Hiking In The Alps When You Visit Italy
Weather updates, stories about the mountain spirits and other hiking tales
The Italian Alps boast breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes that captivate outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. This stunning beauty offers endless opportunities for nature lovers who visit Italy. The Italian Alps have an irresistible allure that beckons them to immerse themselves in its awe-inspiring grandeur.
Planning a memorable hiking trip in the Italian Alps is necessary to research the best time to visit based on actual weather conditions. Experienced hikers told me that the best period to go in the mountains is September and October when the meteorological situation is more stable. The days are not so long, but you are relatively sure the period is good for long walks.
Weather in spring is very unpredictable, and it is easy to catch a sudden storm or gusts of wind that want to knock you down.
As I told you in my other posts, I visited Gran Paradiso National Park in June. It’s because it is easy to find marmots on the way to Colle di Nivolet. They are very busy turning back to their normal life after wintering in their dens and are not very worried about the people passing by.
In summer, they don't want to be outside because they feel too hot, and therefore you have to arrive very early to see them and the ibex.
Unfortunately, this year I was unlucky because, after the incessant rains, there were floods everywhere in the Alps and the road was also blocked by a landslide two days ago. Here you can see the terrible waterfall in Noasca, on the road to Colle di Nivolet, two days ago (June 29, 2024; the video is of the local tourist office):
Unlike in the Caucasus, I have never heard Yeti stories here. Also, stories of a black mountaineer (as mountaineers once wore black clothes) who fell into a crevasse and was abandoned by his companion, who now roams the Caucasus Mountains and takes revenge for his death.
Maybe because I was a student at the time, in the Caucasus, and students love to scare each other. But generally, this is also quite widespread folklore there. You can find even photos of Yetis of the Caucasus and their descendants on the Internet.
In the Alps, some legends tell of spirits. Especially the folklore of Walser, the German population, is very rich in stories of spirits. One such story says that spirits come out of their hiding places and come down on a particular night, I don't remember the exact date. Interestingly, these are not the spirits of dead people as often happens in city legends, but mountain spirits.
These types of stories are now an opportunity to organize events for tourists.
But surprisingly, I never heard about Yeti's. You can rest assured: here, it is possible to encounter at most a wolf.
And I can't help but mention the gastronomic pleasures of Italy.
When you visit Italy, try to eat in the little local restaurants. It will cost you about euro 12-15 (that is the lowest price you can find — look at the prices of the restaurant before you enter!). But generally, the taste will give you a lot of satisfaction.
When I go to the mountains, I always prefer “polenta concia”, a traditional corn dish with cheese and sometimes with local wild herbs and butter. Sometimes it is seasoned with ragù, as in this case (photo).
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