The Spluga Bianco is a two-day snowshoe or ski tour from Splügen over the historic Splügen Pass to Montespluga in Italy and back. The route leads through impressive winter landscapes along a millennia-old crossing and combines alpine nature experiences with cultural history. After spending the night in Montespluga, you will experience the pass crossing from two perspectives: quiet, spacious, and far away from the hustle and bustle.
Spluga Bianco
Rock carvings suggest that the route over the Splügen Pass was already being used as a trade route around 3500 BC. The Roman road is still clearly visible and passable along today's summer trail. During the heyday of mule trading in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Splügen Pass was one of the most important mountain passes in the Alps. Goods such as flax and linen were transported south, while citrus fruits, spices, cotton, and wine found their way north to the royal houses of Bavaria and Austria. This era also saw the emergence of tourism in the region, with historic hotels such as the Weiss Kreuz and the Bodenhaus in Splügen and the Hotel Fravi in Andeer. The new accessibility also attracted famous personalities such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on their journey to the land of lemons.
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With the construction of the Gotthard Railway and later the Simplon Railway, the Splügen Pass gradually lost its importance and the trade route fell into oblivion. In 2001, the Viamala and Chiavenna regions revived this historic connection as part of an initial Interreg project and created a long-distance hiking trail from Thusis to Chiavenna. The route, which is around 70 kilometers long, can be completed in four to five stages and has been continuously expanded to include luggage transport and additional offerings such as culinary hikes and bike tours.
However, crossing the pass in winter remained impossible for a long time. The Spluga Bianco project will change this from the 2025/26 winter season onwards. A marked snowshoe trail will be signposted on a trial basis from the Splügen Tambo ski area to Montespluga along the southern flank. On the Italian side, additional activities will be offered around the village of Montespluga and the town of Madesimo, including ski tours, avalanche courses, and snowshoe hikes. A self-catering agriturismo will be available in Montespluga until mid-March, and hotels and restaurants will reopen their doors from mid-March onwards.
Outlook for upcoming projects
The project also has an impact on summer activities and strengthens cooperation between the regions around the Splügen Pass. As an alternative to the classic north-south connection via Spluga, a new circular hiking trail is being created from Splügen via San Bernardino, Pian San Giacomo, Isola, Montespluga, Avers, and/or Ferrera back to Splügen.
Season
The season starts in mid-January 2026.
- Until March 14, 2026, overnight stays in Montespluga are only possible at Agritourismo Montespluga.
- Starting March 14, 2026, overnight stays will be possible at the Albergo della Posta.
- From mid-May, overnight stays are possible at the Albergo Vittoria Montespluga.
Bookability
The offer can be booked individually and is not designed as a package deal. If required, we will be happy to assist you with planning.
Conditions and safety
The route is not marked throughout and is not groomed. In case of avalanche danger, the route will be secured or closed accordingly. Before starting the tour, you should be aware of the current avalanche situation. You can find out about the current danger level in the avalanche bulletin or obtain information directly from the Splügen Tambo mountain railways.
Important notes
Snowshoeing and ski touring in open terrain is at your own risk. Liability claims of any kind against Viamala Tourism and the authors are excluded. Completing routes requires good physical condition, thorough preparation, and technical knowledge of mountain sports. For safe mountain sports, Viamala Tourism recommends training under expert guidance or guided tours with trained mountain guides.
Getting here & parking
Whether you are traveling by car or public transportation, good planning ensures a smooth start to your stay at Spluga Bianco.
Accommodation
Before and after an adventure like the Spluga Bianco, a good night's sleep is essential. Find the right accommodation for your unforgettable snowshoe or ski tour from Splügen to Montespluga.
rental equipment
If you don't have all the necessary equipment, you can rent snowshoes and other gear from Splügen Sport and get fully equipped for the tour.
What should not be missing on a ski tour
I pack in my rucksack... a thermos flask. In the following list you will find items of equipment that should not be missing on a ski tour.