From the high-altitude huts reopening in late May to the livestock fair at the start of summer, this guide covers everything worth experiencing in Alagna between April and June.

High-Altitude Mountain Huts: the First to Reopen on the Glacier

With the ski lifts reopening at the end of May, the high-altitude huts become accessible again — marking, in many ways, the threshold between the quiet spring low season and the alpine summer.

Capanna Gnifetti: an Acclimatisation Stop at 3,647 metres

Among the first huts to open is Capanna Gnifetti, nestled among the rocks at 3,647 metres above sea level. It's an essential stop for anyone heading towards the summit of Monte Rosa: the body adjusts to the altitude, breathing slows, and time takes on a different meaning.

The hut is famous for its orange sunsets — a sight that stays with you — but also for a level of comfort that feels almost surprising at that elevation: duvets, hot showers, and a menu that holds its own against any valley restaurant. And everything, without exception, is plastic free.

Less plastic, less waste, more respect for the glaciers just a few steps away. It's not just an aesthetic choice — it's a necessary one.

Monte Rosa Glaciers: Monitoring, Science and Responsibility

The glaciers of Monte Rosa are more than a landscape. They are a climate archive: each layer of ice holds a record of what happened in our atmosphere over the centuries.

This is why it's not unusual, in Alagna, to come across glacial coring expeditions by the CNR-ISP — the specialists who study ice deposits to reconstruct past climate changes and monitor those currently underway.

Working in the same spirit is the Carovana dei Ghiacci (Glacier Caravan) Project, which visits the valley every year with field monitoring sessions and public events, raising awareness about the decline of glaciers and the loss of alpine permafrost.

Acqua del Sindaco: a Concrete Alternative to Plastic

In Alagna, talking about water almost goes without saying: every hamlet has its own bubbling fountain, every mountain pasture its own spring. The quality is such that, in recent years, the use of reusable water bottles has been actively promoted, and taps dispensing Acqua Pura — known locally as "the Mayor's Water" — have been installed across bars and restaurants. The result? Thousands fewer plastic bottles every season.

Fishing on the Sesia: a Tradition that Opens in April

The Sesia is the quintessential mountain river: crystal clear, rushing, fed by the snows of Monte Rosa. And in spring, it becomes the setting for one of the valley's oldest traditions: fishing.

The tourist fishing stretch officially opens on 25 April, marking the start of a season that draws enthusiasts from across Italy.

How Tourist Fishing Works in Alagna

Fishing in Valsesia is regulated by the Società Valsesiana Pescatori Sportivi, which manages rivers, streams and alpine lakes to protect species and respect their natural cycles. It's not a free-for-all — it's a practice rooted in the conservation of the river ecosystem.

Anyone wanting to try it for just a day can purchase a day permit giving access to the Tourist Reserve. The maximum permitted catch is six trout: Brown Trout (max length 22 cm) or Rainbow Trout (max length 20 cm).

Full details and permits: valsesiapesca.it

Brown Trout: the Fish of Alpine Rivers

The most common species in the Sesia is the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario), native to the cold, fast waters of the Alps. In the kitchen it lends itself to a range of preparations: marinated in vinegar and herbs, baked with potatoes, or served with polenta — the pairing the Walser people considered perfect. A simple, frugal cuisine, born from the hard work of farming and livestock keeping, where nothing was wasted and everything came from the mountain.

Water Sports on the Sesia: Rafting, Kayak, Canoe and Canyoning

As the glaciers melt, the Sesia transforms: its waters charge with energy, the rapids grow more intense, and the call of the river becomes hard to resist. For the enthusiasts — affectionately known in the valley as the "umidi" (the wet ones) — the season starts in spring and doesn't wait for sunshine.

Rafting: Team Adrenaline

Rafting is practiced on inflatable rafts in teams of four or more. The descent is fast and exhilarating: life jacket, helmet and wetsuit are mandatory.

Canoe and Kayak: a Dialogue with the Current

For those who prefer a solo experience, canoe and kayak offer a direct encounter with the current. It's just you, the paddle and your ability to read the water: a silent conversation between body and nature.

Canyoning: Where Climbing Meets the River

Canyoning combines river techniques with alpine climbing. Jumps, slides, abseils and rope descents — it's the ideal sport for those who carry their passion for rock onto the water. Equipment includes a wetsuit, helmet, rope, descender and harness. Always recommended with a qualified guide.

Full information on water sports in Alagna: alagna.it/esperienze/il-fiume-sesia

The Pietre Gemelle Fair: Livestock in Celebration at Riva Valdobbia

2 June is one of the dates historically associated with the Pietre Gemelle Fair, organised by the Municipality of Alagna-Riva in collaboration with the Unione Montana dei Comuni della Valsesia — though the exact date may vary from year to year. It's always worth checking with the local council before planning your visit.

This is no ordinary fair. It's a propitiatory rite for the summer season, the moment when the livestock is shown off before heading up to the high pastures.

How the Livestock Fair Works

The herds are brought to the sports fields area of Riva Valdobbia, known as "delle Pietre Gemelle". Days ahead, stalls, water troughs and hay supplies are set up. The animals arrive dressed for the occasion: best cowbells, flower crowns, the steady, unhurried pace of creatures that know how to be seen.

On show are the main alpine cattle breeds: Piemontese, Valdostana, Grigia Alpina, Pezzata d'Oropa and the Bruna Alpina — recently reintroduced for its remarkable adaptability to the steep terrain of high mountain farming.

Why the June Fair is Different

Livestock fairs are traditionally held at the end of summer, around the feast of San Michele, when the herds return from the high pastures. Alagna's fair breaks with this: it takes place at the start of summer, as a kind of blessing for the season ahead. Almost a rite of passage.

Alongside the livestock, the event hosts farm businesses, wood artisans, cheese and charcuterie producers, food stalls and local craftspeople. A chance to step into the heart of Walser culture before summer takes full hold.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Alagna Valsesia in Spring

When do the high-altitude huts reopen in Alagna? High-altitude huts on the glacier, such as Capanna Gnifetti, generally reopen in late May, in line with the reopening of the ski lifts.

When does fishing season start on the Sesia in Alagna? The tourist fishing stretch opens on 25 April. A day permit purchased through the Società Valsesiana Pescatori Sportivi gives access to catch Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.

What water sports can you do on the Sesia in spring? Rafting, canoe, kayak and canyoning. Spring is the best time, with high water levels and the most powerful rapids of the year.

What is the Pietre Gemelle Fair? It's a livestock fair held in early summer in Riva Valdobbia, featuring alpine cattle breeds, local produce and traditional crafts. Organised by the Municipality of Alagna-Riva and the Unione Montana dei Comuni della Valsesia. The exact date varies each year — check the municipal website for updates.

How can you visit the Monte Rosa glaciers? The glaciers are accessible by ski lift (from late May), with alpine guides, or by joining the programmes of the Carovana dei Ghiacci Project. Capanna Gnifetti, at 3,647 m, is the main logistical base on the glacier.

L'articolo What to Do in Alagna Valsesia in Spring? High-Altitude Huts, Sports on the Sesia and the Livestock Fair proviene da Alagna.

Just outside the village of Alagna, immersed in the breathtaking scenery of the Western Alps, lies a secret carved in stone: the Kreas mining galleries. A place that tells stories of men and gold, of toil and hope, of an indissoluble bond between Valsesia and its land.

Today, thanks to an ambitious project by the municipality of Alagna, this hidden heritage is preparing to come back to light. The redevelopment of the old mines and the San Lorenzo Factory will open a passage in time, offering us the opportunity to relive the past in a unique way.

A journey through history and innovation

The Kreas Mining Park project has two fronts. The first involves the San Lorenzo Factory, where the gold extracted from the mines was refined in the past. Here, a historic hydraulic millstone, fed by the clear waters of the Sesia river, will be restored to show the process of crushing gold stones. Next to the factory, a new building in harmony with the landscape will house a modern service centre with a ticket office, cafeteria and bookshop.

The second part of the project will take visitors inside the galleries of the old feldspar mine, built on the ashes of the gold mines and active until a few years ago. Here, the fascination of the underground meets the tale of centuries of Alpine labour and resilience.

An experience to live

During the Christmas holidays of 2025, the most curious were able to participate in two preview visits of the San Lorenzo Factory, getting a taste of what the future mining park will be like. Further dates will be available in the coming winter months, offering the chance to immerse oneself in an experience that combines memory and identity.

Valsesia, with its Monte Rosa and its timeless villages, has always guarded precious treasures. The Kreas mines will soon be ready to tell their story again.

Don't miss the chance to discover them!

L'articolo The Kreas Mining Park proviene da Alagna.

Would you like to go sightseeing with us?

We are now going to visit the most suggestive corners of Alagna and show you all the opportunities and unique experiences that Alagna can offer you!

Do you want to experience unforgettable weekends full of emotions?

Come on, let's go!

Wold

Here we are at the Wold… If you want to learn to ski, the Wold ski lift is for you!

Children learning to ski, ski instructors and a restaurant on the slope will welcome you.

Next to the ski instructors' hut you will find a small field where the youngest skiers can have fun and a small bobsleigh run!

The Ski Area

Take the winter shuttle down to the centre of Alagna and head for the ski lifts.

There are 200 km of slopes waiting for you!

This is a vast ski area that allows you to reach Gressoney and even Champoluc!

A day in the company of your friends on the wonderful ski slopes will bring you much joy!

The freshly groomed slopes, the fresh morning wind and the sun warming your face will arouse unique emotions in you.

The ice rink and cross-country track

If you are not interested in alpine skiing, there is no shortage of sports on offer: the skating rink in Alagna and the cross-country track in Riva Valdobbia could be a fantastic alternative!

From this year, the opening of the cross-country track will be guaranteed for the entire season by a new snow groomer and a snowmaking system. This novelty is dictated by the Alagna municipality's motivation in believing in this magnificent sport.

Skating is a much-loved activity for young and old alike, and you can practise it on Alagna's shining rink. The spectacular ice will allow you to experience a unique morning.

… And a hot chocolate after a morning of skating is not to be missed!

In addition to all these opportunities, there are also the many walks that inspire so much wonder.

Snowshoeing

In winter, hiking takes on a wintery guise and becomes snowshoeing. By snowshoeing you can reach the heart of the mountains surrounding the village of Alagna: to Follu in Val d'Otro and to the Walser hamlet of Peccia in Valle Vogna. You can also walk along the Riva cycle path and the little path from Alagna to the Wold.

Our sightseeing tour is over, now it's your turn to try these exciting experiences for yourself!

L'articolo Alagna at 360 degrees proviene da Alagna.

The snow covering the fir trees and the chimneys smoking in the fresh morning air are manifestations of the advent of the new season, welcomed with much joy by the people of Alagna!

As you well know, the winter season is a very important period for our colorful village: this will be enlivened by passionate skiers, many exciting events and those who love the mountains in its warm Christmas atmosphere.

The opening of the ski facilities

What will most arouse your attention will almost certainly be the opening of the ski lifts!

Starting December 6, ski on your back and off you go on a new adventure. Freshly groomed slopes, Sunshine that will warm your face and hot chocolate are waiting for you charged with energy!

The exciting news

And don't forget that the sporting opportunities offered by Alagna are not just about downhill skiing.

If you are a fan of Nordic skiing, you will be happy to learn wonderful news… This year the opening of the Riva and Alagna cross-country ski trail will be guaranteed throughout the season by a new, more modern snow groomer and snowmaking equipment!

This innovation is dictated by the great motivation of the Village of Alagna in believing in this special sport!

Ancient winter traditions

This fantastic time of year brings with it famous and unforgettable customs and traditions.

Among them, one cannot forget the one on December 26 and the one on January 6.

In fact, all the boys and girls were always looking forward to December 26 so that they could go to the Boxing Day dance, where there was no shortage of merry dancing, fun and lots of joy…

Originally, St. Stephen's Day was held in private homes, but with the construction of the Alagnese Union Theater in the early 1900s, the dance found a new official venue. Here the tradition of the famous “Youth Ball” was born.

The event required a precise dress code: dark suit, preferably black, for men; traditional costume and white apron for girls. The evening, in addition to being a time of celebration and sharing, was also an opportunity for cute pranks. Particularly memorable was the rope game: two young men would mingle with the dancers with a hidden rope and, having spotted a couple-often soon-to-be-married boyfriends or lovers eager to keep their relationship a secret-they would throw the rope around the two, binding them tightly. The act would elicit laughter and applause from onlookers, making the evening even more lively. To prevent other engaged couples from suspecting, the “players” would be replaced with each successive round of dancing.

The boys and girls from Riva Valdobbia would go to the dance in Alagna and return on foot in the middle of the night, and despite the harsh winter weather, with all the merriment in their hearts, the cold did not make itself felt!

Tradition has it that on the night of January 5, the girls would put a cup full of water outside the window and the next morning, the drawing that appeared on the ice created would represent the work of their future husband!

We wait You for the time when our little village is surrounded by the beautiful snowy mountains to experience days full of happiness with us!

L'articolo Alagna's shining winter season proviene da Alagna.

The most magical time of the year is upon us.

Despite the frenzy that Christmas brings, the atmosphere of surprise, magic, sharing and expectation, have the upper hand.

If you want to experience all these emotions in advance, then you must plan a weekend in Alagna!

Cradled between vertical walls and formed by many small hamlets, Alagna looks like a small crib.

The ancient tradition of Sankt Niklos

Tradition has it that in Alagna the Santa Claus arrives on December 6, for St. Nicholas (for our Alemannic ancestors it was Sankt Niklos).

The Saint's arrival was eagerly awaited by the little Walser children; the only time of the year when they received a longed-for present.

They did not live poorly since the territory provided enough for subsistence but having the gift of sweets or new scapins for the winter, brought by night by an old man with a long white beard and his faithful donkey was another story.

The preparation ritual was repeated in every home: before going to sleep in the alcove upstairs, a cup of milk and a piece of bread had to be prepared for the odd couple of wayfarers who left gifts in return.

Now the tradition is repeated: an authentic Sankt Niklos harnessed as a bishop and his faithful servant brighten the spirits of the little people of Alagna on the night of December 5-6.

This is followed by Mass in the small church in Pedemonte and the throwing of sweets (over the years they have slowly replaced mandarins, once the only delicacy).

The hopeful wait for snow

It is the time of the first snowfalls, much expected.

Snow, it is known, for mountain people is bread and relaxes the spirits of those who invest in the area.

What kind of winter will it be?

The December 2 Santa Bibiana, snow merchant in case St. Andrew and St. Catherine were dry, nevertheless decrees the weather for the next 40 days.

Believe it or not, but it works!

The warm-hearted markets “The Magic of Christmas”

During the Immaculate Conception weekend, the street comes alive with Christmas markets; an excellent opportunity to learn about and buy local products and experience the warm and fragrant atmosphere that preludes the winter vacations.

Candles that smell of orange and cinnamon, furry pillows and handmade blankets, scarves and slippers.

Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Music, dancing and sharing around the brazier.

If you, too, are a winter-loving dreamer and your thoughts take you to memories of faraway Christmases, lived amidst choice hugs and family traditions, Alagna is your place!

L'articolo The Magic of Christmas proviene da Alagna.

The Walser vision of death

What face did death take on in Walser life?

That of the Walser was, certainly, not a simple life; their existence was marked by sacrifice, a lot of work and painful death. How, then, did they endure such a “hard” life?

Thus some legends were born that could fill the void left by the lack of rational answers to the questions posed to the difficult existence and the harsh environment that surrounded them.

Imagine yourself in a Walser home, the darkness of the evening and the snow falling… These legends also had the function of enlivening the long winter evenings!

The window of the soul

And what happened when a family member left their family?

… Not only the material dimension was involved in the mystery of death….

Houses were, in fact, equipped with the window of the soul.

And aren't you curious? Let's find out what it is right now!

The soul window is a small opening placed in the wall of the stube (room with a stove) that was opened when a family member died to release his or her soul bound for the glaciers of Mount Rosa and was closed again immediately afterwards so that the soul itself could not return.

The mysterious legend

Let us examine together a mysterious and “eerie” legend that animates the hearts of the Walser people as autumn and the month of November arrive.

Legend has it that at midnight on November 1, the souls of the dead emerge from their graves to gather, then, in a long procession headed toward the Bors glacier.

Each soul proceeds with its little finger lit like a candle, acting as a guide through the dark path!

What if this procession of souls encounters a living soul? This one is stopped and knighted by giving it a miraculous staff to guide the procession and it is allowed to make a wish!

The different penances and some curiosities

And are the penances the same for all souls?

If the procession encounters a ravine or a stream, the most sinful soul must stretch out its arms and legs to reach the opposite bank, thus making itself a bridge for others.

Before dawn the procession reaches the glaciers, and here the souls atone for their sins by tapping the ice with pins; the sound spreads through the valleys!

From this legend was born the custom among villagers to turn their ears to the mountains on the night of November 2 to listen to this sound.

If you would also like to take part in this custom you will feel a thrill in your heart at the thought of what this represents!

A later legend says that, not so many years ago, a gentleman met, near the Bors Glacier, a good woman with a cloth bag on her shoulders, from which a wooden handle protruded.

What was she doing? She was on her way to the glacier to build small steps so that the soul of her mother, who had died a few days earlier, could ascend more easily….

In fact, as Ravelli told us in 1924, many villagers were wandering in the glacier as if they were in a shrine, “…bending their bare knees on the living glacier and praying for the souls of their sorrowful ancestors and for the preservation of themselves from such a hard punishment after death…”

Although not very cheerful, this legend awakens many emotions in our hearts and makes us feel a feeling of love for our dear Walser ancestors, who made so many sacrifices and labors to realize their culture together with the wonderful Walser villages!

L'articolo The mysterious legend of the dead proviene da Alagna.

The origins

In its origins it was a real market, in which villagers, but not only, prepared to face the cold and long winter. Even residents of Gressoney would cross the Valdobbia Pass to visit and shop at the Fair!

In this market you could find a little bit of everything, from winter clothing to handicrafts; in the first square of the village, they even brought the cows of Riva's shepherds!

Imagine Riva immersed in a festive autumn atmosphere, with many people ready to welcome those arriving for the Fair visit, children running around, and the music of accordions!

Over the years, this beautiful Fair has undergone some transformations; first of all, cows are no longer brought in, and from a real market it has become a craft fair in which exhibitors from all over the Valley and Piedmont come to the little village at the foot of Monte Rosa to display their products, created with so much patience and love.

The cozy banquets

Waiting for you will be stalls with local handicrafts (with typical Walser slippers: the so-called “scapin,” panniers, scarves, woolen caps, and beautiful wooden products) and stalls with Valsesian food products (cheese, fruits and vegetables, honey, and, above all, miacce: our specialty!).

You cannot miss the delicious masarai potatoes, usually cooked in the morning, and the apple fritters that will follow in the afternoon!

The historic tradition

The Pro Loco of Riva will welcome you near the charming Church with sausages and delicious pizzas prepared with such passion by volunteers in Riva's historic bakery!

… Fresh autumn air, accordion music, handcrafted products, local foods and, above all, a lot of will to pass on a long tradition…

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 29 in Riva to enjoy the carefree atmosphere that only the Historic St. Michael's Fair can offer!

L'articolo Historic St. Michael's Fair September 29, 2024 proviene da Alagna.

The one at Alpe Pile is a hike suitable for families, children and mountain enthusiasts.

The characteristic shuttle departure

We are at the Wold parking car, backpacking, see the shuttle and we go!

We park our car at the parking lot of Wold, the last parking lot in Alagna and here we can see the winter ski lift and imagine the snow-covered meadows with children having fun skiing.

In front of us is the shuttle waiting for us, we take the ticket and in less than 10 minutes here we are at Acqua Bianca (1450 m). We stop for a few moments to admire the spectacular waterfalls and immediately take the trail number 206.

In less than 10 minutes we are facing another waterfall, these are the so-called "Boilers of the Sesia," what a wonder!

The Visitor Center and Botanical Garden at Alpe Fum Bitz

An "obligatory" stop is at the Visitor Center and Botanical Garden at Alpe Fum Bitz.

These are located in the highest protected area in Europe: the Alta Valsesia Nature Park, at an altitude of about 1,600 m.

The garden was established in 1999 and is home to a wide variety of species and large floristic-vegetation areas where there are 131 types of flowers.

You can find it open in summer, or by reservation at other times of the year; you can, thus, acquire all the news about the flora and fauna of the Park!

The enchanting arrival

In about 20 minutes of walking, here we are at Alpe Pile (1575 m) where there is Rifugio Pastore and a splendid view of Monte Rosa; this is one of the most important viewpoints on the South Face of Monte Rosa.

In addition to the many meadows and pastures, there are high rocks here with round-shaped erosions called "Giants' potholes". It is thought, in fact, that giants have passed through and these have left their footprints!

These cavities are actually the result of the significant erosive action exerted by the glacier.

Children really like to play on these rocks, also because in the "Giants' potholes" there are some tadpoles.

The Rifugio Pastore

The Refuge was built in 1972, and the Varallo Sesia section of the Alpine Club dedicated it to the memory of member Francesco Pastore, brother of then sectional president Gianni Pastore, who died prematurely in a car accident.

The building consists of four characteristic, completely renovated huts where larch wood and typical Valsesia stones predominate.

In the main building you can find the restaurant offering excellent cuisine and the bar equipped with a large panoramic terrace. In the adjoining lodges you can find the dormitories and dormitories.

Let's not forget that there are binoculars outside the Refuge that will allow you to admire all the peaks of Monte Rosa!

The Refuge offers a dedicated space for tents; if you want to experience the mountains under the stars, this enchanting place is for you!

The lodge offers a stay in a facility surrounded by nature and overlooking Monte Rosa. Waking up, opening the window, feeling the fresh air on your face while observing Monte Rosa right in front of you, will give you all the energy to live a day full of emotions!

L'articolo A nice family hike to Rifugio Pastore :-) proviene da Alagna.

We are in Valle Vogna, at Cà di Janzo, and in about fifteen minutes we arrive at Sant'Antonio, where we make a brief stop to drink a coffee that gives us energy to tackle our climb.

The Abbot Antonio Carestia, an illustrious botanist, mountaineer, expert parchment translator and the man to whom the hut that will welcome us in a few hours is dedicated, lived in this splendid hamlet in the 1800s.

The cosy path

Along the dirt track we find a drinking fountain that offers us fresh water to fill our water bottles. We now arrive at the crossroads and follow the signpost 202, which takes us to the Rifugio Abate Carestia.

The path immediately becomes steep, but we do not realise this so much as we are immersed in the splendour of the nature that surrounds us.

When we reach the hamlet of Piane, we admire the hamlet of Peccia for a few moments, where there is a bright little artificial lake and numerous Walser houses. We set off again!

The satisfactory arrival at the refuge and the ibexes

After two and a half hours, we arrive at Rifugio Abate Carestia (2201 m). Fatigue sets in but the view comforts us, giving us the strength to continue our ascent to admire as many natural wonders.

Here is an ibex! We are almost certain to meet many more; ibexes love to live in this area and run up and down these slopes.

We smell a good scent coming from the refuge, but alas, lunch is waiting for us on the way back….

Refuge News

The Rifugio is a large stone building, surrounded by high peaks and flanked by a clear stream; an ideal place for a relaxing weekend away from noise and daily stress.

It has a bar-restaurant and 30 beds. The building, dedicated to Abbot Carestia, was built in 1995 to replace the old construction that had become unsafe.

The first coloured lake: the White Lake

Awaiting us, half an hour from the refuge, is the majestic Lago Bianco (2332 m). Although the water is very cold, the bravest can take a dip!

The lake, insolated between the mountains, is shallow and inhabited by char. Fishing enthusiasts can expect us here practising no-kill fly-fishing, while we continue, skirting the entire lake, towards the Black Lake.

And just when you thought it was over, here comes the climb!

We dedicate another 1h 30' of walking time and arrive at Lake Nero (2672 m), which is very deep and inhabited by char, rainbow and a few beautiful brown trout. We will almost certainly have to tread some snow: a fantastic mountain climate and a lot of peace and quiet will welcome us.

Do you know what an ancient legend has it?

It is said that a bride lost her ring right here, at Lake Nero, and that it was later found in the fountain of the ‘Giavino’ (a spring between Riva and Alagna, opposite the petrol station).

The difficult path that experienced hikers take to get to Corno Bianco starts from Lago Nero; this path requires a great deal of attention, in fact, many mountaineers have lost their lives here. It was therefore necessary to equip the path with chains.

But we proceed no further, we have already walked 4h 30' and, above all, the polenta with sausage at the Refuge is waiting for us!

L'articolo Between Alpine lakes and the colours of nature proviene da Alagna.

Walking on a Via defined Regia may be intimidating, but we guarantee that, although a bit tiring, it will prove to be an experience to remember.

But why is it called the Via Regia? Although it may seem hard to believe, this road has been very busy in the past. It was the connecting route between the ancient Grand Duchy of Milan (before), the Kingdom of Savoy (after) and the territories of Switzerland and France, passing through the neighbouring Valle d'Aosta.

Valdobbia Pass-a bit of history

For centuries, Walser, merchants, soldiers of the Austrian and French armies and even the plague, crossed the Valdobbia Pass, which serves as the border between two enchanted valleys: the Vogna Valley and the Gressoney Valley. This continuous wandering at 2480 m, which lasted for centuries and was accompanied by difficult weather conditions, made it necessary to build a simple shelter. Canon Nicolao Sottile had a more organised structure erected at his own expense, including a Chapel to comfort body and soul.

The establishment of a Meteorological Observatory in 1871, the first in Piedmont, contributed to the increased importance of this historic building!

Our destination: Ospizio Sottile

We leave from the hamlet of Ca d'Janzo in Val Vogna and, after passing the hamlets of Ca' Piacentino, Ca' Morca and Ca' Verno, we reach S. Antonio.

From here starts the dirty road that, on an easy and leveled route, reaches the hamlet of Peccia (1 hour). At the entrance of the hamlet we encounter an area equipped with wooden tables at the edge of the beautiful artificial lake. We continue along the road, which here becomes a path, and passing the nucleus of Walser houses, we reach the Oratory dedicated to San Grato and the Napoleonic Bridge.

Now, following the route number 201, the climb becomes steep and we understand the origin of the name of the hamlet Montata.

The path gives us pause, moves through a beautiful larch forest and arrives at the Alpe Larecchio area (1 hour). We can choose whether to rest for a while in the Alpe basin and later reach Alpe Pian del Celletto via deflection 201a, or to take the small direct route to Colle Valdobbia/ Ospizio Sottile straight away. The refuge looms on the horizon and it seems as if it will never arrive, but we persevere with determination, stand in front of the refuge and let out a big sigh.

Sweaty goal, but achieved

Welcoming us with open arms is the young manager Simone, who will not let us want for anything!

We take advantage of the warm hospitality, thinking back to the old migrants who found salvation and protection within these walls.

We have reached our goal! Now we can enjoy the beautiful 360-degree view.

Events at the Valdobbia Pass

We mustn't forget that on 1 July, we may attend the characteristic passage of the Monte Rosa Walser Waeg race, offering warm support to the courageous athletes who will run 45 km immersed in the splendour that the mountain offers them.

On 10 th August, we are all invited to the typical lunch and Holy Mass organised by the refuge.

What the path to the Colle and the visit to the Hospice offers is an ineffable experience of pure contemplation and revelation.

... We look forward to many more adventures in the beautiful valley that surrounds us!

L'articolo Summer, we walk the historic route 201! proviene da Alagna.