Rifugio Alpe Ponte

Chiesa in Valmalenco is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Sondrio in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) northeast of Milan and about 11 kilometres (7 mi) north of Sondrio, on the border with Switzerland. The English for "Chiesa in Valmalenco" is "Church in Valmalenco": it is the most important village of the Valmalenco valley . "Valmalenco" is a name of unsure origin. Local culture believes it originates from Celtic and Pre-Roman civilisations which share similar meanings: Celtic "Mal en ga", meaning “head pressed by water” and Pre-Roman "Mall-anko" which translates to Mountain river. The area near Chiesa in Valmalenco is famous for alpine skiing and the particular geology of the surrounding mountains. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 2,714 and an area of 114.8 square kilometres (44.3 mi2).

Located at the foot of the Bernina and Disgrazia mountain ranges, Chiesa in Valmalenco is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go on breathtaking hikes and treks through the lush green valleys, explore the beautiful alpine lakes and waterfalls, and even try your hand at skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

Aside from its natural beauty, Chiesa in Valmalenco also boasts a rich history and culture. The village has a number of ancient churches and chapels that date back to the 16th century, including the beautiful Church of San Giuseppe and the Chapel of San Rocco.