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Piemonte: A Mountain of Experiences

How many ways are there to experience the mountains of Piedmont?

11 minutes

Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend, or a longer stay dedicated to adventure and well-being, Piedmont will surprise you with options designed to meet the needs of solo travelers, families, couples, or groups of friends. Here, the mountains are truly for everyone, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere through a network of refuges, hotels, B&Bs, and farm stays. Enjoy the benefits of nature while discovering the slow treasures of the Alpine valleys, local food and wine, art, and events in villages rich in history, culture, and community. You can also indulge in rejuvenating experiences such as forest bathing and spa treatments. 

Fun and discovery go hand in hand in this land of extraordinary biodiversity: 20,000 km of cycling and hiking trails, 70 stages of the Sentiero Italia C.A.I. across the Piedmontese Alps, two National Parks (Gran Paradiso and Val Grande), 77 protected areas, and three UNESCO MaB Biosphere Reserves. A vast array of activities awaits you: from climbing to horseback riding, via ferrata routes to Nordic walking, and from water to air sports. These breathtaking landscapes are also perfect for nature photography and wild watching. In winter, 1,300 km of slopes and 50 ski resorts offer an irresistible playground for safe and exciting activities: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring, sledding, snowboarding, ice climbing, and sled dog adventures. 

Learn more about the project “A Mountain of Experiences: Sustainable Tourism on the Sentiero Italia CAI in Piedmont” 

Maira Valley, land of emotions

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Nestled between Monviso to the north and the Maritime Alps to the south, the Maira Valley is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. During spring and autumn, trekking can be enjoyed along the dense network of trails that cross the valley from one side to the other. A must-see is the Percorsi Occitani, a true 180 km hiking route divided into 14 stages and the 4 stages of the CAI Trail Italy. There are also numerous opportunities for mountain biking and sport climbing. In winter, as there are no ski lifts, the valley becomes a paradise for snowshoeing, ski touring, and cross-country skiing, promoting a slow, sustainable, and low-impact tourism. In the Maira Valley, every corner is a treasure trove of Occitan traditions and culture, evident in the typical stone-roofed houses, the churches, and the extraordinarily frescoed chapels. Experiencing the culture also means discovering the local culinary tradition, tasting delicious typical dishes made with local products. Whether it is a hike, a cultural visit, or a gastronomic experience, the valley offers unforgettable emotions, blending the magnificence of nature with the richness of Occitan history and traditions. 

Discover more: www.vallemaira.org

Canavese: a land of a thousand opportunities

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The green area of Canavese, between Turin and Aosta, is truly the right place to have "A Mountain of Experiences." Here, nature is the protagonist: ibexes, chamois, marmots, golden eagles, and bearded vultures can be easily spotted in the mountains of Gran Paradiso National Park, the oldest in Italy. The territory is crossed by the CAI Sentiero Italia, connecting Valchiusella and the Dora Baltea Valley, intersecting routes such as the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, the Alta Via Canavesana, and the Giroparco Gran Paradiso. In Canavese, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from expert hiking trails to family-friendly walks. Gran Paradiso, the only entirely Italian 4,000-meter peak, stands out among numerous summits exceeding 3,000 meters. These mountains are also the birthplace of free climbing, with the "Nuovo Mattino" movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which emphasized the beauty and harmony of movement. Cycling enthusiasts can tackle challenging routes, including those of the Giro d'Italia, while e-bikes allow even the less trained to explore the area. Canavese is also a perfect destination for equitourism, offering horseback or carriage excursions. Among the holistic nature experiences, the region offers forest bathing, mindfulness, sensory trails, and stays in suspended tents among the trees. As for gourmet delights, Canavese boasts three DOCG wines, many DOC wines, and unique dishes and products such as salampatata or cevrin from Valchiusella. And there’s plenty of culture too, with enchanting villages, castles, and four UNESCO heritage sites, from the Sacred Mount of Belmonte to the Castle of Agliè, from the prehistoric pile dwellings of Anzasco and Viverone to Ivrea, a 20th-century industrial city

Discover more: www.turismoincanavese.com

Valli di Lanzo, the mountains for everyone

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These are the valleys where it all began. This is where Italian mountaineering was born, and from here, the first guides set out to explore a territory that, even today, continues to surprise with its untouched and wild beauty. From chestnut and larch forests to rocky walls and high-altitude glaciers, the only limit to experiencing a true outdoor adventure is your imagination. The Valli di Lanzo, crossed by 5 stages of the Sentiero Cai Italia, welcome all sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for on-piste and off-piste skiing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, climbing, and both summer and winter hiking at various skill levels. Every season in these valleys offers breathtaking views, unforgettable emotions, and countless reasons to return time and time again. Three valleys, each with its own charm and unique personality, yet all easily accessible from Turin and the main cities of Northern Italy. Whether you prefer to travel by car or train, reaching this nature-immersed destination is simple and convenient. You can also take advantage of the nearby Turin Caselle Airport, which connects to numerous European cities.

Discover a new way to experience the mountains and be amazed by a land that surprises with its art, culture, and traditions. www.turismovaldilanzo.it

Cuneo Valleys: outdoor without borders!

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The Province of Cuneo: a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! The Province of Cuneo is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, boasting stunning landscapes and a wide range of experiences that blend sports, nature, and ancient traditions. Here, you can discover unique routes, from the Alps to the rolling hills, all the way to the Ligurian Riviera, thanks to the cross-border RivierALP trail. The 10 valleys of the Cuneo region, crossed by 21 stages of the CAI Italia Trail, will surprise and captivate you. The Monregalesi Valleys, with their diverse landscapes between mountains and hills, offer perfect trails for hiking, biking tours, and winter sports. The centuries-old forests, waterfalls, and panoramic trails of the Marguareis Park in Valle Pesio are ideal for trekking and mountain biking. Limone Piemonte, a reference point for outdoor sports, offers fascinating trails on the Alta Via del Sale and a vast ski area in Valle Vermenagna. The Maritime Alps Natural Park in Valle Gesso is a paradise for trekking, climbing, and wildlife excursions, where you can spot chamois and ibexes. Valle Grana, home to the famous Castelmagno DOP cheese, is known for its pastures, ancient sanctuaries, and mountain flavors. In Valle Stura, winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while in spring and summer, the landscape transforms into a paradise for hiking and biking through alpine pastures and breathtaking views. The famous Occitan Trails in Valle Maira offer an immersive trekking experience, unveiling the rich traditions and charming villages of the valley. In Valle Varaita and Valle Po, Monviso stands majestically, surrounded by pristine forests—a paradise for cyclists, hikers, ski mountaineers, and snowshoers. Thanks to the RivierALP trail, which winds through forests and villages, you can even reach the Ligurian Riviera for an unforgettable and thrilling outdoor adventure! 

Discover more: www.cuneoalps.it

Valsesia: the greenest valley in Italy

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Come to Valsesia, a land that will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a ski week in the mountains, a moment of relaxation, or a sports adventure, Valsesia has something unique to offer in every season. 

This enchanting valley winds through majestic mountains of rare beauty, at times wild, and gentler, more welcoming hills. Along the Sesia River, you’ll find the Valle Grande, reaching Alagna Valsesia, the Valle Mastallone, leading to Fobello and Rimella, and the Valle Sermenza, which takes you to Carcoforo and Rima. For water sports enthusiasts, the Sesia River and its tributaries offer unforgettable experiences with rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hydrospeed, and canyoning, or peaceful sport fishing for those seeking tranquility. Mountain biking and road cycling enthusiasts can explore the valley from a unique perspective, immersed in breathtaking landscapes. Monte Rosa and Alpe di Mera are a paradise for snow sports. With over 180 km of perfectly groomed slopes, you can enjoy freeriding, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. In summer, these stunning mountains are perfect for mountaineering, trekking, and climbing. The Valsesia is also crossed by 8 stages of the CAI Italia Trail

Discovering the local cuisine will be a journey through traditional and authentic flavors. The typical "miacce," soups, fresh trout, cured meats, honey, and cheeses made from alpine milk are delicacies best paired with renowned wines. The DOCG Gattinara and Ghemme, along with other excellent wines like Boca, Sizzano, and Coste della Sesia, will delight connoisseurs. 

Don't forget to visit Varallo and the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will amaze you with its incredible history and cultural significance. This sacred site, with its evocative chapels, is a must-visit for those who wish to immerse themselves in the spirituality and history of the region. 

In Valsesia, nature, sports, gastronomy, culture, and tradition await you for an unforgettable experience. 

Discover more: www.invalsesia.it 

Biellese Alps: a true paradise

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The Biellese Alps are a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, a land where unspoiled nature blends with tradition and the warm hospitality of a region waiting to be discovered. Here, among towering peaks (up to 2,600 meters), rolling hills, and vast moorlands, tourism is slow, experiential, and sustainable, inviting you to embrace every moment while enjoying the comfort of various accommodation facilities. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Oasi Zegna, with trails winding through forests of beech, larch, and fir trees, to the alpine pastures where time seems to stand still, the Biellese Alps offer an endless variety of sceneries to explore. Trekking, mountain biking, and e-biking allow you to follow stunning routes, from ancient transhumance paths to natural balconies overlooking the Po Valley. For thrill-seekers, Bungee Jumping from the 152-meter-high Colossus Bridge delivers a pure adrenaline rush, while in winter, the Bielmonte ski area is perfect for snow lovers, skiing, and snowshoeing. There are also seven stages of the CAI Italy Trail to explore! A mountain rich in history and culture: wool-producing villages with historic mills still preserve their charm and can be explored through fascinating industrial archaeology routes. Sanctuaries such as Oropa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Graglia, and San Giovanni d’Andorno tell stories of centuries-old devotion and remarkable architecture. The Oropa Trail, a multi-stage route with several variants leading to the majestic Sanctuary, offers a unique way to experience the region slowly and intensely. No journey to the Biellese Alps is complete without tasting its traditional products. From alpine cheeses like Toma Biellese to the unmistakable flavor of Paletta di Coggiola, from the classic polenta concia to the many traditional sweets and craft beers, every bite is a unique sensory experience. Small inns, restaurants, and farm stays in the Alpi Biellesi Consortium welcome you with authentic dishes made from local ingredients, perfectly aligned with the philosophy of sustainable tourism. 

Discover more: www.alpibiellesi.eu 

Bardonecchia, pearl of the Alps, capital of outdoor sports

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Welcome in Val di Susa! A land rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, traditions, Alpine culture, and outstanding food and wine heritage. An open-air museum that includes archaeological sites, castles, and fortresses, as well as unspoiled spaces for all sports enthusiasts eager to explore our mountains. Here lies Bardonecchia, the "Pearl of the Alps": nature, sports, culture, and high-altitude fun, easily accessible by car or train. Nestled in a sunny valley at 1,312 meters above sea level, surrounded by stunning mountains with peaks exceeding 3,500 meters, Bardonecchia is one of the most picturesque destinations in the western Alpine arc. It is the perfect getaway for those seeking direct contact with nature and peaceful relaxation, as well as an opportunity to discover a valley with a thousand-year-old history. Thanks to its mountain passes connecting Italy and France, armies, merchants, and pilgrims have traveled through this land, leaving behind traces that can still be explored today. Bardonecchia and its valleys boast kilometers of trails for hiking and trekking, ranging from easy family-friendly walks to more challenging routes for experienced adventurers. And when you look around, you realize that everything is nature and vacation.

Discover more: www.vacanzebardonecchia.it

Susa Valley: Alpine Sports and Culture

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At the gates of Turin lies a vast area that has everything nature lovers need to enjoy the regenerating peace of forests, natural parks, streams, and hills. This land, a historical connection to France and a crossroads for pilgrims, merchants, and armies, offers countless opportunities to explore its thousand-year-old history, from the Benedictine Abbey of Novalesa to the Sacra di San Michele, the imposing “sentinel of the valley” and symbol of the Piedmont region. 

Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Cesana Torinese (Sansicario), and Claviere, winter sports paradises, transform in summer into an open-air gym, perfect for outdoor activities. Thanks to a network of high-altitude roads, it is ideal for trekking, biking, and horseback riding, and on certain days of the week, it can even be explored by motorcycle or 4x4. The Assietta and Pramand roads, as well as the Sommeiller Pass, are just a few examples of this magnificent heritage. From historic Mountain Trails to bike parks, from alpine lakes to streams for fishing enthusiasts, and breathtaking landscapes for nature photography and wildlife watching, the valley is full of surprises. From art to traditional Alpine cuisine, to be enjoyed in the greenery of ancient villages, the valley offers delightful experiences for everyone. 

In winter, Susa Valley becomes the largest ski area in Piedmont, alongside nearby Bardonecchia. A venue for world championships, it is a true paradise for both expert and beginner skiers, ideal for family trips or holidays with friends. Activities include downhill skiing, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, bobsleighing, sledding, freestyle skiing, as well as sled dog adventures and snowshoe excursions. And for an unforgettable evening, mountain huts and lodges can be reached “ski-in” or by snowmobile, offering the chance to taste authentic seasonal local products and Alpine specialties. A unique opportunity to try gofri, mountain potatoes, ghinefle, cajette, all accompanied by fine cheeses, honey, chestnuts, and an outstanding wine selection. 

Discover more: www.consorziofortur.it 

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