Arnoga: on skis or a husky sled?
2 minutes
We are two thousand metres above sea level, in Alta Valtellina, in Arnoga to be precise, but you will feel as if you have been catapulted into one of those Scandinavian fairytale countries.
Snow sports are serious business here and, in addition to skiing, you can try dog sledding and indulge in an unparalleled experience in nature.
A key junction since the Middle Ages, in the famous “Dark Ages” Arnoga was very popular due to its strategic location connecting the north and south of the Alps.
Full of snow
Characterising the small village are a handful of houses tucked away in the thick green forest.
Also popular in summer, Arnoga turns into a true masterpiece in winter when nature takes over.
The scenery in fact lends itself to ski mountaineering, while its proximity to Bormio and Livigno with their world championship pistes make it an ideal starting point for exploring the area for both skiers and hikers.
King of the world or king of ice?
But now let's get to the real stars: the dog sleds where you feel like the master of the world, or at least of the landscape.
At Arnoga you can find the Italian Husky Sleddog Centre, where Alaskan Husky dogs are true mountain athletes, ready to transport visitors at great speed in an enchanted landscape.
The detail that not everyone knows is that the facility also works in fine weather. In this case, it offers sleddog excursions on wheels on board karts towed by husky teams. A real challenge, launched in December 2002 and made even more special by the context of the Stelvio National Park and the 13-kilometre-long “Decauville” panoramic road.
Walking in nature
On mountain roads you can really switch off and regenerate body and mind.
The paths and dirt roads in the area stretch for dozens of kilometres and the air is pure and oxygenated.
In addition to the aforementioned Decauville, which is totally flat, a tour of the Cancano Lakes can be organised. These are two artificial reservoirs set in an enchanting natural environment, not far from Bormio and perfect for a family outing, as the route has no major difficulties.
Mountain bikers can indulge themselves at both competitive and amateur level, as trails for all tastes start from Arnoga.
Alternatively, you can go trekking with the family or try running, skyrunning or the ever-popular Nordic Walking, a sporting activity that is practised with the aid of poles similar to those used for cross-country skiing.
