Pradella-Colle-Alpine Church Azzone
A route with minimal elevation gain, almost entirely through the forest. Suitable for families and for anyone who wants to spend an afternoon outdoors. Also accessible by mountain bike, this loop starting from Pradella (Schilpario) is an ideal activity to discover some of the lesser-known trails of the valley.
Starting Point
The ideal starting point for this hike is the hamlet of Pradella (Schilpario), a small village. It is recommended to park at the parking area at the end of the village, just before the cemetery. You can find the location here: PARKING COORDINATES
Route
From here, walk about one hundred meters toward the center of the village, in the opposite direction of the cemetery. At the fountain, take the path going uphill on the right, marked with signs for “Chiesetta Alpina” or “Azzone”.
Continue along this path that climbs above Pradella and leads you into the forest. Keep going until you reach the small valley of Roccadizzo, where you will need to cross a small stream.
Along the route there are several water points, especially in the initial section. Continue straight through the forest following the signs toward Azzone and the Chiesetta Alpina. When you reach the junction leading to “Colle”, take the path going uphill to the left. After a steeper climb, you will reach the area called “Colle”, marked by a wooden carving.
From here, continue downhill along the VASP road to the right for about twenty minutes until you reach the Chiesetta Alpina. In this clearing, you can admire, on one side, the Roccolo delle Streghe, and on the other, the small alpine chapel with its characteristic pointed bell tower.
There is also a covered picnic/rest area. As always, please respect the mountain environment by not leaving any waste behind.
Return
Once you reach the Chiesetta Alpina, you could continue toward Azzone, or to follow this suggested route, go down along the VASP road to the right of the chapel. After a short uphill section, you will reconnect with the initial route and return to Pradella, where you can stop for a snack or a meal at the Hotel Ristorante San Marco.
Warning: along the route you will cross some agro-forestry roads, where you may encounter jeeps or off-road vehicles heading to woods or mountain huts. Please pay attention.
