TERRITORY
Alagna “ Im Land “ as it used to be called in the old german language, is a small village with 420 people located at the foot of Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in the Alps. Alagna “ Im Land “ as it used to be called in the old german language, is a small village with 420 people located at the foot of Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in the Alps.
It is a well known ski resort famous for freeriding, it gives its visitors the chance to enjoy breathtaking views staying in touch with the wildest and most uncontaminated nature.
The area has been colonized from the “Walser” in the 12th century. Its peculiarity is represented by its 31 small hamlets which are situated around the centre and nearby the village; each one is characterized by houses and rural buildings whose typical and very particular architectural style has been preserved, this is just one of the many signs left to Alagna by this ancient people.
Visiting Alagna you will also discover that the old German dialect “Titzschu”it is still spoken and that the youg people have not abandoned dedication for sheep and farming.
Known especially for winter tourism, Alagna is the perfect destination for all those who love outdoor sports.
In Winter Alagna is aimed by the most reckless and freeride lovers, for this reason the place has been called “freeride paradise”, it is also been recommended by the National Geographic magazine as an imperative European destination.
It should not be forgotten that thanks to the connection with the Valle d’Aosta, the ski area boasts 180 km of pistes and facilities, suitable both for beginners and for the more experienced.
Located in the valley of the river Sesia, wild and wild nature makes it the most sought-after destination in Europe for water sports: in fact, from May to September, many people visit the valley to thrill between rafting, hydrospeed and kayaking.
Those who love quiet can practice traditional fly fishing by the river.
In Alagna many other outdoor sports are practicable: for those who dream of flying and want to be closer to the clouds, tandem paragliding flights are available; for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, they can choose from mountain bike, trial, rock climbing and trekking.
In Alagna’s territory there is the highest natural park in Europe “Parco Naturale Alta Valsesia” which became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
The massif of Monte Rosa, the largest of all the Alps, is well known all over the world for its fantastic glaciers. It is called “rosa” because of the pink colors that melt over the massif at dawn and sunset. it extends from the Italian territory (Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta) to the Swiss one.
The Dufour peak, with its 4,637 meters, it is the highest one of the group; on the Punta Gnifetti there is the highest alpine hut in Europe, the Capanna Regina Margherita Observatory hut (4,554 meters) that we handle.
The Gnifetti hut, a hut situated between the glaciers of Garstlet and Lys, is reachable in about one and a half hour on a glacier trail from Punta Indren; it is now an intermediate stop for those who want to reach the Regina Margherita hut or for those who simply want to enjoy a breathtaking view over the Valsesia and Valle d’Aosta: on very clear days it is possible to see even the Po Valley.
The refuge F. Pastore is reachable from Alagna in one hour walk, it is located on an large meadow at the foot of the southern wall of Monte Rosa in front of the Acqua Bianca waterfall.
Just before the hut, you can visit the educational hall of the Park and the Botanical Garden, which presents the most interesting and widespread species of the area.
The Rifugio Barba Ferrero located on a natural terrace in the heart of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, offers a wonderful view: in front you can see the Valsesia valley and on the back you can admire the southern wall of the majestic Monte Rosa.
The Carestia hut, situated in the valley of Rissuolo in Valle Vogna, it is absolutely one of the most beautiful hiking trip in Valsesia, from here you can see a fantastic view.
With a short hike from the refuge you can reach the White, the black and the green lakes and the renowned Corno Bianco peak.