Trekking on the old ski slopes of Grappa

The climate changes, outdoor activities change. This is a guided excursion on snow-covered Monte Grappa, between Lepre and the ridges of Monte Asolone, with or without nowshoes, to discover some of the places that once hosted ski lifts and downhill slopes. Climate change, with increasingly mild winters and less frequent and abundant snowfall, has meant that these small, often family-run facilities have been abandoned in recent years, as they are no longer economically viable. These are therefore authentic places of memory, linked to winter sports and ways of enjoying the snow-covered mountain environment in past decades. However, these places also belong to a wider context, unique in terms of landscape, natural features, and history: the Grappa Massif, a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve and the site of intense fighting during World War I, a treasure trove of traditional ways of life and dotted with structures, works, and monuments linked to the war period. This heritage can now be enjoyed, especially in winter, thanks to long or short excursions (trekking/hiking) or snowshoeing. In this sense, climate change has led to an evolution in the ways in which the area can be enjoyed, stimulating new opportunities and activities in response to the critical nature of these changes. The excursion is organised by Trodoi/Trails, a project of the Municipality of Valbrenta aimed at rediscovering and promoting the network of trails that run through the vast mountainous territory overlooking the Brenta Valley. Alongside Trodoi/Trails are the Valbrenta Guides, a local group of Aigae guides who will accompany the excursion. During the day, we will physically and ideally touch on the places and themes of an ecosystem that is unique in Europe, environmental changes—whether climatic or caused by everyday human activity—and winter outdoor activities, as well as the Great War.