Lake Lases and the “buse del giaz”

<p>An itinerary around Lake Lases as far as Val Fredda with its curious ‘ice holes’</p>

<p>Lake Lases is a small Alpine lake formed by a moraine barrier, i.e. by rocky debris carried there by a glacier. It is an especially attractive lake and a protected provincial biotope set up in recognition of the unique habitat which has developed along its banks. A great many fauna species take shelter and breed in its dense reed beds. It is its crystal clear waters and beautiful colour which makes Lake Lases special. These are especially popular with fishermen because of their large stocks of Coregone (common whitefish), pike and perch.</p> <p>This itinerary does not simply circumnavigate the lake, however. It also takes you to an attractive and curious place, Val Fredda, a small valley which owes its name to the presence on the valley floor of a great many ‘ice holes’ which generate a cold microclimate, closely resembling that to be found high up in the mountains, even in mid-summer. This is caused by large amounts of air circulating within masses of natural rocky debris on the mountain slopes. This movement cools down the air which filters out at the bottom of holes of various sizes which sometimes have ice in them all year round. In fact, until just after World War Two period, the buse del giaz were used as natural fridges.</p>