Chiesa in Valmalenco

Chiesa Valmalenco is the main turist destination of Valmalenco, both in Summer and Winter. It was developed where the valley divides into two cracks: one heading towards the higher part of the valley, at the feet of Mount Disgrazia, and the other one towards the Lanterna valley and Piz Bernina (4050 m).

POPULATION

2486

DENSITY

23.1 inhabitants/sq. km

AREA

107.6 sq. km

ELEVATION

960 m a.s.l.

PATRON SAINT

Saint James and Philip

The name "Chiesa" refers to the sanctuary around which the village developed. "In Valmalenco" was added in 1940. The term "malenco" is of uncertain origin. Some think that the name derives from the Celtic words "Mal en ga", literally translated as "head pressed by water", while others consider that it derives from Pre-Roman languages and means mountain river (Mall-anko). Finally, according to ancient legends, it could originate from Val Malenga - "valley of evil" - because it's surrounded by dreadful mountains.

Valmalenco is the ideal starting point for hikes and to cross the Bernina, Disgrazia and Scalino ranges. It is also an etape that can't be missed in the route that links Valtellina to Val Bregaglia in Switzerland through the Muretto pass. Among wonderful pastures, alpine lakes, woods, quarries and crossings, majestic glaciers can be admired.

The Alpe Palù ski resort offers 60 km of slopes suitable for skiers at all levels, that can be reached from Chiesa in one of the biggest cable cars in the world - the Snow Eagle - or from San Giuseppe thanks to a fast covered chairlift. The Palù Park hosts important events, such as the snowboard and freestyle ski World Cup finals and the World

Junior Championships, while Cross-country skiers enjoy the natural tracks around the Palù lake, in San Giuseppe and the lit track in Lanzada. Within the boarders of Chiesa there is a small village, developed on a hillock at an elevation of 1300 m a.s.l., that dominates the valley. It also has a Sanctuary to which miracles are attributed.

2 hearts on the slopes

Dream Valmalenco: glamping, romanticism and uniqueness.

Winter

Ski touring in Valmalenco

Valmalenco is a synonym to ski touring. Every spot of the valley is suitable for nice ascents.

Summer

Cliff climbing in Sondrio and Valmalenco

Climbing aficionados will find many great spots in our area.

Active & Green

Snowshoeing in Valmalenco

Alpe Oro - Alpe Entova - Alpe Palù - Alpe Musella - Alpe Prabello - Lago di Chiesa

Winter

Horse riding

Active & Green

Winter excursions with sled or bob

Valmalenco has plenty of paths where you can have fun with a sled or bob.

Winter

Freeride Valmalenco

Off-piste skiing for free spirits!

Winter

Soapstone

The soapstone is a rocky formation of opaque green color, very tender and therefore easy to work especially on the lathe.

Art & Culture

Ski equipment rental

Ski and snowboard equipment rental shops

Winter

Palù Park Valmalenco

Only the brave

Winter

Fishing in Sondrio and Valmalenco

4 fishing areas, on the valley floor on the river Adda, on the Mallero creek, or on the alpine lakes of Campagneda.

Summer

Swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath in Valmalenco

The swimming pool of Valmalenco is know as one of the most modern and functional sports facilities in the province of Sondrio. Swimming courses, sauna, Turkish bath and a solarium in Summer are only a part of what it can offer.