Gastronomy
Valtellina and Aprica are famous for their food excellence. Many of its products are certified as PDO and PGI certified. The local cheeses, wines, bresaola, apples and pizzoccheri are the outcome of this territory: from the valley floor to the icy peaks, it’s a neverending succession of terraced vineyards, cultivated fields, apple orchards, forests and alpine pastures. This variety and Valtellina’s long-standing agricultural and farming tradition give culinary delights. Valtellina’s traditional dishes are the perfect example of how its people have adapted to a difficult territory that offers an incomparable variety of resources. Valtellina is also known worldwide for its pizzoccheri. It’s a first course that encloses the authentic taste of Valtellina. Fresh buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage, cheese, and Malga butter are the main ingredients. Sciatt is the fun side of Valtellina’s cuisine because of the shape, which gives the name to this dish. These cheese-filled buckwheat fritters are usually served on a bed of salad. These delicious nibbles have the shape of toads, hence the name sciatt (“toad” in Valtellina’s dialect). And of course, you can’t forget desserts! Aprica’s traditional dessert is called panvì, which consists of slices of rye bread toasted in butter and sprinkled with red wine and sugar.
Beverages
The bond between Valtellina and winemaking started in ancient times and has shaped the landscape uniquely. Over 2,500 kilometres of dry-stone walls run along Valtellina’s valley, creating 850 hectares of vineyards and Italy’s largest terraced area: 50 kilometres from Morbegno to Tirano. Nebbiolo delle Alpi, which locals call Chiavennasca, is the mother of Valtellina’s most elegant wines: Rosso di Valtellina DOC, Valtellina Superiore DOCG, and Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG. Rosso di Valtellina is ideal for first and second courses. Valtellina Superiore DOCG has 5 subzones – Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno and Valgella – each of which gives a different personality to the wine. This wine is produced in the sunniest areas and aged for at least 12 months in oak barrels. It goes perfectly with Valtellina’s important dishes like pizzoccheri. Sforzato di Valtellina is the first Italian dry red raisin wine to be awarded the DOCG designation. It’s a full-bodied wine, made through a careful selection of every grape, dried until it loses 40% of its weight. Then, it’s left to age for at least 20 months to reach a minimum alcohol content of 14%. Every trip to Valtellina must include a visit to a winery and vineyard to discover what’s behind a good glass of local wine, tasted where it come to life.
Main sights
Ski
Aprica embrace a vast ski area with all kinds of ski slopes, from blue to black, to satisfy everyone, from beginners to the most proficient of skiers. The Campetti area is located in the heart of the town and is a veritable paradise for children. Then, we climb up to 2300m, to Valletta, the heart of Palabione. More proficient skiers can put themselves to the test on red and black slopes, like the Magnolta “Pistone”, while those looking to enjoy the panorama without too much sweat, will enjoy the Baradello Superpanoramica, over 6 km long. Slopes for all tastes, fun for grown-ups and children and, of course, chalets and solariums for relaxing after skiing.
Road bike
Aprica and the Valtellina valley are full of things to do for bike enthusiasts. Paths of different levels of difficulty, in terms of length and elevation difference, give you the chance to visit towns and historic hamlets, full of unexpected surprises. The Sentiero Valtellina runs alongside the Adda River and leads through orchards, with breathtaking views whatever the season. For fitter bikers, the local area is home to some of the “great ascents” made famous by the Giro d’Italia. Mortirolo, Gavia, Stelvio and S. Cristina as well as the Aprica pass.
Mountain bike
Aprica offers MTB enthusiasts a land rich in paths, dirt roads and military tracks that lead past characteristic lodges and alpine pastures, connecting stop-offs and refuges in the upper mountains, so that bike excursionists can enjoy a much needed rest. There are routes for families or more technical challenges for expert bikers, also ideal for enjoying a more comfortable e-bike experience
Hiking and walks
In Aprica over 200 kilometres of mountain paths and itineraries await you, enjoyable in full safety as you admire truly breathtaking views. There are simple paths, suitable for everyone, which lead through fascinating areas of naturalistic interest, like the Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve or the Valli di Sant’Antonio Nature Reserve, with the Brandet and Campovecchio Valleys.
The Alpine Nature Wildlife Sanctuary
The Aprica Alpine Nature Wildlife Sanctuary, created and directed by the biologist and naturalist Bernardo Pedroni, is a vast area of over 25 hectares, with an educational and naturalistic itinerary. Here you will have the chance to discover nature and observe some animal and plant species typical of the Orobie Valtellinesi Park.