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 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.

Do you know how we celebrate Republic Day on 2 June?

By valuing what the people of these lands held most dear, useful and green:

Cattle!

The Fair is organised by the municipality of Alagna-Riva in collaboration with the Unione Montana dei Comuni della Valsesia

For the occasion, the herds are left on display in Riva Valdobbia, in the area of the sports fields.

Days before, spaces, drinking troughs and all the hay supplies are prepared.

Man-animal symbiosis

The Pietre Gemelle fair has, for some years now, been a regular meeting point for farmers in the area.

The night before, everyone is buzzing; it's a bustle of tractors and people that always culminates in an evening of feasting and conviviality.

The day has come!

The cattle are festively decorated with the best cowbells and wreaths of flowers.

The herds arrive at a cadenced, almost monotonous pace, parading down the street like seasoned models (and they are).

The life of the cows is punctuated by the transhumance, herds of cows that sniff the warm June air to the Alpe and at the first gust of frosty air in September demonetise down into the valley.

Originals always

Herds Fairs are generally held at the end of summer, for St Michael's Day, on the return from the alp and are an opportunity to do good business by offering dairy products from the high pastures.

We, who are original, like all the valley bottoms, propose it at the beginning of summer. We like to inaugurate the beginning of the season this way, as if it were a propitiatory rite.

The event also involves farms, craftsmen of wood and typical products, hobbyists and refreshment stalls.

REASONS WHY YOU CAN'T MISS IT

You will be able to eat excellent polenta, our special miacce while strolling among stalls selling honey, cold meats and cheeses.

You will be able to buy Alpenstock (wooden sticks for walking in the mountains), leather boots, mountain clothing or see the lathe being used by skilled craftsmen.

You will see the best breeds of cattle, goats and sheep, and of course their products.

The most common breed of cow because it is indigenous is the Alpine Brown Breed (disappeared but recently reintroduced).

It is a robust cow, adaptable to steep terrain such as ours and versatile. It can be bred as a dairy cow (with a fair result) but is highly prized for the quality of its meat.

But you will see some beauties!

The Piemontese, Valdostana, Grigia alpina and Pezzata d'Oropa, all embellished and adorned, look like Clarabella.

Come and discover which one will be the Queen of the Herds!

Today, the reserved and shy mountain people open their doors to everyone and for one day we are all Heidi and Peter!

L'articolo PIETRE GEMELLE CATTLE FAIR proviene da Alagna.