L'alpe Pile nel Parco Naturale Alta Valsesia
Starting point: locality Wold (Alagna) 1260 m
Arrival point: Alpe Pile 1575
Difference in height: 315 m
Difficulty: easy
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Season: spring to autumn
Point of reference: Refuge Pastore locality Alpe Pile tel. + 39 0163 91220
Trail number: n.6
This is the ideal route for families who want to spend an enjoyable day in contact with nature without hiking up difficult trails with small children. The plains of Alpe Pile is home to refuge “G.Pastore”, that has rooms, a bar, restaurant and bathrooms. Around the refuge are numerous, interesting geological formations and glacial erosion phenomenon like the stacked rocks and the “the Giants' Potholes”. The latter always attracts the children's attention not only because of their shape, but also for the many tadpole-filled ponds on the inside. The spacious meadow opposite the refuge is the ideal place to play, have picnics and to relax. Mont Rosa's impending, majestic wall, provides a backdrop to the splendid plateau on clear days.
The route
To reach refuge Pastore you must follow itinerary n°6 which starts immediately after the chapel S.Antonio, about 4km from Alagna.
At the start the mule track winds up a level stretch of terrain, and just before reaching Alpe In d'Stigu, it becomes a long staircase of 350 steps, the end of which opens widely onto the meadows of Alpe Pile (1575 m) with a spectacular view of the Valsesian walls of Mont Rosa.
It is also possible to reach Alpe Pile in about 15 minutes, taking the trail at the end of the square, Acqua Bianca (both points can be reached on foot or with the shuttle service.)
Alternative routes and connections
The main excursion itineraries in the Alta Valsesia Natural Park start from the square, Acqua Bianca. Almost immediately after it, the start of the trail is indicated by trail n° 7/a, that takes you to Colle Turlo in 3,30 hours. Following the trail, you will at first encounter the waterfall of the Sesia and hiking up a short slope, you will find the deviation for Refuge Pastore to your left. To the right, trail n°7 leads to the refuge, Barba Ferrero in Alpe Vign Superiore in 2 hours.
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