GrandArdennoTrail

A Challenge on the Trails of Valtellina

The GrandArdennoTrail is the trail running event held in Ardenno, a small municipality in lower Valtellina in the province of Sondrio, at the foot of the Costiera dei Cech. The non-competitive race features a course that starts from the valley floor and climbs decisively to the altitudes of the Rifugio Alpe Granda, offering open views of the Adda valley and the surrounding peaks.

Two Routes for Every Fitness Level

The event is divided into two courses designed to accommodate participants of different levels:

• Long Course: 23 km with 1550 meters of positive elevation gain, reserved for adult athletes with a medical certificate of competitive fitness.
• Short Course: 14 km with approximately 900 meters of positive elevation gain, open to participants aged 16 and over, without the requirement of a competitive certificate.

The trails cross the wooded slopes above Ardenno, through centuries-old chestnut groves, ancient rural settlements, and the pastures surrounding Alpe Granda, in a typically alpine environment.

Sport, Mountains, and Camaraderie

Beyond the sporting aspect, the GrandArdennoTrail is an opportunity to experience the Valtellina mountains authentically: gathering at the refuge, lunch at altitude, and the awards ceremony turn the day into a festive occasion for the entire community. The organization is managed by GAT A.S.D. in collaboration with the CamCamCronos group, an organization active in timing and organizing running events in the area.

A Region to Discover

Ardenno and the Costiera dei Cech represent one of the lesser-known but most fascinating areas of the province of Sondrio: terraces, stone hamlets, historic trails, and a network of refuges that invite hiking all year round. The trail is the ideal way to discover these places by running or walking.