In September Alagna started off with a bang with the project of the Union of Alagnese and FAI for the redevelopment of the Scarpia refuges: it is an important project that will provide an adequate location for the assets donated 30 years ago by the engineer Mr Arialdo to the Alagna cultural association.
Perfectly preserved Walser architecture from the seventeenth century, the refuges of Daverio di Otro are a heritage to be protected and its value appreciated as a direct testimony of culture, which characterizes the history and unique and exceptional identity of this area. Thanks to the agreement with FAI, the refuges of Daverio will be renovated and restored and their historical and traditional functions reinstated. They will become the premises of a tangible and accessible testimony centred around the millennial civilization that populated these valleys.
The rooms will be set and rearranged with furnishings and objects that testify and reflect daily life, culture and tradition, to offer visitors a live experience of an unedited, engaging and educational tour of a typical Walser cabin at high altitudes. The refuges will once again become a living, inhabited and productive place, which aims to revive agriculture and breeding livestock following not only ancient tradition but also contemporary sustainability, which the Walser was able to combine in a harmonious balance between man, nature and landscape.
FAI's commitment to Alagna is part of a new long-term venture: “The Alpe Project. Italy above 600 meters”. It refers to an awareness and action campaign that will lead the Foundation to intervene, particularly regarding assets located in the upper territory of areas in the country which, today, unfortunately, suffer in a demographic, social and economic crisis. These are the areas that keep intact a rich patrimony from a historical, natural, cultural, landscape, and above all human point of view, all of which are fundamental for the future of Italy.
Reaching an agreement with Fai was a lengthy endeavour for the Unione Alagnese but it was a happy and much-desired choice since it is intimately connected to the will of the donor.
Daverio was an incredible person: engineer, fond of alpine architecture, patron, free spirit, in all, he was a man of great culture.
By donating his assets, he left Unione Alagnese a difficult task because he asked the association to pass on his heritage to future generations, to educate them and make the inhabitants of the mountains aware of the value of Walser architecture and the importance of alpine culture.
"Daverio has enriched us all," says Anna Gualdi, president of the Alagnese Union, "not only because he has given our homes an economic value but above all, because he has taught us to have respect for our past and to believe in our future".
With this foreword, and considering the widespread work of revaluation and promotion of the Italian artistic and cultural heritage done by FAI, they are undoubtedly the ideal partner for such an important venture for Alagna.
Everyday Fai provides all of us the opportunity to become patrons of special places, just like Daverio has been able to do with Alagna. It provides the tools so that our commitment can be passed on to future generations. It seems as if we can hear Daverio’s voice: conservation for the future, education and love for our past.
This deal couldn't have been any better.
Did we give you an incredible desire to go to Otro to see the start of construction?
In Otro you can stay at the Refuge Zar Senni, in the hamlet of Follu, a rustic setting but managed with love by Ivana. You can book an apartment in Zam Hus, in Feglierec, where Giulia always welcomes you with a sparkling smile. Or ask for the Baitello dei Tre Alberi Liberi in Scarpia. Hint: ask Elena, the hostess, to leave some of her little apricot tarts in your room for when you arrive. You will never want to leave
Whether you are on holiday in Alagna or in Gressoney, Hospice Ospizio Sottile should absolutely be on your to-do-list of essential destinations!
It is situated at a height of 2480 meters on the hill of Valdobbia, on the border between Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta, and steeped in fascination, history and hospitality since opening its doors in 1823.
The road that you must follow to reach the hospice is called The Great Road of Aosta and is also known as via Regia. It connected the Duchy of Milano with Aosta as well as the passes of the small and great San Bernardo.
While walking and exploring these quiet areas and you know how to really listen, you might be able to hear the thoughts of those who walked these very trails before you, like a parallel life right next to yours. I can’t help but think about the married couple who died on this very pass a few days before Christmas of 1820. Their names and tragic story have long since been forgotten, but it was what prompted canon Sottile to build a hospice in the area to prevent any more of such tragedies to happen and protect all travellers in the area.
It always takes pain and dreamers to achieve the impossible and it was thus that Nicolao Sottile di Rossa had a refuge built on the hill over a time span of 3 years and endowed it with an income to pay the caretaker, who lived there all year round; like a motorway restaurant of yesteryear, on a highway of the past.
The architecture is quite fascinating; austere and intimate and has survived the centuries unscathed. It has cosy rooms, a small church, a quiet room, and a ballroom. He was familiar with solitude, great parties, stories, songs, dinners, and confessions; it is so full of life that it also deserves the traces of your passing through.
Allow me to tell you my story: when I was 9 years old, I went to hospice Sottile with my grandfather. At the time the caretaker was Marino Carmellino, who was the same age and a good friend of my grandad. It was a gray day, and I was in the kitchen, sitting at the table watching the fire flash from a hole in the stove. A bee, perhaps in search of heat, began to buzz around me. Annoyed, I said to the caretaker: Mr. Marino, there is a bee buzzing around me, what should I do? He was also an extraordinary calm person, and without saying a word, slowly took the bee in his fist and replied: let's take it outside.
So, we went out into the courtyard, and without letting the bee escape, he looked inside his fist, then looked at me and said: it's not one of mine, it must be sent back to Gressoney and he freed it on the Lys valley. I must have widened my eyes so much that he just stroked my head and laughed.
The best way to enjoy the Sottile Hospice is to reach it from the Vogna Valley, on the Alagna side where the hiking path is easier and then hike down towards Gressoney. The path is steeper but prepare yourself for a surprise as the view suddenly opens up and overlooks the town with the Savoy Castle in the distance.
Whether you are on holiday in Alagna or Gressoney, consider taking a round trip. If you leave from Gressoney you can use the Monterosaski lifts to reach Alagna, if you leave from Alagna you can sleep in La Trinitè and return from Col d'Olen or Zube the next day
Gps: 45°47’18”N – 7°51’56”E
Wgs: 45.788442 Lat. – 7.865804 Lon
From Alagna (Val Vogna) Trail no.1, Departure from: S. Antonio (1381 meters), difference in height: 1099 meters, hiking time: about 3hrs, difficulty: E
From Gressoney Trail no.11, Departure from: Gressoney S. Jean (1385 metres), difference in height: 1100 meters, hiking time: about 3hrs, difficulty: E
From Gressoney Saint Jean – a few paces from the hiking trail, you will find the waiting area for the shuttle to go to the Staffal ski lift with the timetable.
From Alagna there is an ON CALL shuttle service to go to Valle Vogna, and it is available in the month of August.
The white blankets of snow have given way to green grass and rich mountain vegetation, fauna has started to move about more comfortably and has already appeared to the first trekkers.
We are too are preparing ourselves and following the awakening rituals of nature! What will summer 2021 be like? It will definitely be a summer filled with enthusiasm, a strong desire to welcome you back and enjoy restarting in the safest possible way, together.
The tables and benches of the picnic areas that were scattered throughout the area have been repositioned: in the Natural Park, in Otro Valley, in Vogna Valley, to enjoy a delicious lunch or a lazy break in, complete and total harmony with nature. Enquire at the Information Office for the map or download it here.
The ski lifts will be open from Friday, 11 June, and will remain open until 12 September. This is the most awaited-for summer event that kicks off the ascents to the glaciers of Monte Rosa and the high altitude mountain huts, and facilitates the intermittent connections on foot or by bicycle with Gressoney and offers breathtaking views unique in the world! Click here for cost and timetables.
In the meantime you will find some refuges open during the week end: Zar Senni, Pastore, Crespi Calderini, La Baita
The main attraction of the month of June will be the Monte Rosa Skymarathon, an international event of great appeal that will bring together Alagnarunners from all over the world.
And for all lovers of Val Vogna and the Natural Park, the shuttles will be operative during the weekends in June and then intensify in service from the month of July onwards. See here time table for May and June
Meanwhile, the Walser Museum has opened its doors on Saturday 8 May and will be open every weekend in May and June after which they will remain open in July and August. The museum's calendar of events is getting richer and includes nocturnal appointments with lantern lighting, theatre shows and guided tours.
The events organized by Unione Alagnese "Voci nel Vespro" are back again and will run throughout the summer, and this year, Caffè '900 (theatrical guided tours) will be added, in addition to the special open-door showcasing of chapels and fractional oratories proudly displayed during dedicated guided tours. During the month of June, every Sunday will be dedicated to medium-to-difficult trekking tours on Eco museum routes which will start from the tourist office and accompanied by a tourist and environmental hiking guide.
The Presmell Association for summer 2021, on the other hand, offers courses in natural dyeing, weaving, felting, a fair linked to the reuse of wool and hemp and the much-awaited presentation of the Walser candidacy to UNESCO.
The " High altitude Flavors " food tasting events at the foot of the glaciers are absolutely not to be missed, and have already been set for the dates of 25 July, 22 August, 5 September.
The Pro Loco Riva Valdobbia is up and running again after a forced stop and is busy preparing many surprises: miacciate, artisan market in Val Vogna, “The Shepherd's snack” and “The Queen's tea”. Have we piqued your interest?
We will definitely keep you updated on everything.
… ..So, we are ready! How about you?
"Dear skiers,
while keeping the benefit of the doubt that we hope the Government can solve for us today, we can finally communicate the opening dates we have planned for our stations.
We specify that what we are about to communicate will be valid only if the current and forthcoming provisions of the law on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 allow it and as long as the Piedmont Region remains "yellow zone".
Alagna and Alpe di Mera lifts will open from Monday 15 February 2021 and more precisely:
Alagna from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Alpe di Mera from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
The following lifts and slopes will be excluded from the opening:
in Alagna: Bocchetta chairlift, Mullero and Mullero Competition slopes, the entire Wold area
in Alpe di Mera: Campo ski lift.
With next communication we will give you updates on the opening planned for these plants mentioned here.
In Valle d'Aosta, lifts and slopes will open from Thursday 18 February 2021. Therefore, the connection with Gressoney and the other lifts in the Monterosa Ski area will be closed on 15, 16 and 17 February 2021. It will be possible to ski on the slopes di Alagna up to Passo dei Salati, with an absolute prohibition on descending in Aosta Valley.
In light of the probable extension of the ban placed between the Regions, we are also waiting to know the rules that will be imposed on us for the possible use of "skis on" the entire area; we will give you news as soon as possible.
The ticket offices in Alagna and Scopello will be open on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2021 from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00 for informations.
Starting from 15.02.2021 ticket offices will be open every day for information, customer assistance in the online purchase procedure and for the purchase of ski passes for certain categories of users.
Starting from 15.02.2021 and in the same way, the ticket office at the Trogo on Alpe di Mera will also be open.
All ski passes can only be purchased from the Monterosa 2000 web shop, with the sole exception of the following user categories:
and Teleskipass holders
We ask you, for correct use and in compliance with the rules issued by the CTS, to reach the lifts only after checking the residual availability of places for the desired day and after purchasing your ski pass online.
All the information for online purchase is available for you on this website.
The ski passes will be available for purchase, with an indication of the number of seats available for each day, starting on Saturday and Sunday.
Customers with Teleskipass will be able to use it without a reservation starting from Monday 15 February. However, we ask the owners to carefully check that the credit card inserted is valid, to avoid malfunctions and consequent gatherings.
From 18 February all Teleskipass holders will have to book their access. The methods and instructions will be announced in the coming days.
In Alagna a shuttle service will be active along the Michob car park (before the roundabout at the entrance to the town) -Palazzetto-Chiesa from 7.30-11.30 and 14.00-17.30. Information poles and signs will be posted at the stops. We remind you that the capacity is reduced to 50% by the anti COVID-19 provisions that regulate access to means of transport.
The use of shuttle buses and access to the ski lifts is subject to compliance with the contagion normatives which pertain to the personal responsibility of the individual.
We recall in particular that:
The purchase of ski passes online is mandatory, according to the availability of seats indicated by the manager
Access is prohibited in the presence of fever above 37.5 ° or respiratory symptoms attributable to the ongoing epidemic
The use of a mask is mandatory, properly covering the nose and mouth
The capacity of closed vehicle systems is reduced to 50%
The capacity of the open vehicles remains at 100%
It is mandatory to maintain a safety interpersonal distance of at least one meter
In the next few days we will be present for any need, but we ask you to check all the updates on the openings on our sites, to allow us to give everyone the necessary assistance.
We ask you to always respect them, your collaboration will be precious to resume our business in the best possible way, and to continue enjoying the skiing days that await us. Our staff will provide help and directions for compliance with the rules, which you will find displayed in the stations and on the facilities and which will be disseminated through all our means of communication.
We are waiting for you!
60 cm of snow and Alagna smiles agian. The heavy snowfall of the last days made us start again in a great way and even if the upcoming season is different from the usual, Alagna all white and silent, we tell you with pride, is beautiful.
We are ready to start a new season. Do you want to know our news? When Piedmont enters the COVID19 yellow zone, the tourist office will open; f now you can write to info@alagna.it and we will give you all the info you need.
We started hitting the cross-country track, 10 km of Monterosa view are a priority for us.
We have selected 5 bobsleigh and sled areas to make the little ones happy and, why not, the children who always live inside all of us. After 20 December it will be possible to collect your copy of the map of the dedicated areas at the tourist office or download it online on alagna.it or on the Valsesiamonterosa app so you can choose your play area in the best possible way.
We are about to open the skating rink, which appropriately sanitized and with limited admissions, will play its part in Christmas 2020.
We have decided to dedicate a beaten track in the Vogna Valley to novice snowshoers and we have ready for the more experienced the map of areas with difficulties within the reach of many.
During the Christmas holidays we will organize small groups of snowshoers dedicated to guests asking to know the silence of the woods in the company of a guide, to visit the real mountain, without fear of being inexperienced.
We are also ready with MTB tours in places accessible and usable even in winter.
For those who will spend their holidays in Alagna, we will propose the consolidated free guided tour of Voci nel Vespro, to get to know Alagna from a historical and cultural perspective, with attention to the past of our small community.
If you have thought about holidays without ski, you are wrong: ski mountaineering with the guides of Alagna is a true alternative, which will reserve forgotten surprises and mountain safety lessons could be an unexpected bet.
The local farms have cellars full of excellent cheeses and a walk in the snow-covered hamlets to reach the stores is a must!
Your safety is our priority, our medical center is ready with quick tests in drive in and if you want to feel safer in a residence that is super attentive to prevention, You can ask for accommodation at the Orma residence or at Smitt House who offer stays with tests included.
Are you worried about restaurants in Alagna closed in the evening? we are ready with an adequate home service and you can book your dinner directly online, to be able to have it at home in a few clicks.
Alagna has a thousand-year history and a tradition for hospitality that spans 2 centuries. Together with the many limitations of this period, new opportunities are coming forward and we think that discovering an authentic and silent Alagna can be a real surprise for this end of 2020.
Alagna transform itself, re-adapting its health services to Covid emergency needs Alagna, located a rural area over 50 km from the nearest hospital, eliminate hospitalizations and guaranteeing a quick swab service, without waiting.
Alagna Valsesia is a small town located at 1200 m at the foot of the second highest mountain in Europe, Monte Rosa. Here, in the summer of 2020 the Municipality inaugurated a small but innovative medical center, collaborating with the ASL 11 of Vercelli in the organization of basic health services both for the local community and for tourists.
The hospital is manned by two IFEL nurses who guarantee on-site assistance to people who need treatment and dressings, blood sampling, pressure analysis, electrocardiogram analysis and other small checks thanks to the connection with the hospitals of Vercelli and Borgosesia. Services that, without the medical center, would have required over 50 km of road and an hour of driving to reach the nearest hospital.
Guaranteeing these health services in a rural and disadvantaged mountain area in this emergency period made it possible to keep under strict control all the weakest people, who would also have been subject to excessive risks in moving to hospitals to obtain the same services.
Hot-spot dedicated to the execution of molecular swabs
With the worsening of the Covid emergency, the Municipality of Alagna Valsesia, supported by the ASL 11 of Vercelli and by the general practitioner who works in the area, has begun a rapid transformation of the medical center, adapting to offer new services strictly connected to the health emergency and aimed at offering a hot-spot dedicated to the execution of molecular swabs for the residents of Alta Valsesia. The organization has allowed all residents of the area to receive the service with an average wait of less than two days, using a queue-free and "human-sized" drive-in and easing the pressure on the hospital's tampon point. of Borgosesia.
Rapid swab service in agreement with the SISP serving the entire territory of the Montana Valsesia Union
The continuous increase in cases also in upper Valsesia has prompted the Municipality of Alagna Valsesia to purchase 2000 rapid tampons to ensure immediate intervention in the event of outbreaks in the territory of the Municipality and the entire Montana Union, allowing an almost instantaneous verification of the cases suspicious. The choice offered an immediate response to the unexpected need to launch a screening campaign for personnel operating in the social services of the Mountain Union of the Municipalities of Valsesia and aimed at guaranteeing the negativity of OSS operators, social workers and administrative staff of the Body for the protection of assisted persons, often the elderly.
Thanks to the structure and the ASL staff of the Medical Center, in less than two days screening was also carried out on all elderly people assisted by social services, carrying out free quick swabs at the homes of the most fragile people not only in Alagna and in the main valley , but also in Val Sermenza and Val Mastallone.
Rapid tampon service at a controlled price for individuals and businesses in the area
Starting from Friday 17 November a rapid tampon service will also start at the agreed price of € 35. The service was born thanks to the collaboration between the municipality of Alagna Valsesia which purchased 2000 rapid tampons, the Alta Valsesia Pharmacy which has made itself available to manage the reservations and payment of the service offered, and the general practitioner who will certify the outcome of the swabs made.
The swabs will be carried out on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 17:30; Reservations are required and must be made by contacting the Alta Valsesia Pharmacy at the telephone number 379.2169929 (whatsapp) or by writing an email to tamponi@alpifarma.it. Payment will be made at the pharmacy while the swab will be performed in the drive-in in the square in front of the medical center.
The goal is to guarantee an immediate response at a fair price for individuals and companies that feel the need to verify their negativity or the negativity of their workers, in order not to have to suspend their work or, more simply , remove the doubts about your state of health. All the data of the tests carried out will be entered in the national portal and any positive cases will be reported to the ASL and can be quickly verified with the molecular swab
An experience, that of Alagna Valsesia, which demonstrates how the presence in rural mountain areas of small medical facilities is essential to give rapid and concrete answers to the population even in cases of emergency such as the one we are experiencing.
The experience of Alagna can be a lean, functional and low-cost "model" of territorial healthcare for the NHS, but capable of offering high-level services even to those who live far from urban centers and hospitals. The farsightedness of the Vercelli ASL first in the establishment of the medical center and subsequently in exploiting the territorial control for the COVID emergency is allowing, until now, to offer immediate answers and to treat people from home, drastically limiting access to the hospital
We’re working to let you live soon your extraordinary days in Valsesia!
During the last summer season and the first weeks of autumn we made significant investments, to improve the experience on the snow in Valsesia. We are ready to welcome you again, to make you live in safety the emotions that we have always given to you, to show you the result of the continuous improvement work that distinguishes our Company.
In Alagna we have built a new artificial lake, paying particular attention to inserting the work into the surrounding natural environment. It will allow us to reduce the snow-making times of the slopes by about 30%. In addition to the realization of the new projects, we proceeded with the twenty-year general overhaul of the Alagna-Pianalunga gondola lift and the Bocchetta chairlift. It means the complete adaptation of the control systems of the lift and of the electronic and mechanical components, to constantly ensure their use in complete safety.
Moreover we have enhanced the network of LED screens on the Alagna slopes, with three new gate-screens at the access of the lifts Funifor, Cimalegna chairlift and Bocchetta chairlift.
At Alpe di Mera, on the other hand, we will be able to count on 30 new snow machines and an additional section of the line on the snowmaking system. This will allow to increase the coverage of the skiable area and decrease the snow production times. To improve the usability of the area, there will also be a new underpass, 42 meters long and dedicated to pedestrians and snowmobiles, which will allow them to cross the Primavera track underground.
A new Fun Slope will be built in area Campo, nearby the skilift. Right next, you’ll find the new playground we’ve built for this summer, still available on snow, and a bobsleigh track. Both will be protected and with free access. With the aim of connecting this fun park, but also other areas of Alpe di Mera, we will propose a new shuttle service, which will allow pedestrians, beginners and anyone to cover some routes.
In both locations the online ticketing system allows you to buy any type of ticket, Monterosa Ski, Monterosa Freerideparadise or Valsesia, by reloading a card or choosing to pickup at the automatic cash machine. Those who do not wish to ski but still want to go up to Alpe di Mera, can use the smartphone as a real passepartout, as gates on the way can read the QR from the e-commerce receipt. And a new automatic vending machine will be soon located in Scopello, with the function of purchasing or collecting a ski pass.
We have scheduled the start of the season for next 4th December and we are working to ensure that everything is ready for you.
While we work, we promise to update you, waiting for the green light from the Italian Authorities!
See you soon!
Monterosa 2000 S.p.A.
the President
Luciano Zanetta
With the arrival of warmer weather and the gradual melting of the snow, Monte Rosa becomes the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Hundreds of kilometers of trails re-emerge from under their white mantle after months of silence, offering experts and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to once again touch base with nature and its magnificent inhabitants.
From roe deer to chamois, deer to ibex and marmots to cute squirrels. Once again, our mountains teem with life, smell and sound of pure nature! Trekking on Monte Rosa is a unique adventure, which can be savored at a very high altitude (above 4,000 meters) or along the less demanding paths scattered around the town of Alagna, between 1,000 and 2,000 meters.
It is precisely this division between the peaks and valleys that will guide you while orienting yourself in the choice of easy itineraries where only few accessories are necessary, and the more difficult itineraries, where it is fundamental to be in shape, and have a certain type of technical background and importantly also rely on the company of a qualified alpine guide. Let's start with basic level treks to reach the most sought-after destination of all: Capanna Regina Margherita.
Those who love hiking in the mountain will discover endless opportunities for recreation in the areas surrounding the town of Alagna-Valsesia. The main itineraries of Monte Rosa are divided into 4 groups: trekking in Val D'Otro, trekking in the Vogna Valley, trekking in the Alta Valsesia national park and trekking under the Tagliaferro. Val d'Otro is the reference point for getting to know the history of the Walser population up close: in the 6 villages (Follu, Scarpia, Ciucche, Weng, Felljerc, and Dorf) a self-sufficient economy based on natural agriculture, herding and hunting, an example of perfect balance between man and nature is still being practiced.
Wilder but no less populated is the Vogna Valley, whose itineraries wind through the splendid Alpe Larecchio, the fascinating Vallone del Risuolo and the renowned and historic Maccagno Alp. Then there are the many paths of the Alta Valsesia Park, where you can reach higher altitudes up to the 2881 meters of Col d’Olen. Finally, there are the itineraries “under the Tagliaferro”, with trekking to Alpe Campo and Colle Mud.
With its 4,637 meters, Monte Rosa is one of the most challenging peaks in Europe. For those wishing to challenge this giant there are several options, the best known is the so-called Tour of Monte Rosa, nine trekking stages divided between the Swiss and the Italian sides, crossing the Turlo Pass, the Monte Moro Pass and of the major excursion points of interest of the massif.
A shorter and less tiring alternative in terms of time, distance and energy is the excursion to Capanna Margherita , the “queen” of the Alps, which is incidentally also famous for being the highest refuge in Europe (4,554 meters). The trip to the Capanna Margherita is truly worth the effort and a veritable challenge for all, capable of gifting unforgettable emotional experiences to those who want to live the mountain to its fullest. It is strongly recommended to book a tour with the accompaniment of an authorized UIAGM mountain guide.
The Piedmontese town of Varallo, is historically considered as the “capital” of Valsesia, with regards to its vast artistic and historical heritage. It is a charmingly beautiful town.
In its historic center there are many architectural testimonies: the ancient nucleus of the "contrade", small streets formerly used for trade and craftsmanship, the sixteenth-century building where the Scarognini-D'Adda family from Varese used to live and the spectacular nineteenth-century villas, located in what used to be the residential center of the city and where today all visitors can relive the spirit of the Belle Epoque era.
Characteristic features of Varallo are the many churches and religious buildings among which the Collegiate Church of San Gaudenzio stands out, with the polyptych by Gaudenzio Ferrari, the Churches of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Our Lady of the Graces) and San Marco and the Oratory of the Madonna of Loreto: places where faith, art and history unite to form a fundamental work of art in the panorama of Italian art history.
This is a national monument, and it is located at the foot of the slope that leads from Piazza Gaudenzio Ferrari to the Sacro Monte. Adjacent is the convent which was originally occupied by the Friars Minor of the Observance and has been the religious headquarters of the Order of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus the Eternal Priest since 1953.
The foundation of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Our Lady of the Graces) is closely linked to that of Sacro Monte; and the church, convent and Sacro Monte are part of a single concept and a single historical and artistic moment which initiated at the end of the fifteenth century.
Upon entering the church, the visitor's gaze is immediately captured by the immense narrative story scenes depicting the Life of Jesus Christ that make up the famous Gaudenzian Wall, completed between 1512 and 1513. It is a prelude and synthesis of what was happening at the Sacro Monte: it is here that the art and poetry of Gaudenzio Ferrari reached that stylistic characteristic which would constitute his distinctive trait and never abandon him in the course of his artistic future.
This complex is the oldest and most important of all the Sacred Mountains (Sacri Monti) in Piedmont and Lombardy and since 2003 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a Monumental Devotional Complex, which is of great importance, not only from a religious point of view, but also from a historical and artistic point of view.
It consists of 45 chapels, or more aptly, real architectural structures, with more than 800 statues, accompanied by paintings of exceptional artistic value. The complex spreads out on the rock terrace overlooking the city and is included in the Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte di Varallo, established in 1980 in order to manage and protect the monument from a naturalistic-environmental point of view.
The creator and first promoter of the construction of the Sacro Monte was Blessed Friar Bernardino Caimi, Franciscan of the Ancient Observance, former Guardian of the Sacred Places of the East, who at the end of the fifteenth century wanted to recreate the "New Jerusalem" on the summit of the dominant mountain Varallo, to allow the faithful who could not go to Palestine to experience the spirituality of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, faithfully recreating its most symbolic places.
The Sacro Monte has the shape of a real fortified citadel, surrounded by walls and made up of streets, squares, buildings and gardens. Statues and paintings, give shape and voice to the path that narrates the events of the life of Jesus Christ from His Annunciation to the Resurrection.
Among the many artists who worked on the Sacro Monte Varallese over the centuries mention must be made of Gaudenzio Ferrari, one of the greatest Renaissance exponents of the Lombard Piedmontese culture, Giulio Cesare Luini, Giovanni D’Enrico, Tanzio da Varallo and Morazzone.
With Gaudenzio Ferrari, in particular, the initial project of the Sacro Monte to reproduce the Holy Places was, if not completely forgotten, set aside to develop the illustration of the prominent facts of the life of Christ. It was St. Charles Borromeo who the spread knowledge and veneration for the New Jerusalem of Varese and, in the years to come and, many pilgrims followed his example to go the Sacro Monte and this habit, continues to this day.
Antonio d'Enrico, known as Tanzio da Varallo, also worked on the Sacro Monte. Antonio was born in Riale di Alagna around 1578 and died in Borgosesia around 1632-33. He was an artist who studied in Rome and was also influenced to a certain degree by the artwork of Caravaggio and the Caravaggeschi. Masterpieces of Tanzio da Varallo that still remain, are the frescoes in various chapels of the Sacro Monte, where he collaborated with his elder brother Giovanni, creator of extraordinary life-size polychrome statues.
Are you craving for snow, fireplaces, aperitifs and skiing? In Alagna you can have all that and more.
The skilifts will open on November 28, snow permitting, and the winter season will kick off with new options as well as ski break suggestions that are old favourites, but always super-appreciated by our visitors.
Off-piste skiing is Alagna's strong point, an essential gem that makes Alagna a cut-above-the-rest resort. Our ski guides are already on stand-by with a selection of top proposals for you to experience the variety off-piste ski routes of our Freeride Paradise.
But if off-piste skiing seems a bit too much for you, Alagna has an excellent programme for snowshoeing hikes and guided tours for the young and old and the Alagna ski school will take care of both beginners and perfectionists.
A day in Varallo is definitely not to be missed as well as a visit to the Gaudenziana Wall at the Madonna delle Grazie, because everyone knows that beauty improves the quality of life, and even if you have come to Alagna for a sport and outdoor holiday, an afternoon dedicated to art, is a plus, and who knows, it may just surprise you.
On Tuesdays the lifts will be open at night to guarantee that everyone has the possibility to have dinner in a Baita and the themed dinners called "Italian wines" will recommence on Wednesdays at the Corno Bianco restaurant while on Thursdays the exciting moonlight snowshoe hike up to Baita dell’alpe Sewij will free the pent up energy of the most sportive visitors.
Are you thinking of taking a short break for psychophysical rejuvenation, try our soft proposal with a personal trainer but if what you need is 7 days to really soak up the benefits, we suggest you consider our next option: a slow week in a B&b in Alagna: just the place where to find warmth, dialogue and attention.
Sundays welcome the return of Voices in the Vespro, the guided tours around the center of Alagna that give life to the historical characters who have bestowed prestige on the town and the Walser museum will once again be open at night to rediscover a not too distant past, which nobody wants to forget.
Have we piqued your interest? Keep an eye on our blog and our event calendar which we update regularly.
Challenge the Monte Rosa and fully enjoy all of its beauty means first of all to collect al the i nfo you can get about this legendary mountain. The team of Alagna.it, during this years, worked to collect every information available about Monte Rosa, and so now it's time to give you advises on how to find, inside our website, the most interesting documents and useful articles on hot to organize your holiday. Let's start from the Monte Rosa-dedicated blog , a virtual space where every month we publish suggestions and ideas on how to spend a weekend or more days with your friends or family. The blog is the best starting point to understand Monte Rosa and the territory of Alagna Valsesia because it gives news related to the ongoing season and gives the chance to get orientated on the many different thing to do or to see depending on the season and weather conditions.
An other useful source is the guidebook Snow & More , a free e-book published in 2016 where we explain the main activities (Ski-touring, snowboard, on-piste skiing) and the alternatives ,like Spa and shopping of food and wine. In particular, the most important subjects on the Snow & More guidebook are:
In addition th website is full of in-depth analysis, for example the areas where to find Info on Ski rental , or parking , or also Taxi and car-rental services.. There are also many link collected during years to websites and ski-schools, ski-areas and other reference point to enjoy Monte Rosa. Always on our website you can also get some “visual information” from our webcam on the beautiful sight on Monte Rosa. For them who want to book immediately there are also many Holiday Packages, solutions of one or more days that go from fishing to skiing, from wine-tasting to Heliskiing, and also the complete tour of Monte Rosa, a 8-days adventure in the heart of one of the most known and appreciated alpine mountain in the world.
Detox? Nowadays it has become an overused term that means everything and nothing. What we are talking about is following a specific diet, purifying energy that needs to be replenished, reclaiming lost concentration, putting your mood in the right position and kickstarting your metabolism, in short, giving you the means to make a change or take a step back. In Alagna we have a suggestion: spend a few days suspended between nature, well-being and passive activities and it will reduce all symptoms because most of the time, the secret lies in knowing how to unplug.
Let's start with accommodation:
B&B 3 Alberi Liberi, 3 Km from Alagna centre, in the hamlet of Riva Valdobbia. It overlooks Monte Rosa, has a large garden with hammock and flowers in summer and a sauna and hay baths in winter. Elena, the hostess, who works magic in the kitchen, knows how to spoil you with cakes and homemade jam and is obsessive in the choice of local products, especially cheeses, which she personally looks for in the mountain pastures during the summer. It is said that Elena, at the age of 6, asked for Grandma Duck’s cookbook as a gift for Christmas and that’s what she got. And that's how a legend was born.
Alagna Experience Resort in via Dei Martiri in the centre of Alagna, is a 4-star hotel with character with a crackling fire in the stove managed by Michela, who pays careful attention to her guests and pampers them with courtesy and discretion and it has a large indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool with a beauty parlour, Turkish bath and wellness area, where massages and beauty treatments are available daily.
Relais Regina at the entrance of the Vogna Valley, is a historical building built in the early 1900s that still retains all the charm of the past. It was used as a base for Prince Umberto of Savoy on his visit to Valsesia. It was also chosen by Sibilla Aleramo for a detox week after yet another fight with Campana. Today, however, it has great added value: the wellness area with sauna overlooking the larch wood of the Vogna Valley, a Gessi hydromassage system and relaxation area with 0 km organically homegrown herbal tea, because here the tradition of collecting mountain herbs for brewing tea is rooted among the inhabitants. The Vogna Valley was home to the great botanist Carestia whose herbarium, collected in Valsesia between 1854 and 1900, is now kept in part in the Botanical Garden in Turin and in part in the "Carestia - Tirozzo" Herbarium Museum in Fobello.
Tips for your detox routine
In the morning, after waking up in your room in the mountains, ask to be taken to Riva's Market Square. It is within walking distance from the B&B 3 Alberi Liberi, while from the Alagna Experience Resort, you can take the shuttle that connects Alagna and Riva and from the Relais Regina, you can take the shuttle provided by the hotel to get to the market square.
From Piazza del Mercato, take the path through the houses of Riva and follow it. Don’t worry about getting lost: there is only one. The road will lead you to the highway just before reaching the tunnel Alzarella. To the left of the tunnel, there is a path that runs alongside it and if you take it, you won’t have to walk through the tunnel. You will reach the Isolella bridge, which is rather in a sad state of neglect, but until a few years ago it was the only point of passage on the Sesia to get to Alagna. Today it is closed to traffic, but it is not dangerous at all, and after 200 years it is only waiting for someone to make it accessible again.
You can reach it on foot or by bike without any difficulty. Immediately after the bridge, it turns back in the direction of Alagna on the left bank of the Sesia. A long walk lies before you on a comfortable, flat path, among the birches and beech trees of Gabbio. In this section in the summer, you will also find sections of a guided route with sports exercises.
By the time you reach Ponte del Gabbio, it will be lunchtime and when you cross the bridge you will be at the Chalet restaurant in less than a minute. We suggest you sit in the private room with the fireplace and a view of Monte Rosa because we know that the view while detoxing, is very important!
Your hostess Erika is the person to best recommend a well-balanced lunch, which will help you find your equilibrium. Tell her that we at Alagna.it are the ones who led you to her, and she will lay out her best culinary creations for you.
After lunch? Be tempted by the deck chairs aptly positioned in the sun in the garden of the restaurant. Rest is essential for your physical and mental well-being.
The route back to Riva from the Chalet is via the old trail that led to “super ripam” (from where the name of the village originates). This is also because in the past, the village was, more or less, in the area where you find yourself, but after a terrible flood in 1400, it was purposefully moved "super ripam / over the ridge" which was considered safer.
All you have to do now is return to your hotel and treat yourself to the hay bath if you are staying at the 3 Alberi Liberi, or blissfully relax with the detoxifying massages, if you are at the Alagna Experience Resort. And if, on the other hand, you have chosen the Regina Relais, rush off to the sauna and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the woods visible from the large windows.
Do you want to extend your stay by another day?
This is the time for you to see Alagna up close. Go to the police station and take their parking lot as a reference point. It is in walking distance from the resort Experience; from Riva, you have to take the shuttle and get off at the buss-stop for Camping. Follow the road to Fum D’Ekku and immediately after the army barracks turn left and you will find the hamlet Resiga with its few houses, a small square, the small church of San Defendente and behind it the waterfall of Otro. You can reach it without any difficulties by following the path that leads to the sawmill from which the hamlet takes its name.
In the past, this was the location where timber was gathered and then cut by the water sawmill, which can still be visited today. Sit on the sawmill stairs and listen to the sound of the waterfall. This is a perfect start to your day.
Next, head in the direction of Alagna centre, retracing your steps and continuing past the army barracks on the way to Fum d’Ekku. You will see the narrow streets that enter the hamlet, Reale. Choose one at random as they all lead to the same place: the small village square. This is the model on which Alagna was built: small groups of houses gathered around a small square with a fountain in the centre, a communal oven, and a church.
Small self-sufficient communities that managed to survive without the need for great mobility during the winters of past centuries. From the Piazzetta del Reale the trail leads you to the centre of Alagna. Following it, you will reach an imposing stone building: the Unione Alagnese theatre which was inaugurated in 1900 with the scenography of Ercole Sormani, the lively cultural centre of the community. The Unione restaurant is located inside the theatre. It is an informal setting that has welcomed theatre guests for over 120 years.
Ask Paola, the lady of the house, if she could give you a sneak peek at the theatre hall, because it will undoubtedly be a magnificent experience. If you stop to eat at the restaurant, we would obviously suggest you do not choose the raclette if you are here for a true detox weekend, but if you do, we will not breathe a word to anyone, because we are strongly convinced that bending the rules also has a purifying effect.
Done skiing in the fantastic Monterosaski resort? Have you taken advantage of the heavy snowfall over the last few days to really get to know our Freeride Paradise and now you want to distract yourself with something more relaxing? The following are 5 things to see and do in Alagna in the last quarter of winter, from the irresistible proposals of the Mirtillo Rosso Family Hotel to a hike in Val d'Oro with lunch at the Zar Senni refuge. There are so many things to see and do in Alagna, and if you are not quite satisfied after reading the last message posted on our blog: Alagna Valsesia: what to visit in winter? continue exploring our territory with these 5 new suggestions. Let's start with a walk in the high-lying hamlets.
This hike is a true classic with a difference in height of just 200 meters and a hiking time of about a couple of hours. The hike in the high-lying hamlets leads from the church of Alagna and passes through Montella to the hamlets of Goreto and Rusa and then goes up to Piane and back down to Pedemonte. Here you will find the Walser Museum in Alagna where you can stop for a guided tour of a real Walser home.
Also, in February as every month this winter, we celebrated ... Christmas at the Mirtillo Rosso Family Hotel! That's right: on the 24th and the 25th in this beautiful hotel, you have the pleasure of reliving the magic of the Christmas atmosphere in the company of the family with dinner, cookies and milk in front of the fireplace, bingo and a real Christmas choir. And all together, you wait for the arrival of Santa Claus! Last week, we went to the beech forest with lanterns to look for the den of Blueberry, Santa Clause’s reindeer, and after that, we had dinner together and drunk mulled wine on the terrace with the terrible Fire Eater. What can we expect next month?
Among the things to see and do in Alagna you absolutely have to eat the original miacce. The meeting point is the cafee La Miacceria in centre of Alagna, which is the bar where they still make them as they did in the past (we also talk about it in the article Alagna Valsesia: what to visit in winter. What are miacce? Well, they are delicious appetizers or snacks
Here are the ingredients are used (for 6 people).
White flour 300g;
Whole milk 1 litre;
Fresh Cream 100 g;
Salt
And here's the step-by-step preparation:
- Whip the cream until stiff, add flour and milk until the mixture is quite firm but still liquid.
- Pour a ladle of the mixture onto one of the two hot plates of the miaccio irons (these are special irons which should be heated and greased with fat);
- Keep the iron pressed on the fire;
- Cook the miacce on both sides and serve stuffed with salami, toma cheese, melted butter or jam.
An absolute must among the things to see and do in Alagna, is a typical aperitif “dinner” prepared at Montagna di Luce Restaurant. The reason, first of all, is because it is excellent and secondly because you never know what you are going to eat: it always depends on the inspiration of the chef Corrado Resini! The only certainty you are guaranteed is that in all cases, it will be fantastic, simple, refined and ... in short, simply delicious
We started off with a hike and it just seems right to end in the same way: back on the trail. This time we will cross the valley Val d'Oro, stopping over for lunch at the refuge Zar Senni. In winter, the landscape with its snowy meadows is wonderful and a day-long hike is certainly worth it (but remember to always inquire if snowshoes are needed). If instead, you want to experience the thrill of skiing for the first time, the ski instructors at the ski school in Alagna will be happy to teach you the basics of this fantastic sport or help you brush up on your style. It is the perfect opportunity to do some exercise and then not feel guilty when you sit down and indulge in a real champion’s lunch prepared by Mimmo at the refuge Grande Halte. Another must on your list, especially if you ask for him to prepare the wonderful Bavarian chocolate for you! Still uncertain about what to do in Alagna?
Your chose Alagna ski resort for your next holiday and now it's time to book a bed
Holidays in hotels, residences or homes to rent from private owners? If this is your dilemma, read on; This article was created with the intention of guiding you in making the best choice.
If you are looking for 100%, total comfort, there is only one answer: hotel, hotel, hotel.
Book now and you won't have to give it another thought!
Carefully decide which services you would expect to find and then think no more about it. In Alagna there are hotels dedicated to children, such as the Mirtillo Rosso family hotel, where young guests are treated like princes and princesses. There are charming structures such as the Alagna Experience Resort with a large spa, a massage service and a heated swimming pool. There are historic hotels such as the Relais Regina, where Sibilila Aleramo stayed over, after yet another row with Dino Campana, and there are delightfully cosy, charming lodgings such as Zimmer Casaprati and the hotel Montagna di Luce. We offer you a multifaceted range that leaves you spoilt for choice.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for an apartment to rent, the choice is more complex.
Many accommodation structures, all of which have a valid municipal license, offer large apartments with services similar to those of hotels. In this case, you will have to browse our choice of vacation homes and residences. These apartments are meant for weekly or monthly stays where you can be absolutely that you will be staying in accommodation regularly checked by ASL (the National Health Service) and the Province.
Smitt House, for example, the historic, liberty-styled villa in the center of Alagna, has large and bright apartments, complete with linen, complimentary toiletries, and more, while maintaining the independent feel of a private house with a garden. This type of accommodation has private parking and passes for the ZTL (traffic limited zone), without which you will surely get a fine. Similar amenities are also available at the Casa dei Fiori residence or at the Baita Walser Reale, which are reconstructed ancient Walser mountain huts, from where you can admire the allure of the mountains in a modern context.
Your stay in these accommodation structures are guaranteed by the Monterosa Valsesia Consortium that grouped the hoteliers of upper Valsesia together and their aim is to provide centralized services, including a free shuttle to the ski lift facilities, a 30% reduction on the tourist tax, and access to free guided tours which are organized by the consortium.
Simply put, rest assured and services included.
In the age of the "shared economy", many private apartments have also appeared on the market in Alagna. Some are really very beautiful, others a little less. Before making your choice, we suggest that you carefully check the conditions of the site you are relying on to avoid surprises that may arise later. The internet has a plethora of rental apartments and making a choice has become quite difficult. These are so-called “second” or holiday homes that are rented out by the owners for a few weeks a year, and all of them have that charming lived-in feel, each with their own personality and attention to detail that you can appreciate as a guest.
However, bear in mind, that you will not have the same assistance that you can find in residences and holiday homes. On the upside though, you will have all the freedom you could ask for and the opportunity to spend your holiday in one of the typical Walser houses.
The downside? You will not have any shuttle services and you will have to manage your reservations for weekly events by yourself, so nothing too serious, though. The most important issue is that the tourist tax will cost you € 1.50 per day per person, and that is 30% more than in a hotel. Also, you will have to do some extra necessary legal paperwork regarding the rules for registration at the local police station, ISTAT and invoicing, because if these documents are not completed and filed, both you and the proprietor will be responsible for all eventual fines.
This is a new system of accommodation and even though there aren’t many guarantees, it might be an interesting option. The Valsesia Monterosa Consortium has compiled a list of homes for rent through private individuals that have been verified: it’s worth taking a look.The Consortium does accept any responsibility with regards to these structures but only acts as an intermediary to check that the minimum safety standards are adhered to and that the quality of the accommodation does not hide any nasty surprises.
You can get up comfortably in the morning and after breakfast ask your hotelier to take you to Vogna Valley, as many hotels have a private shuttle service. Otherwise, you can ask for a taxi or go there with your own car, because it is only 5 km from Alagna. Go to the parking lot of Ca di Janzo from where begins a splendid walk through the Walser hamlets of the Vogna Valley. The road is comfortable and mostly flat and not at all tiring. But the landscape is alpine and very wild and even though it will feel as if you are facing a hike of epic difficulty - we can guarantee it’s the complete opposite. The Vogna stream creeps into the mountains creating real canyons and the environment looks imposing.
You are going to do 3 km hike on a wide, well maintained road, without any difficulty! Walking through villages of wooden houses rich in history, you will reach the hamlet of Peccia with a small lake and the church of San Grato, which witnessed the passage of Napoleon's soldiers.
Here you can have lunch at the farmstay Edelwieiss: a warm and well-kept room with a few tables where Flavia, the hostess, cooks polenta with a myriad of sauces and makes sure to take lots of care of her guests. It will seem as if you’ve stepped back in time There are few other places where you can feel so much at home. Remember to book. Everyone likes farmstay Edelweiss and its polenta is a must for those who choose to spend a weekend in Alagna.
Return home at sundown and when you reach your car in Ca di Janzo, realise that in between all the laughing and joking you will have walked 7 km. You will have reached the daily goal of 10,000 recommended steps without any effort. If you reached the Vogna Valley by car, before returning to Alagna make a stop in Riva Valdobbia, the small village at the end of the road. You cannot pass by and not visit the splendid church of San Michele which overlooks the town square with its huge sixteenth-century fresco depicting the Last Judgment.
You could stop at Da Mario, the bar overlooking the square where an aperitif with gin and tonic is a must. Remember to book your table if you want to be sure to relax at one of the vintage tables in the lounge inside.
The second day you can dedicate to visiting the centre of Alagna. It is a very small village with a central road only 2 km long.
Before starting your trip, we recommend stopping for a coffee at Bar del Centro It is the favourite coffee of the people from Alagna and here you can meet them discussing weather and snow. It is the right place to enter the mood of Alagna: at a slow pace and in a sociable manner.
After reading the newspaper (at the Caffè del Centro, where you can find them all) spend some time visiting the parish church: the seventeenth-century altar in gold leaf and the "portable" Walser altarpiece found in the chapel to the right of the altar are well worth a visit. The Walser, a population in perpetual movement, built an altar, which would religiously be taken with them on their seasonal wanderings.
When you leave the church, do continue on towards the cemetery. In 1990 the engineer Arialdo Daverio, patron and benefactor with a great passion for Walser architecture, died in Alagna. His grave was built as a miniature Walser house in memory of the great work done by Daverio for the census of the huts in Alagna. Since then all the tombs have that shape and the small cemetery now resembles a miniature village.
For lunch there is only one choice if you have followed the path we have suggested: The Refuge of Zam Tachi. Situated beyond the river Sesia, the restaurant is housed in a beautiful original 1600 Walser hut, and overlooks Alagna from its privileged position. Here you will truly find typical dishes. Try masarai potatoes (leeks, milk and potatoes) or Walser soup. Maybe they are not too light on the stomach, but the honestly, the experience is worth it and after lunch, we will guide you to the Walser museum which is one km from here and the walk willdefinitelyhelp with your digestion.
From Zam Tachi, if you keep to the orographic left of the river Sesia, you will arrive at the hamlet Pedemonte. It is a small group of Walser houses gathered around a poetic square, with the monolithic fountain in the centre, which has been bubbling for 500 years. This square faces the Walser museum, which invites you to enter a 600 year old Walser house and peek through the walls of a past life. It is worth it. After the museum, if you still want to walk, go up to the hamlet of Ronco. It is only 200 m far, but it’s all uphill (the final step to burn those extra 100 kcal that always makes the difference). From there you can look at Alagna from above, between houses where time has crystallized, and the present seems light years away.
And today as well, in between laughing and joking, we made you reach 10,000 steps so now, you just have to go back to Alagna. When you are near the church, at the height of the café in the centre where our day together started, enter the old mule track.
In the middle of this road you can stop at the Dairy: it is an old shop selling cheese "in the way God commands"; it is the farm shop of the Muretto farm, a place where you can still find authentic rich and flavourful products. Make sure you taste the most seasoned toma cheeses. They hold near forgotten flavours that will absolutely surprise your taste buds. And if cholesterol is not a problem for you, ask for whipped lard and garlic ... yes, we know that it is a mortal sin, but maybe, once a year, it can be done!
The query what to do in Alagna in a weekend is still in the list of your doubt?
Your holiday is about to begin and you have a question buzzing round your head: which routes are best for off-piste skiing in Alagna? Here are our tips:
Alagna Valsesia is well-known in the world of freeride because due to the high altitudes reached by the ski lifts, the differences in height are demanding and tough and the guarantee of snow is almost certain. Many skiers visit us from every corner of the world to experience the feeling of skiing down the hills of the second highest mountain in the Alps.
However, chances are that when you find yourself on the snowy slopes of Monterosa you may feel confused and not know where to go. So, here is our mini guide to the best off-piste skiing in Alagna!
Before starting, remember that it is important to always inquire about possible dangerous conditions from local experts and to always use a safety kit. If you don’t have much experience, it would be a good idea to be accompanied by an Alpine Guide who will help you discover the secrets of the mountains.
Our first suggestion on the list is without a doubt La Balma: it is a breathtaking descent into the beautiful valley from where the river Sesia originates.
This piste is an absolute must if you want to be able to say that you have done freeriding in Alagna
It is not a particularly difficult route, but our advice is to always pay attention.
The route starts from Indren (Freeride area) with a traverse from where you reach the pass and the old ski-station of Punta Indren. You descend on the eastern side until you reach the Alpe Bors plain.
The return route continues down between Alpe di Bors (see picture) and Alpe Pile snaking through a grove, which is sometimes frozen, and must be approached carefully.
This is the point where you will find Refuge Pastore and where you simply must stop for one of its legendary cold cuts and cheese platters!
To reach Alagna, you have to follow the signs that lead to Acqua Bianca, go down the service road and, once you arrive at Wold, take the shuttle straight to Alagna!
If you visit Alagna often, you will probably have already heard this name. This is one of the most difficult downhill slopes in the area, and for which a lot of experience or the help of an Alpine Guide is needed.
This wild descent that connects the Bors / Indren glacier to the Piode glacier has a complex starting point, with the possibility of abseiling. In the past access used to be via the old Indren cable car, today however, if you want to use the new Funifour you must first reach the old station or alternatively go up the Indren glacier with skins leaving from Stolemberg.
Once you have reached the Indren glacier, continue left remaining at the same altitude in a south easterly direction. When you reach the basin from where the channel of the mines starts, you must find the hill called Malfatta and go up it. The entrance is narrow and steep and a descent using the permanent belay is often preferable. After passing through the entrance you will enter the wide valley that descends towards the valley floor, and if you follow the same stretch as in the Balma route, you will reach Refuge Pastore.
Do you need to be reminded of the cold cuts and cheese platter?
This is possibly one of the most unique ski route experiences you can choose as the magic of skiing midst houses which were built hundreds of years ago cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
The itinerary crosses beautiful slopes higher up towards Alpe Pianmisura, after which it passes through the Walser villages of Otro. Be very careful in case of poor visibility as there are some rocky jumps that interrupt the continuity of the pastures in the upper section of the path.
The Monterosaski ski lifts will take you to where the route starts in the pass Passo dei Salati which can be reached from both Alagna and Staffal in the Gressoney Valley.
There is a 45-minute ascent using skins or on foot. From Passo Salati, go down the Gabiet piste to the bottom of the plain to where the first nets begin. Exit the piste to the left to begin a long traverse under Corno Rosso which leads to the entrance of the valley that climbs up to the Passo di Zube. After deciding whether to put on skins or to attach your skis to your backpack, go up the valley to take in the magnificent view of Monte Rosa.
From Passo dei Salati you must first cross a small valley (the one that goes down to the Jschechette Channel). After crossing the ridge, you can ski up to Alpe Zube hut (2515 m asl). Beware of the various rocky outcrops and bars that often appear when you least expect it.
From Alpe Zube just head in a south easterly direction, passing under the upper rocky bands until you see Alpe Pianmisura, cross the stream and go up to the other huts (Pianmisura Piccola, 1830 m asl).
Following the mule track you will find the hamlets of Scarpia, Dorf and Follu, with its poetic little church. After crossing the last meadows, you have to enter the woods and ski across the clearings of the old "Camoscetta" piste marked by a colored sign and by following the woods you will reach Alagna.
This is a simpler off-piste route and suitable for many skiers (but not to be underestimated) and has a breathtaking view. The real attraction of this section is the possibility to ski at a distance from the overcrowded slopes without going off too far, but we repeat, it is not to be underestimated.
Once you reach the pass: Passo dei Salati using the Monterosa ski lifts, and you stand with your back to the station you cannot but notice the massive top of the horn of the Chamois. Now you need to continue skiing along the top towards the left; there is usually a track. Along the way you will pass the Mosso institute and finally reach Refuge Vigevano and the ruins of Refuge Guglielmina. Here, you should turn right to stay on the path and after a hundred meters, you will find yourself at the top of the Olen valley. At this point you will start your descent. After passing the first stonewalls, ski alongside the ski piste up to Piana Lunga where you can take the cableway ride to Alagna or the funifor to do another descent!
In this case we are not talking about a true off-piste route, but about a way to get the most out of a snowfall!
Skiing down the return route for Alagna you will find many little woods along the sides which, with a little imagination, can be a source of a lot of fun! Obviously, to avoid ending up in an unpleasant situation, it is prudent to understand if the amount of snow on the ground is sufficient, because towards the valley it is possible that stones and meadows are not completely covered by snow.
Last but not least, it should be emphasized that the only limit to off-piste skiing, taking into account due respect for the mountain and its conditions, is your imagination! Some emotional experiences are obtained with difficulty, others in a surprising manner, but most of the time, constant and careful preparation is needed. Remember that before venturing into paths you don't know, ask the Alpine guides of Alagna and if you have any doubts, ask to be accompanied!
Alagna off-piste slopes will give you memories of unforgettable descents.
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"Great things are done when men and mountains meet" - W. Blake
Are you preparing for a high altitude hike and are you already celebrationg your success? The sense of freedom you feel when looking at the world from above it's not easy a sensation to compare.
Naturally, training is extremely important in these cases, and since you are going to subject your body to such considerable effort, there is a further and not secondary factor that you will have to consider: acclimatization. With regards to timing, this transition begins about a day after your ascent to high altitude and will be completed under a month from the same.
The good news is that our body is super efficient, and was designed specifically to adapt to variable conditions with the least possible waste of energy.
And this is what acclimatization means: the higher you go, the more weary you feel, this happens because there is a significant and proportional decrease in oxygen pressure, which leads to the well-known "altitude sickness", (malaise, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, lightheadedness, exhaustion.) The way our body deals with this deficiency is trough a process in our blood that involves a series of spontaneous reflexes: breathing becomes deeper and more frequent, more oxygen is introduced in less time and this leads to an increase in our heart rate. Consider that, for an expert athlete it means perceiving a decrease in his own performance of over 25% around 3000 meters above sea level. For the less trained climber, there is a 30% decrease.
How can you acclimatize optimally during an excursion?
Last piece of advice: adequate and constant hydration, the reintegration of liquids along with the intake of food such as broth and energy foods helps you to avoid possible unpleasant situations.
The Queen of Monte Rosa 4554 meters above sea level: today she is still the undisputed queen of Europe: Capanna Margherita. A dream of many, and a goal of all climbers. Reaching it certainly requires a fair bit of preparation for your heart, but it is not a feat reserved only for the most trained and prepared athletes. With the help of a qualified UIAGM guide, it is possible to organize itineraries also for beginners, which includes a refreshment stop, an overnight stay at Refuge Gnifetti, leaving the next morning to conquer the summit.
A house from the 1600s overlooking a poetic square, with a monolithic fountain in the centre, which has been bubbling for over 500 years, invites you to peek through its walls into a past life. It is well worth the time.
The Walser museum is open from May to September, and in the winter months, the following extra opening times are scheduled:
every Saturday at 6 pm you can do an experiential tour to the museum with only lanterns for lighting
€ 5 per person. A minimum of 10 visitors per group is necessary.
every Sunday at 2.30 pm there is a classic guided tour
€ 4 per person. Free entrance for children up to 6 years.
A minimum of 10 paying visitors is necessary.
private tour
€ 50 per group with a maximum of 12 participants. The tour lasts 1 hour
Tours must be booked by 5 pm on the previous day by writing to
info@alagna.it The trips will be confirmed or cancelled by 6 pm
So, you have started planning your trip to the mountains, and you are searching for detailed information. This article will give you sensible advice and all the necessary information provided by those who are as passionate as you are for trips in the mountains.
Alagna is located 98 km from the nearest airport (Malpensa), 164 km from Linate and 188 km from Bergamo, the other airports are further away and it is not viable to mention them. There are three alternatives from the airport: bus, car rental and taxi. The following article is an analysis of each option.
Bus
Public transport in Italy is often rather unique and regarding connections with Alagna not very useful at all, in fact, for example, if you take the bus, the only way to reach Alagna without having to plan several changes is to reach the metro station Lampungnano before 8.25 am. Otherwise, you have to take the bus to the main train station Milano Centrale and from there take the train to Novara or Vercelli where you can catch a bus to Varallo and Alagna. However, there aren’t many buses in that direction and to find the right combination you will find yourself in a terrible timetable tangle, so we suggest you write to us and we will try to help you.
Write here and tell us what time you land
Auto
Your second option is to rent a car. In this case, you have to ask the question: is it really necessary? Alagna is a small town where you don’t need to drive, on top of that, the streets are narrow, the parking spaces are limited and almost all of them are at a cost (€ 7 per day) and not all structures (accommodation, restaurants etc.) have private parking facilities. Therefore, if you choose to rent a car, remember to find out if there is parking space at the place where you will be staying in Alagna and if you can use the car to reach it (because the entire centre of Alagna is a traffic restricted zone – ZTL means Traffic Limited Zone). Don't forget to make sure the car has snow chains or snow tyres and uses winter fuel in case you choose a diesel driven vehicle. Finally, you need to know that Alagna has a good mechanic, but not everything is at hand and in case of breakdowns, it takes a little more time to fix than in the city.
So what should you do?
It may seem rather blatant but the best advice we can give you is to book a taxi through Alagna.it. The reason is very simple: zero problems.
At a cost that certainly does not exceed that of renting a car and does not justify an entire day spent on a bus, you have the possibility to be "transported" from the airport almost directly to your room (obviously with respect to your privacy :-)).
But the added value when you rent a taxi driver from Alagna is that not only will you have a certified and attentive professional person driving you, but also someone from the area who knows his territory by heart, who lives and works in his town and will know exactly how to make you feel like a desired guest.
Making the conscious choice for ethical and sustainable tourism will bring you in close contact with the "true" people from the mountains who will welcome you by introducing you to their community. Of course, there are online booking networks that are probably faster but they certainly do not have a soul: practically, the distance between an online booking network and an Alagna taxi driver is the same as the distance that passes between a fast-food restaurant and a proper, family-owned trattoria. Think about it…
The cost of an Alagna taxi driver is (with a 1-8 seater minibus):
DO YOU WANT TO BOOK RIGHT NOW?
Write to us and tell us what time you land and what your flight number is, and we'll take care of the rest.
Sometimes when organizing your skiing holiday in Alagna and Monterosaski you can almost feel the relaxed lifestyle of the mountains: warm fireplace, snow falling, the peace of white landscapes... But unfortunately many times we forget about the long walks to reach the lifts with skis weighing on your shoulders, endless queues at the ticket office, or maybe just the nightmare of finding parking. It’s all of these issues that make those who want a more detailed attintive planning for their holiday, consider all the solutions that could satisfy every possible expectation. Now we realize that the question we need to answer is: Where can I stay to avoid every problem? Is there any accommodation with direct access to the slopes? If these are your questions, you might be interested in our suggestions!
An adorable residence just 2 minutes walk from the slopes, but on most days it is possible to wear your skis directly to the front door, and it's useless to add that is the same for the way back to the slopes! Zimmer casa Prati is a true house of charme that keeps the Walser traditions alive thanks to its typical furniture and decor. The six wooden rooms whish are bright and well heated, will make sure you spend your holiday in a perfect relaxed atmosphere and the package is completed with a wonderful bio sauna, the light therapy shower, relaxing lounge area and steam bath.
If you HAVE ever wondered how it feels to be the first one out skiing in the morning, and maybe the last one to be back at home, and then be all spiced up by a good replenishing, regenerative meal, Grande Halte is what you are looking for! Located on the way back to the slopes of Alagna, itis the best opportunity to feel the essence of the mountain. Known also as Rifugio Città di Mortara, suggestive in its vintage furniture and in its historic alpine style, the hut proposes wooden rooms with a sauna and warm showers. The common room is complete with a nice fireplace, many board games, a small library and an internet connection. Not to be up is Mimmo’s kitchen with his local and natural products, also mentioned in the guidebooks: Gambero Rosso and Le Strade del Gusto.
If Mountain Hut life is not quite what you are looking for, but you don’t want to pass on an opportunity of a very unique experience in the mountains, this might be the right solution. The Hut Alpe Sewji is a small stone house nestled in the mountains right near the slopes, surrounded only by snow and typical Walser huts. La Baita is a tiny hutful of charm, furnished with a fireplace, lots of wood and nice details. The Hut has a living room cum kitchen, A bathroom with shower, A sleeping room and a magical loft. A very special romantic nest indeed!
Hotel Olen - Freeride Paradise base camp
Can you imagine waiking up in the morning in a beautiful room, the result of a harmonious combination of modern and traditional décor styles, having a rich breakfast, maybe even while you are still warm under your blankets, thenk getting dressed, picking op yourskis or snowboard, and stepping out of the door… directly into the cabin of the cableway! This is possible only at the Olen Hotel. It is so closeto the lifts that even the employees at the hotel can’t get that close to reach their offices! The wide windows and the huge terraces of this hotel allow a unique view on the surrounding mountains and on the stone roofs of Alagna, while the location, enhanced by wood and stone, is characterized by the best domotic technology for use by the guests.
If you are interested in staying in a familiar place every time you go in a ski trip, you need Pensione Genzianella. Located exactly at the foot of the slope leading into Alagna this relaxed hotel setting offers couples and families simple, clean and sunny rooms and a dining room for meals. Pensione Genzianella is the best place where you can relax and share your experiences without giving up a little sport and fresh air.
Every time you try to organize your holiday one question arises: do I have any other possibilities? Yes, of course you do! As we have explained many times, Alagna is not only about skiing and freeride, but much much more. That’s why this resort, thanks to its strategic location, is able to privide a valid alternative: cross country skiing. The Marmotta Rosa is a network of itineraries located between Alagna and Riva Valdobbia comprsed of more than 10 km of well trodden paths surrounded by spectacular pine woods near the Sesia River. The hotel is equipped with private parking, SPA & wellness area, luggage deposit and garden.
Are we missing something? The answer is, YES, because it’s up to you to discover all other details, and why not, share it on our Facebook PAGE!
