Vedretta del Lupo

Vedretta del Lupo is a glacier situated in the Bernina Range at approximately 3,000 meters elevation in the Lombard Alps. Its surface displays deep crevasses and steep slopes that characterize the terrain and make it a technically demanding destination.

The glacier has been shrinking continuously since the early 1900s and serves scientists as an indicator of climate change in the Eastern Alps. This retreat is documented through regular surveys and shows patterns consistent with global temperature trends.

Local mountain guides share knowledge of alpine navigation and glacier safety techniques, passing traditional skills to new generations of mountaineers visiting this area.

Access is from Chiareggio via marked trails, with the hike taking about two hours and requiring mountaineering experience. Visitors should bring ice axes, crampons, and safety gear, and take advantage of early morning times to avoid rockfall and melting conditions.

The area around the glacier hosts specialized plants adapted to extreme high-altitude conditions that thrive in this harsh environment. This high-alpine flora represents a rare opportunity to explore the biodiversity of extreme mountain landscapes.