Ossola Valley Skiing Tour in Italy

Dive into the untapped snow of Ossola Valley, a hidden gem in the Italian Alps, on this epic 5-day ski mountaineering adventure. Trace the tracks of the Walser people, pioneers of this region and ski touring legends, as you traverse the majestic peaks of Alpe Devero and Formazza valley.

Group

5 Days

Mar

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Glide through the unspoiled slopes of Ossola Valley
Conquer renowned summits like Alpe Devero and Formazza valley
Spend cozy nights in rustic mountain huts, witnessing breathtaking sunrises

Description

Want to ski through wild untamed slopes? This 5-day ski mountaineering journey will let you explore the lesser-explored areas of the vast Ossola Valley!

This valley, often praised as a snow paradise, embodies a millennia-old history of reverence for nature and traditions. As the birthplace of Walser community traditions, it has now become renowned as a prime location for ski touring.

Cross through the famous summits of Alpe Devero and Formazza valley, offering an haute route for authentic exploration in the lesser-known region of Lepontine Alps.

Spend the night in alpine huts and enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets at high altitudes. Ossola Valley, shaped like a large "maple leaf", features rivers, streams, lateral valleys, and mountains, with the Toce river serving as its central artery. Regarded as one of the most beautiful areas of Piedmont, it remains a pristine and unspoiled location, cherished by mountain and nature enthusiasts.

Get ready to discover some of the region's most captivating paths, providing the opportunity to immerse in the this enchanting snow wonderland, accompanied solely by skis and skins. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime 5-day adventure, allowing exploration of the exceptional hospitality and breathtaking panoramas of this secluded valley.

So, lace up your skis, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of Ossola Valley. Reserve your spot with us!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Mountain guide expenses
Rope
Harness
Crampons

Price details

Not included:
Recommended research and rescue insurance including UVGAM coverage, priced at €12 per person for a duration of 7 days.
The rental of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and backpack): €30 per day per person, subject to availability
The rental of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, and crampons): €20 per day per person, subject to availability
Transfers
Additional meals and beverages for both the customer and the guide
Anything not specified under "The rate includes"

Itinerary

Day 1: First ski day in Monte Sangiatto

Meeting with the guide and the group for a briefing, gear check, followed by a car transfer to Alpe Devero.

The ski and skin tour will start in a picturesque fir forest, progressing past the frozen Sangiatto lakes to reach the peak "panettone," named after its unique shape. The number of cars we'll use for the transfer will be determined based on the number of participants.

The itinerary concludes with a descent along a trail that will take us back to Castiglioni hut.

Upon reaching the hut, we will treat ourselves to a delightful traditional hot meal.

Day 2: Ascent in Scatta Minola

Begin the ascent towards the Scatta Minola pass, connecting Alpe Devero to the high Formazza Valley. Traverse the frozen Codelago lake, heading towards the elevated plateau above the valley. Progress beneath the impressive Punta d’Arbola and ascend to the Scatto Minoia pass.

Take a brief break to refresh, enjoying the spectalucar view, before changing skins and preparing for the descent. The route then leads to Vannino lake, followed by a short ascent to reach the Margaroli hut. Enjoy a brief pause in a warm and inviting atmosphere before settling into the rooms.

Relax, savor dinner, and spend the night at the hut.

Day 3: Punta d’Arbola adventure

We'll depart early in the morning to the stunningly frozen Srùer lake, and from there, we'll go to the Lebendun pass to reach the peak at 3,236m.

The Punta d’Arbola offers an ideal skiing adventure in the Formazza Valley, providing a highly gratifying ascent for a top-notch skiing experience.

On the way back to the hut, take an alternative route passing near Vannino lake.

Unwind, have dinner, and spend the night in the comforting atmosphere of the hut.

Day 4: Summit Formazza Valley

Ascend to another beloved and iconic peak in the Formazza Valley, followed by a lengthy traverse with a descent on splendid north-facing slopes, where snow conditions are consistently optimal.

Arrive at the delightful Claudio Bruno hut, which provides a panoramic 360° view of Sabbioni Lake, its corresponding glacier, and the peaks conquered in the initial days of the tour.

Take a brief break in a warm and inviting atmosphere before settling into the rooms.

Day 5: Final skiing day

It's the last day of the tour, and our final destination is the last peak. Depart from the hut and navigate through highly satisfying slopes, enjoying a journey back with playful curves on fantastic snow.

The southern exposure contributes to the creation of a "firn" snowpack, ensuring enjoyable skiing for everyone.

Descend approximately 1,600m, concluding in the untamed Ossola valleys.

Take a brief lunch break at the Aalts Dorf Hotel in Riale.

Transfer back to Baceno (VB) by car. Bid final farewells, officially concluding the tour before heading back home.

Details

Accommodation

We'll spend our nights at a shelter with half-board accommodations.

Meeting point

We will meet in Baceno (VB) within the Antigorio Valley in Piedmont, Italy.

About the guide

-PeaksHunter

4.7

(358)

Mountain Guide

Giving and receiving smiles, seeing the satisfaction on the faces of our customers, seeking opportunities for growth, stimulating authenticity in personal and group relationships, in sharing mountaineering disciplines, fears, efforts, and moments of difficulty, which are part of the integrated with experiences, essential ingredients of every summit climb: these are our focus, our beliefs, and our most important results, as outdoor Professionals and as people who love the mountains and their work as Alpine Guides!

Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides is a team of IFMGA-certified Mountain Professionals and outdoor activities experts, based in the town of Aosta, not far from Courmayeur-Chamonix, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.

We live and work in the beautiful Aosta Valley region, very close to French and Swiss borders near to Geneva, Milan, and Turin international airports.

Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Pyramide Vincent and Regina Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Lyskamm, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits you can climb with us: most of our team of Guides were born and grew up close to these mountains and they have explored the ascent routes several times during different seasons, with skis or crampons!

- We love our work: we plan all our trips with great commitment and deep respect for the Alpine environment, for its inhabitants, and its territories. Including local traditions in different valleys and Alpine areas.

- We love Mountain, Nature, and Outdoor activities, that we like to share with people from all around the world. We are enthusiastic to meet like-minded adventurers and share new experiences and memorable emotions with the support of our Mountain Guides.

- Safety and Risk Management are essential for us, as elements of fundamental importance during every single trip we plan and carry out with our customers: for this reason, we offer introductory courses to the different alpine disciplines (Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Ski mountaineering, Freeride, Rescue Crevasse, and Avalanche) to convey awareness and responsibility to our customers.

- We offer solid Experience, with several years organizing outdoor disciplines around mountain and wild areas, in many different countries of Italy and Europe, for individuals or groups, including 7-day customer support for booking, logistics, and personal assistance for planning and reservations.

- As certified Mountain Guides, we offer training courses, to improve technical skills and to learn basic knowledge about mountaineering in the Alps, which is essential to explore and climb the Mountains safely in any situation or conditions.

- We are happy to provide customized programs for every customer's demand: our Experience is synonymous with Professionalism and Customer Care to guarantee unforgettable emotions and beautiful smiles!

Fulfill your dreams, discover breathtaking views or simply enjoy an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will carry out your trip as you desire to live it!

Let’s plan your next mountain project together!

Certificates

IFMGA

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What people are saying about -PeaksHunter

Great professionalism, competence and excellent organization from the whole team and in particular from Paolo, our guide. Thanks for everything, I absolutely recommend it!

Excellent organization of the whole team. Thanks for everything, definitely recommend!

Amazing trip organised by Peakshunter Mountain Guides over the monte rosa massif, I've had an experience this past weekend that I'll remember forever thanks guys

We had an amazing time! Marco was a brilliant guide, and we found some incredible powder and met some fantastic people. An unforgettable day, thanks so much!

Very professional mountain guides making dreams come true. The team is very communicative and helpful from the beginning of contact until tour completion. The guides are flexible in case of weather/condition changes and they are very safety-conscious making me feel very comfortable. Thank you Peakshunter that I could be on tour with you!