The most distinctive element of Formazza Valley is undoubtedly its Walser culture, but in the winter the area is also indisputably the best for cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing.
You can access Formazza Valley by following the motorway until its final exit, trunk road 659 for Crodo/Antigorio Valley and Formazza Valley, and then following signs for Formazza-Cascata del Toce.
From the car park, pass by the beautiful huts of Canza, taking the marked forest trail and ascending into the coniferous forest. After around an hour and a series of pleasant bends, you reach the arrival station of the Sagersboden chairlift. From here, a clear track climbs up to Vannino. Continue to ascend and you will soon reach the Underbech ledge, from where you can admire the majestic Monte Giove and Clog-Stafelberg group, separated by the deep Forca del Giove. The path continues alongside the stream until it reaches a long, flat corridor, where there are signs for the route to the left, which in around 10 minutes leads to the Miryam refuge (the refuge is hidden from the sight of those travelling towards the Vannino dam and to the subsequent Margaroli refuge).
If you decide to opt for a simpler route, from the hamlet of Valdo, near Ponte, the main village of Formazza Valley, you can take the Sagersboden chairlift (open in both summer and winter) that ascends from the village, at 1260 metres, to Sagersboden at 1770 m. From here, continue along the previously described track.
From Canza (1419 m), completing the entire ascent on foot (from Valdo, 1260 m, if you decide to take the chairlift up to Sagersboden 1770 m).
Via trunk road 659 to the hamlet of Canza (or Valdo if you want to take the chairlift).
MR
630 m from Canza (280 m from Sagersboden).
2 hrs from Canza (45m from Sagersboden).
G20
During the snow season, even when the track appears well-trodden, you must inquire at the refuge about snow conditions because some sections of the route could be at risk of avalanches.
Info: www.rifugiomiryam.org
