Yes indeed, an outing to Valle dei Ratti heading for the Capanna Volta cabin open anew to hikers this year. In recent summer editions of Valchiavenna Vacanze we’ve made a point of highlighting a range of attractive itineraries within Lower Valchiavenna. And rather than disappoint, this year we have selected a further one, straightforward and suitable for everyone - at any time of year - and which throws up some exquisite vista. We’re talking about Valle dei Ratti, the locality which directly overlooks the Lago di Mezzola. The route unfolds in the shape of a ring, etting out from the parking area at the head of the road from where the Tracciolino pathway eparts (before leaving do ensure you have the relevant permit available from bars in Verceia).
The excursion is a veritable step back in time, to a period when – from one mountain pasture to another – the local populace would leaven the valley bottom for the move with their cattle to the upper meadows for summer grazing. Leave the car, take a deep breath and head for the well-signposted hamlet of Frasnedo, moving through splendid, centuries-old chestnut forests. At a height of 1287m Frasnedo is rather special. Splendidly conserved and scrupulously tended it boasts a very hospitable refuge which visitors might well take full advantage of. It’s run by the Alpine consortium and is well-known for the hearty dishes on offer and its attractive overnight stays. For the bolder amongst us the outing can be prolonged for a further three hours. Head towards Corveggia, along tiny roads and pathways that flirt with the hamlets of Tabiate (1253m), Camerate (1792m) and Talamucca (2100m). Once past the expansive pasture lands you arrive in the proximity of an impressive glacial amphitheatre, where our objective poses majestically: the Capanna Volta. It’s an extraordinary spot, surrounded by spectacular peaks: highest of all Sasso Manduino (2888m) and Pizzo Ligoncio (3033m). The cabin itself has a century-old history.
Commissioned by the Como section of the Club Alpino Italiano in the early 1900’s it’s situated in upper Val dei Ratti at a height of 2212m. Up until last year the keys had to be collected from a local family at Verceia. Happily from this year forth the facility will be permanently open under the supervision of the Cai section of Novate and Verceia.
The Capanna makes around 40 beds available and is equipped with kitchen with running water, wood-burning stove, and a larder with all basic necessities alongside a cashbox to encourage payment for overnight stays and anything consumed!
