Bergell
Known for its characteristic mountain peaks, rock formations, and its unspoiled, beautiful landscapes, the Bergell is also rich in history and culture and is ideal for hiking (for example on famous trails such as the “Panoramic” or the "Sentiero Storico“. Paying a visit to the Bergell brings you to where many artists live and have lived, most famous among them the “Giacometti” family. Their great art can be admired at the Museum of Stampa. Maloja is the first village of the Bergell. The valley itself extends over 40 kilometers until the border with Italy in Castasegna, and it is home to only 1200 people who live spread out in seven small communities.
The most famous Bergell village: Soglio, 1100 meters (3700 feet) above sea level
This old, picturesque village is located on a sunny terrace-like slope above the valley and offers great views on the Bondasca. Towering high above the humble farmhouses are the luxurious villas and palazzi of the well-known Salis-Soglio family. Cà Aelta, Casa Battista (nowadays Hotel Palazzo Salis), Casa Antonio, Casa Gubert, and the Palazzo Max all give an idea of how the noble people used to reside. Soglio is the perfect vacation spot for the seeker of tranquility and silence as well as untouched natural beauty.
A number of spectacular hiking paths lead through extensive Chestnut forests where locals bring in their harvest in autumn. It’s the time when the so-called “cascine” (the traditional chestnut smoking chimneys) release their bluish fumes which then somewhat mystically well up between the tall and strong trees in the peak of their foliage colors. That is why Segantini used to say: "Soglio, la soglia del Paradiso." (Soglio, the only one Paradise). Soglio, a pristine alpine little village, is located about 45 minutes east of Silvaplana, about 45 minutes’ drive from St. Moritz direction Chiavenna. From Soglio, it's only 45 minutes to HB Adventure Switzerland's snowmobile camp in Madesimo.
Albigna
Very impressive indeed, the Albigna Dam, which was built by the Electric Power Company of Zürich between 1955 and 1959, is situated at 2,100 m (6,900 ft) above sea level and stands 115 m (380 ft) tall.
A small cable car brings visitors from Pranzaira, crossing a deep canyon right to the base of the dam. In summer, guided tours take you inside the structure of the barrage.
The dam not only serves for the production of electricity but also protects the valley from flood disasters as it regulates the water flow. The water is channeled down through a series of five more dams and barrages, producing the power needed by the city of Zürich.
Chiavenna
The Italian town of Chiavenna is located about 25 km north of Lake Como, on the right bank of the river Mera. Historically, it was here that two main paths for the crossing of the Alps, already known to and used by the Romans, originated. One of the two paths leads north through the San Giacomo valley, over the Splügen pass to Chur; the road was opened in 1822. The other heads east first throughout the Bergell valley (Val Bregaglia) and then splits again, climbing high over Septimer pass (a mere mule track even in our days) onto the Julier pass route. Nowadays, about 7,500 people live in Chiavenna. Chiavenna belongs to the province of Sondrio in the region known as the Lombardy. In summer, state street #36, which connects Madesimo and the village of Splügen, is a renowned, spectacular alpine road loved by car drivers just as much as by motorcyclists. This route, by the way, is also one of George Clooney’s favorites; he has a summer house not far from Chiavenna on Lake Como.
Madesimo
Madesimo is a prime location when it comes to risky winter sports. On the steep slopes of the Pizzo Groppera or the narrow terrace of the Alpe Motta, daring downhill skiers put their skills to the test. On the other hand, those who prefer deep, untouched powdery snow will be pleased to delve into the slopes of the Val di Lei. A rather sophisticated network of ski lifts and rides directly connects all slopes and runs to the village of Madesimo, and, by an additional cable car, also to the village of Campodolcino. A total of 70 kilometers (44 miles) of tracks slopes and ski runs up to altitudes of 3000 meters (9800 feet) above sea level are available to the visitors.
Snowmobiling in Madesimo is unique in the Alps, over 70 kilometers (44 miles) of tracks and routes outside the skiing areas are available. Starting in Madesimo, they extend high up into alpine zones.