Tranquillity and an impressive nature park characterise the small summer resort at the entrance to the Valle Ciamin valley near Tires
Image gallery: Bagni di Lavina Bianca
About 200 metres higher than the main village of Tires lies Bagni di Lavina Bianca, another district of Tires al Catinaccio. Already in the 19th century, the name referred to the quarry from which white gravel is still extracted today. Right next to it was a healing spring that was used by locals against rheumatism, anaemia and metabolic diseases: "Bagni" (Italian for "Baths") was added to the place name Lavina Bianca. In German language, it is called Weisslahnbad. In the course of time, Bagni di Lavina Bianca attracted more and more guests who stayed here in front of the Catinaccio Group to cure their illnesses and to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
There is an interesting building at the Rio Ciamin: The Steger Saw is an important example of a water-powered Venetian sawmill. Already in the 13th century, this type of construction was spread from the "Serenissima", the Republic of Venice, to the north. The Steger Saw was renovated and made functional again in recent years, and for some time it also housed the visitor centre of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. When it was moved to a new building in Tires village, the sawmill was established as an information point of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. On the upper floor you can still visit the former living area of the saw master, which was also renovated.
From the hikers' car park in Bagni di Lavina Bianca, a classic tour takes you to the Monte Cavone Mountain Hut and then up to the peak of Monte Balzo: The first section leads to the Wuhnleger, a small pond and popular photo motif in which the peaks of the Catinaccio Group and the Vajolet Towers are reflected. The Ciamin Valley, where Bagni di Lavina Bianca can be found, stretches across the southern side of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. The original valley gorge winds its way between the mountain walls and is a special tip for snowshoe tours in winter.
