The Alta Via del Lario

The Alta Via del Lario runs along the ridge that divides the Como side from the Swiss side, above the upper west shore, partly following the paths that once linked the old summer pastures.

It is more than fifty kilometres in three stages: from San Bartolomeo, above Gera Lario, over the Sasso Canale and the Pizzo di Ledù to the Capanna Como; from the Capanna Como, crossing into Switzerland for a stretch, to the San Jorio pass; and from there along the head of the Valle Albano and over the Bregagno to the Rifugio Menaggio. The grade is EE, for experienced and fit hikers. Apart from the two equipped sections on the Ledù and at the Schena de Mogn there are no climbing difficulties; the route is marked with signposts and white-and-red blazes.

1. 01First stage, San Bartolomeo to the Capanna Como: about nine hours, with the exposed ridge of the Sasso Canale (2,411 metres) and the equipped section on the Ledù.
2. 02Second stage, Capanna Como to the Rifugio San Jorio: about nine hours, with the equipped section at the Schena de Mogn and a stretch in Switzerland between the Passo di Camedo and the Bocchetta di Stazzona.
3. 03Third stage, San Jorio to the Rifugio Menaggio: a little over eight hours, along the head of the Valle Albano and over the Bregagno, with a fixed chain; from there it is about an hour down to Breglia and the bus to Menaggio.
4. 04Most shelters are unstaffed, including the Bivacco Petazzi at Lago di Ledù and the Bivacco Zeb. The Capanna Como and the Sommafiume require a booking to obtain an access code. Check the availability of huts and bivouacs before planning the stages.

WhereDomaso · Gravedona ed Uniti · Menaggio · Gera Lario