Rifugio Benigni: from Piani dell'Avaro into upper Val Brembana

Pine woods, alpine cheese and a hut at 2,349 metres

We start on the trail leaving the road that climbs from Cusio towards the Piani dell'Avaro. In about two hours we reach Rifugio Benigni, one of the most panoramic huts in upper Val Brembana, set at 2,349 metres in an amphitheatre of peaks.

The first stretch is almost level and crosses a beautiful pine wood, before emerging at Casera Valletto at 1,782 metres: here we can take a short break and buy fresh alpine cheese, one of the reasons this hike is so popular.

We then cross the Valletto stream, running down from the slopes of Monte Avaro, and keep climbing along the waymarks to the hut. It is 9 kilometres and 840 metres of ascent: a steady climb, never hard, with the setting changing constantly.

Why come

• Rifugio Benigni at 2,349 metres, in the heart of upper Val Brembana
• fresh cheese from Casera Valletto along the way
• the pine wood on the first stretch, cool even in summer
• crossing the Valletto stream below Monte Avaro

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike: 840 metres of ascent over nine kilometres, on a marked trail with no technical sections. Some regular walking helps. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket for the altitude.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb to the Benigni.