Yellow, orange, red, bronze. For just a few weeks a year, many Italian woods completely change their look. It’s foliage, a word that’s now firmly established in the language of autumn tourism and photography, but behind that colour spectacle there’s a biological process that’s far more interesting than a simple transformation of the landscape. And above all, there isn’t one date that works for all of Italy. The best time can vary from one valley to another, from one altitude to another, and even from one slope to another on the same mountain. There’s no specific day when the woods “switch on” their colours, but this year in Valmalenco, the two weekends at the end of October will be the “high point” for the autumn show.

“Palù d’autunno” The two weekends: the first on 17-18 and the second on 24-25. Thanks to the openings of the “Snow Eagle” in Valmalenco, it will be the ideal time to savour the poetry of autumn around the crystal-clear waters of the lake of the same name. On the specified dates, two “iconic” places that are normally closed to the public will be visitable: Ca’ Latrones Baita by the lake, and for fans of high-altitude engineering, the funicular’s machine room—still bigger than anywhere else in the world. On the dates indicated, the funicular will run with scheduled services at:

9.30, 10.30, 12.00, 13.30, 14.30, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, and it’s recommended to book directly on the site via the page   https://valmalencoskiresort.com/   The price (Full 35.00 € - Concession 25.00 € - Baby 10.00 €), in addition to the return ticket for the funicular, includes lunch at the Campanacci restaurant, and visits on the days as indicated (max 20 people per visit -  Times: 10:00 / 11:00 / 14:30 / 15:30).

Saturday 17 and 24 October: The funicular’s machine room

Discover the secrets of the funicular and see up close the mechanisms that make it work. An escorted activity—recommended for both adults and children.

Sunday 18 and 25 October: Ca’ Latrones Baita

The baita was built in 1873, placed under protection for historical and artistic interest in 2005, and restored in 2024. The visit, with the presence of a geologist, will showcase the loggia and the frescoes signed by Paolo Mezzanotte.