Traditions of yesteryear in Val Senales: transhumance

Val Senales - Every year, in June, an ancient tradition linked to the world of shepherds is repeated in Val Senales: transhumance. The term indicates the journey that the flocks take to graze beyond the mountains, to enjoy a better climate during the summer months. The journey begins in June, when the shepherds gather their flocks starting from Maso Corto.

In all there are over 1000 sheep, each marked with the color that identifies its belonging. Obviously there is no shortage of shepherd dogs. The journey first heads towards the Giogo Alto, at over 2000 meters above sea level. The route is steep and demanding, as it crosses glaciers and valleys, gullies and steep paths. The greatest danger is avalanches, and shepherds and dogs must pay particular attention to lambs. After 3 hours of walking there is a stop at the Bellavista Refuge, where you can enjoy a nice hot soup. Then we leave again, up to Ötztal in Austria. Here the flocks stay all summer, to return home at the end of September, expected by everyone with the Great Shepherds' Feast.