Sentiero di Campra

At a height of around 1,500 metres above sea level, this winter hiking trail stretches along the entire Campra plain with no significant variations in altitude. The route sticks close to the cross-country ski trails and the river Brenno throughout. Thanks to its sheltered location, the area is regarded as a safe bet for snow cover, with conditions often ideal from December to early April.

After starting at the cross-country skiing centre, Centro sci nordico di Campra, which is easy to reach by bus, the trail runs through the small areas of Chébia, Rispars, Piàn Pramuntài and Campra di Dentro, ending up in Pianca Bella. A handful of typical local buildings, a testament to the importance of agriculture in this area, which is known as the Valle del Sole, can be seen along the way.

In these fabulous surroundings, you are quickly enveloped by the wilderness and landscape, which are faintly reminiscent of Scandinavia. The alder and spruce forests and the burbling of the river Brenno set an atmospheric scene. This winter hiking trail never strays far from the river, which forms numerous pools and meanders along the way. Even in its winter guise, it is clear how gorgeous the Campra plain must be in summer. Floodplains, marshes, peatbogs and other biotopes are found in this area, blanketed under white snow. Campra is classed as a marsh area of particular beauty and national importance.

The way back is along the same route. As this is a nature reserve, you are not allowed to leave the path and dogs must be kept on a lead. Once you are back at the cross-country skiing centre, now is a good moment to take a break – either a short or a long one: right next to your destination, there is a modern hotel with a spa and restaurant.