Valmalenco – Ancient Trees Trail
Valmalenco · research, old trees and territorial enhancement The project originated from research and enhancement of ancient trees in upper Valmalenco, regarded as scientific assets, witnesses of mountain-landscape history and a resource for slow and sustainable tourism. The study combined tree surveys, dendrochronological analysis, geomorphological and climatic assessment, land use, hydrogeological instability, the existing trail network and Natura 2000 constraints. The project area extends between Chiareggio, Pian del Lupo and Val Sissone and partly overlaps the IT2040017 Disgrazia–Sissone Special Area of Conservation.
33 large trees were surveyed: 22 European larches, 6 Swiss stone pines and 5 Norway spruces. The design selected trees compatible with accessibility, safety and slope stability and integrated them into the existing hiking network. The proposal includes two loop trails and a connecting route. Trail A visits 6 trees and is 2.91 km long with 221 m of positive elevation gain; trail B visits 8 trees and is 4.02 km long with 234 m of elevation gain. The connecting route reaches 4 additional trees and two high-elevation alpine pastures.
The project also includes thematic panels, QR-code tree tags, panoramic points, resting areas and other landscape-interpretation features designed with local materials and minimal landscape impact. Communication topics include dendrochronology, climate change, glaciers and larch-forest dynamics. Reports and available materials
Related research lines: Biodiversity, conservation and old-growth forests · Monitoring, remote sensing and forest modelling
Reports and outputs: Project report – Ancient Trees Trail of Valmalenco · Informative panel – Dendrochronology · Informative panel – Glaciers of Valmalenco · Project board 1 – Territorial framework · Project board 2 – Tree survey and project concept