Stoppani Refuge
28 May 2025
is a route rooted in the tradition of the old mule tracks of the area, once used to connect the various mountain settlements. Today, although less trodden due to the asphalted road that since 1973 has made it possible to reach Alpe Giumello more quickly, the path retains intact its beauty and the charm of an excursion through an unspoilt landscape, with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Start of the itinerary
Starting from Narro, a small village nestling in the woods of the Valsassina, the path is easily taken by those coming from Indovero as well as those arriving from Mornico. For the first few steps, asphalt is still the protagonist, but soon the road turns into a mule track that climbs gently through the woods. An environment that seems to want to welcome the visitor with its regenerating calm.
The first section leads to the village cemetery, where a signpost directs walkers to a historic chapel, the “Gisöla”, a small architectural jewel dating back to the 19th century. Here, in the tranquillity of the place, one can appreciate a fresco depicting the Nativity, adding a touch of spirituality to the climb.
The path through the forest
Having passed the chapel, the path continues more decisively uphill, first on asphalt and then on dirt track, entering the dense forest of chestnut and pine trees. At every bend, the landscape changes, giving us new visions: the tranquillity of the meadows, the serenity of the old stone houses and the imposing nature that surrounds us. The path becomes slightly more demanding, but nothing that can discourage the hiker, who soon reaches a series of hairpin bends, from which increasingly wide views of the mountain landscape open up.
The encounter with the asphalt road
The beauty of the route comes at a turning point when the path crosses the asphalt road leading to Alpe Giumello. This stretch, unfortunately, marks the return of modernity, but the beauty of the path is never lost. We continue on a gravel road, between canals and dry stone walls, crossing a small area inhabited by other mountain huts. Each corner seems to tell a story of mountain life, of hard work and resistance to the harshness of the elements.
Towards the goal
As the walk continues, the path becomes steeper and, as we ascend, we encounter further markers that guide us along the way. The ascent continues through birch and pine forests, with the paths now alternating between wider stretches and mule tracks, now narrower and ill-defined. The presence of a few small streams, flowing silently between the rocks, adds a feeling of freshness and serenity to the landscape.
The fatigue of the climb subsides when you finally reach the last part of the route: a short stretch of paved road leading to the back of the Capanna Vittoria. Here, the panorama in front is spectacular: the Capanna Vittoria, with its characteristic red colour, stands out against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, and Lake Como is visible in the distance, a silent witness to all the climbs that have taken place over time.
A corner of peace
Capanna Vittoria represents the final destination of a walk that is not only physical, but also spiritual. The solitude of the place, the tranquillity that pervades the air and the unspoilt beauty that one can breathe are the elements that make this hike special. Here, at the top of the mountain, you can rest and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks, Lake Como and the valley below.
This hike is perfect for those seeking direct contact with the mountains, away from the crowded tourist peaks, and who want to immerse themselves in a more authentic dimension of mountain life. The Sentiero per Capanna Vittoria is not just a simple hike, but a true experience that combines nature, history and spirituality.
Technical data of the excursion:
A path that not only offers extraordinary views, but also allows one to rediscover a more intimate dimension of the mountains, far from the spotlight, but rich in emotions.
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