Valmeriana Millstones Tour

The full itinerary, starting from Cloutraz, generally takes about 4.5 to 5 hours for a round trip. This includes a significant elevation gain and covers a distance of approximately 10.8 kilometers.

This trail is classified as 'difficult' and is best suited for experienced hikers. It involves considerable elevation changes and features steep sections, requiring good physical condition and caution, especially on descents.

You can start the hike from Cloutraz (Pontey) or directly from Alpe Valmeriana. If you wish to shorten the hike, you can drive directly to Alpe Valmeriana via an 8 km dirt road, which also serves as a parking area.

The terrain varies, starting with a dirt road before transitioning to paths through a conifer forest of larch, fir, and birch trees. As you ascend, you'll encounter steep sections and rocky areas, particularly around the ancient millstone quarries where you'll walk among visible millstones and geological formations.

The trail is rich in historical and geological features. You'll see numerous ancient millstone quarry sites, including millstones still attached to the rock or abandoned in the woods. Notable spots include the Valmeriana Millstone Tour, the 'sasso del divano' (sofa stone), the 'grotta delle tre bocche' (cave of three mouths), and a large boulder called 'il planetario'. You'll also pass the View of Abandoned Cabin in the Field and the Ruins of an Old Stone House.

The trail is generally best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is most favorable and the paths are clear of snow. Winter conditions can make the trail significantly more challenging due to snow and ice.

While there are no explicit restrictions mentioned, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the steep and potentially rocky terrain, and to ensure they are accustomed to challenging hikes.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to access the Tour delle Macine della Valmeriana (CAI Trail 3).

As you ascend towards Alpe Valmeriana, the landscape opens up to provide magnificent panoramic views of prominent peaks such as the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino), Breithorn, the Monte Rosa massif, and Monte Zerbion.

Yes, to shorten the hike and reduce the overall duration, you can drive directly to Alpe Valmeriana via an 8 km dirt road. This allows you to start closer to the main millstone sites and panoramic viewpoints, bypassing the initial ascent from Cloutraz.

The trail is highly notable for its rich historical and geological context, showcasing an ancient industrial landscape where millstones and soapstone pots were extracted as far back as the Middle Ages. You can witness firsthand the remnants of this activity, including partially carved millstones and quarrying sites, providing a unique glimpse into the region's past.