Alpe Caldenno

Access

The access to the alpine pasture is mainly from the village of Berbenno (altitude 430m), climbing up the tarmac road and following the signposted hiking routes that start from Prati di Gaggio, Polaggia and Prato Isio. The route to Alpe Caldenno crosses woods and meadows, with a total length of about 14.9 km and a difference in altitude of about 1400m. The average walking time is 6 hours, with paths of no particular difficulty, suitable even for inexperienced hikers. In the summer season, the trails are well signposted in red and white, with several points of natural and scenic interest connected to the nearby mountain pastures and the passes towards Val Malenco and Val Finale.

Introduction

The Alpe Caldenno mountain pasture is located in the municipality of Berbenno in Valtellina, in the picturesque upper Caldenno Valley (or Postalesio Valley) in the province of Sondrio. The area develops among larch woods and wide alpine pastures overlooking the Rhaetian side of the Orobian Alps, at the foot of the reddish towers of the Corni Bruciati, with an average altitude of around 1,800 metres. The environment is characterised by grassy glacial basins, the presence of streams and views encompassing the middle Valtellina and the surrounding peaks, including the summit of Postalesio (2,995 m) and the tower of the Corni Bruciati group (3,114 m).

Description

The Caldenno alpine pasture represents one of the most significant high-altitude settlements in the area, with a consortium structure that preserves the undivided ownership of the pastures. The traditional huts have local stone masonry and poplar roofs, developed on two levels with the lower floor used as stables and outdoor spaces for sheltering livestock. The pasture is home to a variety of alpine flora, with the seasonal presence of cattle of the Bruna Alpina breed and Orobiche goats, which feed exclusively on the pasture, favouring local biodiversity. The consortium manages summer mountaineering, breeding and forest management activities, continuing a millenary tradition of transhumance and cheese production.
From a cultural point of view, various historical notes testify to the presence of the alp since the 19th century, with references to ancient connection routes to Val Malenco through the Caldenno pass (2517 m). Recurrences linked to mountain pasture and the figure of the dairymen, who still practise traditional milk processing techniques, have been handed down. The area is cited as an important example in volumes dedicated to the Rhaetian settlements of the upper Valtellina and continues to be a destination for hikers and lovers of alpine culture.Among the typical products, Alpe Caldenno is known for its Val Vedrano Ribelle historical cheese, made exclusively with raw milk from Alpine Brown cows and Orobiche goats: the paste is cooked, pressed and matured for at least 70 days, with rare eyes and a strong flavour. Butter, ricotta and other local varieties of cheese are also produced, linked to the Valtellina tradition of Bitto and Scimudin Capra. In summer, it is possible to buy these products directly in the mountain pastures, during the cheese-making periods.

Information

Height: 1811m
Alternative name: -
Pasture area: extensive, consortium property
Period of activity: June-September
Typical productions: Storico Ribelle Val Vedrano, butter, ricotta, fresh and mature cheeses

Collections

• alpine pastures in the province of Sondrio - map
• alpine pastures in Lombardy - map