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 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.

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.

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.

Just as crinkled eyes open to the new day, so nature prepares for the new season of light and life.

Take, for example, an ordinary day in May in the Nature Park. You set off along the path from the Acqua Bianca to the Turlo pass, without any ambitions to reach it because there will undoubtedly still be plenty of snow.

The goal of the day, assuming one has to have a goal, is the forest animals.

We walk slowly and lightly, letting the sounds and silences of the forest overpower our steps.

THE IBEX

Fifteen minutes from the start, just beyond the fork to the Fum Bitz alp, we find the sleepy male ibexes, who wake up only to rub themselves against the trees or scratch themselves with their sabre-like horns. It is moulting time. Warm weather arrives and a change of clothes is necessary. To facilitate the hair-swapping process, some help is needed, and the antlers are useful not only for fights between males, in order to assert supremacy, but also for this purpose.

NEW BIRTHS

Continuing along the mule track that winds its way through the larch forest, after about 20 minutes you come to the alpine meadows where, hidden and sheltered on the 'ledges', the females prepare to give birth. Between the end of May and the beginning of June, it is easy to find the newborns on these slopes being watched over by the mothers looking for a rest.

THE MARMOT

From here upwards, we are in the territory of the best-known rodent in the Alps.

The marmot that has just emerged from its burrow is preparing for the birth of its young after its long winter hibernation, which began at the end of September/October. We find it on lookout on the rocks, ready to sound the alarm for any intruders approaching. Usually the annoying intruders are us or eagles, but the bearded vulture is no joke either.

It has a lot of things to do apart from guard duty: eat, considering the long fast, give birth and train the young. With a lot of patience and luck, you can attend the mothers' lessons: how to keep watch without getting distracted, sound the alarm in case of danger and hide quickly. Of course, in between the lessons, there are many moments of freedom at the playground.

THE CHAMOIS

From here upwards it is a land of chamois, shyer than ibexes (they do not pose for photographs like the previous ones but, at a proper distance, let themselves be watched). At this time they can be found licking the salt from the rocks finally freed from the snow and tasting the first tender grass.

The males, again, move about on their own, leaving the females to look after the recently hatched young. Particularly attentive are the mothers, who look up to the sky with apprehension when the eagle, enemy number one of the newborns, prowls around.

If you are interested in a live documentary, the Nature Park is waiting for you!

L'articolo ANIMAL PARK AND PASSION proviene da Alagna.