The Motta refuge is an alpine refuge located near Alpe Motta (2180 m), in the municipality of Chiesa Valmalenco Sondrio, Italy. It is possible to make this excursion by taking advantage of different paths and starting from different points reachable from Barchi ( or S. Giuseppe), from Chiesa Valmalenco by cable car or from Campo Franscia (Lanzada).

The Motta Refuge is situated directly on the ski slopes of Alpe Palù (1965 m altitude) in Valmalenco. It is located in  a stunning location in the north side of the lake, surrounded of panoramic views. The refuge offers various accommodation facilities and services, which including refreshment and overnight accommodation.

Mount Motta (also known as Sasso Alto) at an altitude of 2336 meters is located in a short distance from the ski slopes of Alpe Palù.

Lake Palù is an alpine lake of Valmalenco, located  at 1,921 m. It is one of the largest lakes in Valtellina and is located north of Chiesa in Valmalenco, on the slopes of Mount Sasso Nero. It is surrounded by a natural environment with breathtaking views at any time of the year.

There are tre simple ways to get to the lake:

1. From the Barchi area by hiking 45 minutes more or less.

2. From Chiesa Valmalenco you can take highest cable car, the “Snow Eagle” which is one of the largest cable cars in Europe to reach the slopes of Alpe Palù then walking about 30 minutes to the refuge (open all wintering in August).

3. From San Giuseppe by  the four-seater chairlift or by hiking for about one hour and a half.

I did this hike in the summer with friends in an area where one will find one of the most beautiful valleys in Lombardy: Valmalenco and Lake Palù.

Our adventure started from the Campo Frascia car parking (Lanzate) where we followed a magnificent path that climbs into the woods and is fairly flat, remaining in the shade of fir and birch trees, until reaching a splendid view of Lake Palù. The route continues to rise in a steeper and more assertive way until it takes you up to the Motta refuge which is positioned on a panoramic point from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and of Lake Palù.

Path: From Campo Franscia (Lanzada).

Time:

Trail: Out & Back