Valli del Bitto (Gerola & Albaredo)

The Valli del Bitto area comprises the villages of Gerola Alta and Albaredo per San Marco, set within the Orobie Alps in the province of Sondrio, close to the Valtellina region. This mountainous territory, partly within the Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park, is best known for producing Bitto, a DOP cheese made from cow's milk with a small proportion of goat's milk, traditionally crafted in high-altitude huts known as 'calecc'. The Gerola and Albaredo valleys provide a landscape of mid- to high-altitude mountains, well suited to walking, with trails leading towards Pizzo di Trona or the San Marco Pass, which connects the valley to the neighbouring Val Brembana. In winter, the area supports ski touring and snowshoeing, while summer favours alpine pasture walks and visits to mountain refuges. The traditional stone hamlets and small artisan dairies reflect the rural architecture typical of Valtellina. The region appeals to those seeking an authentic, less touristy alpine experience, along with the chance to sample quality local produce, particularly mountain cheeses and cured meats.