Loc. Melette di Foza
Latitude: 45,912484 | Longitude: 11,617006
Plateau area/s:
Activities and services
Summer pasturing
– Mountain grazing is the uphill journey of the livestock to the Alpine pasture.
– It is recommended to check the website and social media profiles of the malga for updated activities and services.
Meletta is a large malga that spreads out across the crest of Monte Miela, on the Melette di Foza. The area is a mixture of pasture and spruce and dwarf pine forest, alternating with stony areas, sometimes even quite vast, with interesting red ammonite chalky outcrops. The malga overlooks a splendid 360° scenic view, especially over Valle del Brenta below. In these areas, fog is not uncommon, caused by the contrast between the warm air that rises up from the lowlands and the cooler air typical of the high altitude where the structure is located. Managing malga operations is rather demanding given as the slopes are very steep. The pastures to the south benefit from earlier production compared with the rest of the alpine activities thanks to the more favorable exposure. They are crossed by the CAI 860 trail that leads to the malga from Foza (about a two-hour walk).
Competent body:
Comune di FOZA
ID code
Altitude (m)
Surface area (ha)
Livestock
LSU no.
Pasture
Woods
Ponds
ID code
31
Altitude (m)
1707
Surface area (ha)
92
Livestock
Cows
LSU no.
97
Pasture
Festucas, nardeto
Woods
Dwarf pine groves, spruce forest
Ponds
5
How to get there
From the Foza town center, follow the road to Enego for 2 km to Lazzaretti loc. Turn left at the fork for Marcesina and continue for about 3 km. Take the narrow road on the left for Malga Fratte and continue for 1.3 km until you reach the fork for Malga Zomo. Continue for 3.2 km until you reach Malga Lora. From there, continue for 1 km as far as the fork for Malga Montagnanova. Take the road to the left until you reach the malga after about 1 km.
Do you want to have the best experience in the malga?
When you arrive at the malga, you’re entering the “home” of the malga operator population and their livestock: It’s a welcoming environment, rich with fascination, everything is to be discovered but also respected. Here are our recommendations for you!
The malga operator lifestyle is characterized by hardwork that starts before dawn and continues even after sundown. For example…Did you know that there two times set apart for milking? One before breakfast and another in the late afternoon.
Also, feel free to ask information but avoid going into work areas inaccessible to the public and be discrete: speaking too loudly may scare the livestock and disturb whomever is enjoying the peace of the mountain.
They are passive and docile animals but their size could put you in uncomfortable situations…or somewhat inappropriate behaviors could frighten them and provoke dangerous and unusual reactions.
It’s enough to maintain an adequate distance, avoid taking pictures from too close up, touching them, bothering them or looking them directly in the eye.
If you are with your dog, remember to keep it on a leash and under control.
When you find yourself near some cows, it’s better to avoid sudden movements, walk slowly and without getting anxious. And, if they were to get too close, distance yourself calmly and without turning your back to them!
They watch over the livestock and often offer a warm welcome to guests. Don’t worry: They are not dangerous. Treat them with respect and you will become good friends. If you are on a bike, slow down to avoid mean falls caused by demonstrations of affection a little too… overwhelming!
Those who follow the itineraries and visit the malgas know well how wonderful nature is, with its breathtaking landscapes. This is the reason why it is important not to pollute it with waste that can be taken home and properly recycled or disposed of.
The herdsmen of the plateau and the animals that live there are very fond of tourists who enjoy the wonderful days with walks, fresh air and relaxation… respecting the woods and pastures!!