The welcoming Madesimo basin and gentle slopes of Andossi come as something of a pleasant surprise after the rigours of the steep and rugged val San Giacomo. And it’s precisely here, a plateau in the upper Spluga valley that we are to make our way. There are
many different approaches to Andossi, all easy and well-signposted, winter and summer alike. Ours leaves the centre of Madesimo on the right side of the river. First a series of twists in and out of conifer woodland, then southwards along the valley side. One final push to the west and we’re rewarded with a view of the Baitella inn splendidly situated on the plateau itself. The hard work’s done, though snow may greet you even in spring, as we’re surrounded by the legendary peaks of Suretta, Tambò and Ferrè, whilst below us lies the Madesimo basin left well behind. There’s a surreal atmosphere up here, almost dreamlike, with magical light reflecting between blue sky and a carpet of crocus underfoot in April and May. A flourish of white or violet, with the Alpine snowbell adding to the display. The refuge ‘Mai Tardi’ lies ahead, then it’s half an hour to the magnificent Alpine Lago degli Andossi, or back the way we came, or gently on to the refuge at  Stuetta. Magnificent.