Where innovation and tradition coexist
Malga Van is located just above Valmorel, nestled in a high-altitude meadow among the mountains of the Belluno Prealps. A simple and authentic place, where the craft of the herdsman meets the 20th century and modernity.
It is an excellent refreshment point and a mandatory stop for those walking along the paths of Valmorel, looking for peace, tranquility, and perhaps something good on the plate.
It is managed by the Pascolando Cooperative: a group of friends – farmers and local technicians – who work together and have found a new way to live the mountains.
“Here you can rediscover the flavors of the past, feel the flow of the seasons, and connect with nature!”
A few more details that make a difference,
At 980m above sea level, Malga Van is accessible by car but it is recommended to arrive on foot, following one of the many scenic trails in the area.
The structure, owned by the Municipality of Limana, dates back to 1900 and has been modernized several times over the years.
The restaurant is open only in the nice season, from Easter to the end of October – always concluding with the Desmontegada festival, a tradition that involves the parade of animals from the pastures to the square of Valmorel. The breeding and sales point, however, remain operational all year round, in collaboration with the Valmorel Turnaria Dairy.
The agritourism keeps its kitchen open on Saturdays and Sundays (and holidays), serving visitors to Valmorel and hikers. Additionally, between July and August, customers can also enjoy cold dishes and sandwiches with local products during the week.
Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. In any case, the team at the Pascolando Cooperative will make sure to let you taste their products: always fresh and with authentic flavors.
During the summer, unique and suggestive events are often organized, which find the wonderful setting of Malga Van the perfect location! Tastings of typical products, moments of meditation, stargazing, concerts, educational visits about the life of the herdsman, and much more...
All collaborations with other local entrepreneurs: a network of mutual support that ensures a zero km supply chain, fully respecting sustainability and the history of the place. And which make Malga Van a venue with a varied offer: suitable for anyone who wants to experience and live Valmorel.
In addition to preserving tradition, Malga Van is also a small innovation laboratory. It is indeed the experimental hub of the Elserino Piol Foundation committed to the development of technologies applied to the Primary Sector.
Here, tools and approaches related to sustainable agriculture, smart farming, and intelligent pasture management are tested. Smart collars, soil and distance sensors, data collection techniques... In short, Malga Van is a context in full evolution but with its feet on the ground, which is a bridge between the past and the present.
Finally, the Cooperative is preparing to ensure accommodation for those who decide to undertake long hikes along the ridges of the Prealps, because the goal is not fast tourism but a slower and regenerative one. For the time being, however, the Malga remains only a restaurant and sales venue.
And speaking of products… Every day, in rotation, local companies work the milk collected using traditional techniques at the Valmorel Turnaria Dairy. The cheeses and butter are always fresh and can be either taken away or eaten on site.
“ At Malga Van, one doesn’t just come for the authentic food and rustic atmosphere... One comes to discover the mountain that works and resists every day and to experience nature!”
