Evening Snowshoe Hike to Lake Palù: Discover Snow-Covered Valmalenco with the Guidders

Guidders, this time we’re setting off just as everyone else is heading back down the valley.

At 4:30 PM from San Giuseppe, in Valmalenco, we’ll put on our snowshoes and begin climbing toward one of the most enchanting places in the mountains of the Sondrio province: Lake Palù, nestled at about 1,940 meters above sea level among conifer forests and snow-covered peaks.

It is one of Valmalenco’s classic winter hikes, but at sunset it takes on a completely different character. We’ll gradually leave behind the last light of day and enter the forest, following the trail toward Pauletto, Barchetto, and Zocca. When we reach Lake Palù, the silence of the evening will have replaced the bustle of the ski area, and before us will open a natural basin dominated by Sasso Nero and Monte Roggione.

With around 510 meters of elevation gain and a total walking time of 4 hours, this snowshoe hike requires a standard level of hiking fitness but does not involve extreme physical effort in favorable winter conditions. The reward will be reaching the lake as the mountains slip into night and stopping in the area around Rifugio Palù before making our way back with our headlamps on.

5 reasons to choose this snowshoe hike

🌅 1. Reach Lake Palù at sunset Setting off at 4:30 PM means watching the light in Valmalenco change step by step and experiencing the lake at a moment completely different from the usual daytime hike.

🌲 2. Walk through Valmalenco’s snow-covered forests A good part of the route winds through the forest, surrounded by snow, silence, and views of the surrounding mountains.

🏔️ 3. Reach nearly 2,000 meters without taking on an extreme trek The roughly 510 meters of elevation gain allow you to enjoy a true high-altitude winter experience with an effort level accessible to hikers used to walking.

🛖 4. Reach Rifugio Palù Just a few minutes from the lake, we’ll find one of the iconic spots on the route, perfect for a break before heading back.

🤝 5. Return under the stars with the Guidders The second part of the experience will have a completely different feel: headlamps on, forest in the dark, and the group descending together toward San Giuseppe.

Book your spot and come experience Lake Palù in winter together with the Guidders.