Enchanting sceneries on Mount Tavola

I first discovered Snowshoeing quite late but since I had the experience of walking in silence through the woods, stepping on the fresh still immaculate snow, I totally developed a passion for it. Now I prefer it to skiing or snowboarding.

One of the most beautiful snowshoe walks I've ever done in recent years has been in the area of Bosco di Corniglio, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. In about an hour from Parma and La Spezia there is the mountain refuge Lagdei, a beautiful refuge located about 1,200 meters above sea level, the ideal starting point to explore these mountains with snowshoes.

Despite the fact that altitude is relatively low, this area during winter is almost always snowy and it offers, to those who cross it, landscapes of unexpected beauty, especially because not very frequented. The refuge, as well as providing hospitality and catering, is one of the center-visit of the Park and it offers the possibility to organize excursions in summer and winter. For example, the path towards Mount Tavola.

The excursion is easy and it is just 250 meters of difference in height. One of the most interesting aspects of snowshoeing is that it’s a winter activity suitable for everyone: you do not need special lessons, just to understand how it works, find the rhythm and let it go while enjoying the wonders around you: trees that glow white in the sun, snowfields never touched by anyone, solitary peaks where you can discover a deep contact with nature.

After an initial section in the woods, you go along a side of the mountain until you reach the top of Mount Tavola, a white expanse that offers an almost lunar landscape. The route takes about three hours and it takes back to the mountain refuge Lagdei.
From here you can take another path in the woods that leads to Lake Santo Parmense, harder because the climb is steeper but rewarding because when you come around the lake, a brilliant white expanse, you can warm up in the warm and cozy mountain refuge Mariotti, which offers accommodation and refreshments. Also this refuge organizes excursions, or from here you can take the chairlift and reach some downhill and Nordic skiing slopes.

The next experience to try? A night snowshoes hike in the moonlight!
Check the calendar: www.rifugiolagdei.it