Colbricon Lakes

Two lakes close enough together that a single lap on foot takes in both, with the old Colbricon refuge on the ground between them. It is the only kitchen at the lakes. Portions come out large and home-made, desserts included, and the tables are cleared quickly when the place fills, because there is nowhere else up here to sit down and eat.

The setting does the rest: water at 1,927 m, pine and loose stone around the shores, the pass rising directly above. In winter the whole basin goes under snow, and a clear day in March shows the colours here at their strongest.

• Toilets: the only one is at the refuge between the lakes, and it is not free; no other toilets are mapped near the lakes.
• Cash: the refuge does not take cards, so carry cash for food and for the toilet.
• Eating: one kitchen serves the whole basin, and it works through the tables fast when it is busy.
• With children: the ground around both lakes is walkable, and the site suits families.
• In winter: the lakes lie under snow, and the way in becomes a winter walk.

The last stretch is walked. Cars stop at the car parks below the lakes, and from there a mountain trail carries on to the water — trail 348 runs past both lakes and joins the higher ground towards Baita Segantini and the Capanna Cervino refuge. Once you are up at the lakes, the shores of both can be walked round on foot, and the refuge sits on the strip of ground in between.

Better: winter. Under snow the basin reads completely differently, and a clear day in March shows the colours at their strongest.

Avoid: building the visit around a meal when the refuge is full — a single kitchen serves everyone who walks in.

At 1,927 m the lakes hold snow well after the valley has cleared, and the winter round from Passo Rolle takes them in on the way down.