Mountain passes around Lanzada, situated in the Valmalenco region of the Italian Alps, offer access to significant alpine routes. This area is characterized by its mountainous terrain, providing diverse experiences for outdoor activities. The region features passes with historical importance and natural landmarks, including high-altitude lakes and challenging climbs. These routes connect various valleys and countries, showcasing the alpine landscape.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
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Hiking around Lanzada
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MTB Trails around Lanzada
Running Trails around Lanzada
Road Cycling Routes around Lanzada
not very big but with 9 beds
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We started from Prato Valentino, a long but not demanding route. Very beautiful! Also, despite it being November, the temperatures were around 20 degrees
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Lago Bianco, Bernina Pass at 2234 meters The Lago Bianco is a reservoir at the Bernina Pass and is located in the area of the municipalities of Pontresina and Poschiavo. The lake is located directly at the pass at 2234 meters above sea level. The Lago Bianco is bordered by two dams on its north and south sides and is around three kilometers long and about 800m wide. When filled to its maximum, the depth of the Lago Bianco is over 50 meters. The reservoir on the Bernina Pass is fed by various mountain streams and glacier water, while the Cavagliasch in particular leaves the lake. The whitish, somewhat milky-looking Lago Bianco gets its name (in German "White Lake") from the inflow of sand and glacier water. The Bernina Hospice (Ospizio Bernina) is located on the western shore of Lago Bianco, and the Rhaetian Railway's train line - the Bernina Express - also runs directly along the shore. The Bernina Pass road is also located on the western side, but not directly on the lake shore. In cold winters, the lake can freeze over and in some years the beautiful black ice forms. When the reservoir is then opened by the authorities, nothing stands in the way of ice skating on Lago Bianco. Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/lago_bianco_pontresina/
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Excellent halfway point for sky running lovers. If you arrive from Val Poschiavino there is a short passage on easy rocks, before arriving at the area with the lakes below (always on the Swiss-Italian border). Arriving from the Campagneda lakes the path becomes difficult to climb, with some sections of debris, but quite simple to follow, always paying attention. From Switzerland you can also get there by MTB, but due to the morphology of the other paths it is advisable to return from where you arrived.
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Photo under the arch: a must
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Well-kept bivouac with 9 places (3 bunk beds for 3 beds), with availability of mattresses, pillows and blankets. Inside there is a small table, gas stoves (cans present for emergencies), pots and plates. Nearby the only source of water are streams for which you have to walk a few minutes. Around the bivouac there are also excellent flat spaces to pitch a tent.
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It connects the Poschiavina valley with the Cristina and Ca Runcasch refuges
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The flat pass of Colle d'Anzana offers a fantastic panorama and marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, uniting Valposchiavo with Teglio in Valtellina. It is one of the easiest steps to pass from Italy to Switzerland and has therefore always been linked to smuggling. During the Second World War, it was one of the most frequent escape routes chosen by Jews fleeing from Italy.
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The region offers several breathtaking viewpoints. Fuorcla Surlej provides a spectacular panorama of the Alps, including Piz Bernina and surrounding glaciers. The Col d'Anzana also rewards visitors with extraordinary views after a challenging climb, marking the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Yes, the Col d'Anzana holds historical importance as a border pass between Switzerland and Italy. It was historically used for trade and smuggling, and notably served as an escape route during World War II. Additionally, the Ospizio Bernina Railway Station, located on the Bernina Pass, has a rich history dating back to 1909 and features preserved architectural elements from its early days.
One prominent natural feature is Lago Bianco, a reservoir at the Bernina Pass. It's known for its whitish, milky appearance caused by glacial water and is also a watershed where water flows towards both the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea. In colder winters, the lake can even freeze over, offering opportunities for ice skating.
The mountain passes around Lanzada are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including challenging routes like the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail, as well as mountain biking and road cycling routes. For more details on these activities, you can explore the Running Trails around Lanzada, MTB Trails around Lanzada, and Road Cycling Routes around Lanzada guides.
While many passes involve challenging terrain, the area around the Ospizio Bernina Railway Station on the Bernina Pass is considered family-friendly. Its accessibility by train and the presence of the scenic Lago Bianco make it a good option for families to explore.
The best time to visit for hiking, e-biking, and trail running is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the passes are clear of snow. However, in colder winters, Lago Bianco can freeze over, offering unique opportunities for ice skating.
Yes, the Anghileri-Rusconi bivouac at the Pass da Condinal is a well-maintained hut offering 9 beds, seating, blankets, and cooking facilities. It provides a unique experience to witness the sunset in Italy and the sunrise in Switzerland. Fuorcla Surlej also has a hut with refreshment stops and overnight accommodation.
The Bernina Pass, including Lago Bianco and the Ospizio Bernina Railway Station, is well reachable by train. The Rhaetian Railway's Bernina Express runs directly along the shore of Lago Bianco, making it an accessible option for visitors without a car.
The mountain passes around Lanzada offer a range of difficulties. Passes like Col d'Anzana are known for their long and steep climbs, making them challenging. Other areas, such as those around Fuorcla Surlej, can also be challenging to reach, though some parts might be accessible by cable car. Always check specific route details for the most accurate difficulty assessment.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning scenery, the challenging athletic endeavors, and the historical significance of the passes. The panoramic views from spots like Fuorcla Surlej and the unique natural beauty of Lago Bianco are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has contributed over 620 upvotes and 120 photos, showcasing the area's appeal.
While specific data on 'less crowded' passes isn't available, exploring routes that lead to bivouacs like the Anghileri-Rusconi bivouac at Pass da Condinal might offer a more secluded experience. These routes often require more effort, which can naturally lead to fewer visitors compared to more easily accessible points.


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