Italy | Ortler Alps Trek: Stelvio National Park, Valtellina & Little Yosemite

Trip Highlights:

• Hike beneath glaciers and over high passes in the stunning Stelvio National Park.

• Ride the legendary Bernina Express into Switzerland and explore panoramic alpine trails.

• Conclude in Val di Mello, Italy’s “Little Yosemite,” with its granite walls and peaceful meadows.

Set against the Swiss border in northern Italy, the Ortler Alps offer a captivating blend of glacier peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and granite-walled valleys. This little-visited corner of the Alps—part of the Valtellina region— delivers dramatic scenery without the crowds, from sweeping pastoral meadows to high passes with views over the Bernina Massif and Piz Palü. Along the way, we explore the wild beauty of Stelvio National Park, home to the towering Ortler Range and Italy’s second- largest glacier, as well as the glacier-carved Val di Mello, known as “Little Yosemite” for its soaring granite walls and crystal-clear river.

The Ortler Alps in northern Italy offer some of the most spectacular hiking in the Alps, combining rugged mountain landscapes with timeless alpine culture. On Ryder-Walker’s guided trek we explore three extraordinary regions: Stelvio National Park, home to the highest road in the Eastern Alps and pristine high-altitude trails; Valtellina, a fertile valley renowned for its vineyards, traditional villages, and dramatic peaks; and the Val di Mello, often called Italy’s “Little Yosemite” for its soaring granite walls and lush meadows.

Whether you’re looking for challenging alpine passes or gentle valley walks, the Ortler Alps deliver a hiking experience that is both breathtaking and authentic. Our journey begins in Bormio, a historic mountain town famed for its natural hot springs and charming old-world atmosphere. From here, we head into the high country with a hike to the Swiss border at Passo Viola.

The adventure continues with a spectacular traverse from Passo del Foscagno to the Cancano Lakes. This route takes us through a high alpine valley to the Trela Pass, before descending to the turquoise waters of the lakes below.

In the heart of Stelvio National Park, we spend two days exploring the alpine terrain that defines the Ortler Range. A climb through Val Cedec brings us to Rifugio Pizzini at the foot of Monte Zebrù, and on to Zebrù Pass for commanding views of the Cevedale and Pasquale Glaciers. Another day takes us along the Forni Glacier Trail, where Tibetan bridges, ice caves, and World War I relics sit against a backdrop of jagged peaks.

Midway through the trek, we trade hiking boots for a seat aboard the legendary Bernina Express. This UNESCO World Heritage railway climbs from Tirano into Switzerland’s Engadine region, winding past Lago Bianco and the snowcapped Bernina Range. We disembark at Ospizio Bernina and hike to Rifugio Sassal Mason for panoramic views before descending to Cavaglia’s glacier garden, a wonderland of glacial potholes and rock formations.

Our final days bring us to Val di Mello, the granite-clad gem of the Valtellina. Known as “Italy’s Little Yosemite,” this valley draws climbers from around the world, yet remains peaceful and pastoral for hikers. It’s a fitting finale to a trek that blends high mountain adventure with the quiet beauty of Italy’s alpine frontier.

This journey through the Ortler Alps offers not only extraordinary hiking but also a window into a lesser-known slice of alpine culture. From the warm hospitality of the rifugios to the historic train journey over the Bernina Pass, each day reveals another layer of Italy’s mountain heritage.

For hikers seeking big landscapes without the bustle of the Alps’ more famous routes, this is a rare opportunity to experience unspoiled trails, iconic peaks, and the timeless charm of the high Italian Alps.

Learn more about the Italy's Ortler Alps destination

Trip Itinerary