Where innovation and tradition coexist
Malga Van is located just above Valmorel, nestled in a high meadow among the mountains of the Belluno Prealps. A simple and authentic place, where the craft of the shepherd meets the 20th century and modernity.
It is an excellent refreshment point and a must-visit for those walking along the paths of Valmorel who seek peace, tranquility, and perhaps something good on their plate.
It is managed by the Pascolando Cooperative: a group of friends – breeders and local technicians – who work together and have found a new way to live in the mountains. « Here you can rediscover the flavors of the past, feel the changing of the seasons, and connect with nature! »
A few more details that make a difference
At 980m above sea level, Malga Van is reachable 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 renovated several times over the years.
The restaurant is open only in the beautiful season, from Easter to the end of October – it always concludes with the Desmontegada festival, a tradition that involves the parade of animals from the Malghe to the square of Valmorel.
The breeding and sales point, on the other hand, remain operational all year round, in collaboration with the Turnaria Dairy of Valmorel.
The agriturismo keeps the kitchen open on Saturdays and Sundays (and on holidays), serving visitors of Valmorel and hikers. Furthermore, between July and August, customers can also enjoy cold dishes and sandwiches with local products during the week.
Reservation is recommended, as seating is limited. In any case, the guys from the Pascolando Cooperative will make sure you taste their products: always fresh and with authentic flavors.
During the summer season , unique and evocative events are often organized, which find in the wonderful setting of Malga Van the perfect location! Tastings of typical products, moments of meditation, sky observations, concerts, educational visits about the life of the shepherd, and much more... All collaborations with other entrepreneurs in the area: a network of mutual support that ensures a zero-kilometer supply chain, fully respecting sustainability and the history of the place. And that make Malga Van a venue with a varied offer: suitable for all those who want to experience and live Valmorel.
Besides preserving tradition, Malga Van is also a small laboratory of innovation. It is in fact the experimental hub of the Elserino Piol Foundation, committed to the development of technologies applied to the Primary Sector.
Here, instruments and approaches related to sustainable agriculture, intelligent breeding, and smart pasture management are tested. Smart collars, sensors for the ground and distance, data collection techniques... In short, Malga Van is a context in full evolution but grounded, which is a bridge between the past and the present.
Finally, the Cooperative is equipping itself to guarantee accommodation for those who decide to undertake long hikes along the ridges of the Prealps, because the goal is not quick and fleeting tourism but rather a slower and regenerative experience.
For now, however, Malga remains just a restaurant and sales point. And regarding the products... Every day, on rotation, local businesses process the milk collected using traditional techniques at the Turnaria Dairy of Valmorel. The cheeses and butter are always fresh and can be either taken away or eaten on the spot.
« At Malga Van, people don't come just for authentic food and the rustic atmosphere... They come to discover the mountain that works and resists every day and to experience nature! »
