Cima Ekar
Latitude: 45,844287 | Longitude: 11,576163
Plateau area/s:
Activities and services
Summer pasturing
Milking
Milking
– 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.
Malga Valbella is located on the south-east slope of Monte Ekar and it is situated on rounded and easily accessible hills. Only towards the east, almost at the end of its borders, it becomes steeper. Exactly here there are a few quarries where the red ammonite limestone – characterized by the presence of ammonite fossils – is extracted.
The malga is surrounded by coppiced beech forests managed with coppice selection system, but not far away some lonely beech trees can be seen, some even of monumental size. The malga pasture is made up of rich areas and more meagre on the outer edge near the wood.
In this area, it is not uncommon to find beautiful predatory birds such as buzzards, sparrowhawks, and kestrels.
Nearby, there is the trail named in memory of Maestro Patrizio Rigoni. It is a long, looping itinerary, along which about twenty works of art are distributed, including sculptures, paintings, and engravings. The path is very easy and its interesting suggestions from an educational, naturalistic, and environmental point of view make it a perfect place for families.
Competent body:
Comune di ASIAGO
ID code
Altitude (m)
Surface area (ha)
Livestock
LSU no.
Pasture
Woods
Ponds
ID code
56
Altitude (m)
1340
Surface area (ha)
20,1
Livestock
Cows
LSU no.
38
Pasture
Festucas
Woods
Faggeta
Ponds
3
How to get there
From the Strada della Fratellanza provincial road which goes from Asiago to Bassano del Grappa, in the locality of Osteria Fontanella, turn left towards Cima Ekar. From here, continue for 3.5 km and the small path that leads to the malga will be on the right.
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!!