From the point of view of an excursion, Alpe di Lendine is regarded as a captivating prospect, a rare beauty. Particularly in wintertime. Rooftops of the little mountain dwellings covered in a thick white mantle present a delightful scenario, with the peaks above completely dominant and the pass inviting you over to the Swiss side. And today with the use of snow racquets, there is no reason why this particularly charming corner of San Giacomo Filippo should not become a popular goal for excursionists. When snow and weather conditions consent, Cai di Chiavenna (Club Alpino Italiano) organise regular outings to the surrounding villages, incorporating over recent years that of Lendine, at around 1700m, in the Alpi Lepontine.
The outing leaves from the little church square of Olmo, at 1050m. No dawn call required either: an 8.30 start suffices, just before the welcome sun appears over Pizzone di Prata. The height difference ahead of us is around 700m, and the trip will take around two and
a half hours. The winter route follows the same path as in summer and is included in the Compass guide. The approach is rather on the steep side and should be undertaken with patience; a series of twists and turns on the snow-covered valley sides take you as far as the cow-sheds at Zeca. Here the path heads to the right - north/ north-westerly - and takes on a more gentle nature delving into larch woodland. The silence all around creates an almost unreal atmosphere. The way’s almost completely level now and underfoot the orange hue of larch needles nestling on the deep snow form a magical carpet . The wood is sparse and allows a generous light to emphasise colours within, even though this particular stretch is not one of the sunniest in the valley; that in turn however permits the snow to linger awhile. We’re almost at Lendine. The origin of the village isn’t particularly clear, but it’s mentioned as long ago as 1300 in historical documents, described as a high pasture associated with Olmo, and cattle still head up here even today. Lendine is a somewhat particular destination for excursions, well away from the usual walking routes and has no road for vehicles. And winter suits it very well; there’s a magic to the place. The snow cloaks everything and everywhere, creating a sort of order. A natural order. Traces of the old settlement are just about recognisable, but on the whole Man has left little behind him, his presence blending within the very essence of the mountain. Oddly there are no mountain refuges or even huts in the vicinity: hence for an outing on snow racquets it’s important to remember to take along everything you’re likely to need. As for wildlife - don’t be
surprised to come across white hares, and an occasional mountain pheasant - but most have the good sense to limit their movements in winter in order to conserve energy. On arrival, take all the time you need to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Behind the village, to the left, rises Monte Mater (2460m), at the foot of which is the rather particular hollow known as Le Colmanette. To the right stands il Pizzaccio (2600m) and the way towards the Pass (il Passo di Lendine). In summertime there lies the lake (Lago della Val Capra) and links to la Valle della Forcola Svizzera and Val Bodengo. Note this is not a winter option.

Written by Mauro Premerlani, Club Alpino Italiano Chiavenna