAlpe Mine . Here in summer, the Silvestri family takes their herds of cows and goats out to pasture, transforms the freshly milked milk into delicious alpine cheeses and offers a unique experience to those who stop by the farmhouse to taste the typical products from Valtellina o sleeping in mountain pastures.
Reaching Alpe Mine from Livigno is very easy: a short walk is enough, also suitable for families with children. Many trekkers and bikers use it as a base for challenging trips on more technical trails or routes, such as the ascent to Lake delle Mine, Pizzo Filone and Monte delle Mine. To each his own adventure.
From Livigno to Alpe Mine: a walk within everyone's reach
At the bottom of Livigno in the direction of the Forcola, you leave your car at the free car park P6. From the small church of Tresenda, follow the Dali Mina street that leads to the Pont da l'Alpast which you turn left onto the dirt road that climbs up to the alpine pasture, shaded by mountain pines, stone pines and larches. But almost suddenly the forest gives way to the clearing: cows and goats with their cowbells peacefully grazing the new and aromatic grass on the alp. Just above the Alpe Mine pasture, you have the opportunity to get a close look at the work of the farm, visiting dairy and agritourismand to discover the authentic flavour of its products. It's not every day that you get to see the cheesemakers at work, drink fresh milk or have a snack with the fresh alpine products.
Valle delle Mine by mountain bike: loop tour to the Eira Pass and Alpe Mine
Even those who love cycling in the mountains will find Alpe Mine an ideal destination. There is a route of medium difficulty that can be tackled in half a day, starting from the base of the Mottolino cable car to Livigno. From here, a rather steep dirt road climbs to the Eira Passwhere it crosses the tarmac road that climbs to Foscagno and leads to the arrival of the lifts. At this point the route becomes easier and more fun with a descent suitable for all types of MTB. The descent also continues in Valle delle Minewith some more challenging stretches. All the more reason to repay the exertions with a tasty plate of polenta taragna and sausage all'agritourism Alpe Minebefore cycling back to Livigno along the dirt road and cycle path.
Trekking to Lake Mine: a jewel of glacial origin
With adequate training and familiarity with more challenging mountain trails, one can reach the impressive Lake of Mineslying in a hollow between the rocks on which the Mine Glacier once stretched. From Alpe Mine you follow the track 116B which crosses the valley, keeping the stream to the right. After an initial flat section, the path becomes steep near a waterfall and faces a short passage on rock where hands and greater attention are needed. After this point, the track becomes easier until a ford, which must be crossed by jumping or getting your feet wet. The last climb is on slippery gravel and somewhat exposed passages, but facilitated by chains. Arriving at the destination at this stupendous Alpine lake in Val delle Mine one cannot but enjoy the spectacular panorama, even looking upwards: with a bit of luck, one can even admire some eagles in flight from here.