A journey through science and nature along the “Giro del Confinale” trail, to learn about the geological history of one of the most fascinating valleys in Alta Valtellina.
Located in the heart of the Alps, Alta Val Zebrù is a veritable geological treasure trove formed around 90 million years ago following the collision between the Eurasian and African plates. This fascinating natural heritage is now enhanced by an educational trail that winds along the “Giro del Confinale” circular route, connecting Val Zebrù to Valle dei Forni and passing some of the most picturesque mountain huts in Alta Valtellina. Over seven stages, students, teachers, hikers and mountain enthusiasts can explore the unique characteristics of the area, thanks to the contents of the CARG project and the Geological Map of Sheet 24 - Bormio.
Seven geological stops
Seven stages among rocks, faults and breathtaking landscapes to learn about the geological history of the Upper Zebrù Valley and understand the evolution of the alpine environment. Stopping along the way, you can observe rock outcrops up close, evidence of ancient tropical environments, traces of extinct volcanoes and tangible signs of climate change.
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Stop n.1 – Baita del Pastore
From this vantage point, you can see the dual nature of Val Zebrù: on one side, dark rocks and lush vegetation; on the other, grey, barren walls. A veritable borderline between two distinct geological and environmental worlds. -
Stop n.2 – Thurwieser landslide
On 18 September 2004, a rock avalanche struck this slope. An impressive event that demonstrates how dynamic and evolving the alpine environment is, also due to the effect of landslides and mass movements. -
Stop n.3 – The carbonate platform and the anoxic marine basins of the Triassic period
The Dolomite rocks surrounding the Quinto Alpini mountain hut tell an ancient story: that of tropical seas, oxygen-depleted basins and underwater environments where sediments were formed that are now visible among the Alpine peaks. -
Stop n.4 – The tectonic contact between the Dolomites and the Gneiss
At this point, you can observe the “border” between two geological worlds: the light-coloured dolomitic rocks of sedimentary origin and the dark gneiss of metamorphic origin. A concrete example of how tectonic forces have superimposed profoundly different materials, recounting millions of years of geodynamic history. -
Stop n.5 – The Confinale Fault
Here, a fault emerges, i.e. a fracture in the Earth's crust along which blocks of rock have moved. This site provides an insight into the intense tectonic activity that shaped the Alps and the role of faults in the formation of Alpine valleys. -
Stop n.6 – Green rocks and oceanic volcanism
In this section, you will encounter the so-called “green rocks”, which originated at the bottom of ancient oceans. They are the remains of ancient underwater volcanic activity, which later emerged and transformed over time. -
Stop n.7 – Signs of glacial retreat
The last stop is a window on the present (and the future): moraines, glacier fronts and landscapes shaped by melting glaciers show the concrete effects of global warming and the urgent need to protect this fragile Alpine ecosystem.
