Explore-Share logo and link to home
Ossola Valley Skiing Tour in Italy | undefined

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.


TRIP TYPE

Group

DURATION

5 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Mar

FITNESS LEVEL

High

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

  • 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

- Guiding fee

- Mountain guide expenses

- Rope

- Harness

- Accommodation included

- 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"

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


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

Guide profile image

-PeaksHunter

4.70

(285)

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

Request more information

What people are saying about -PeaksHunter

Cameron

5.00

Gabriele was a fantastic guide, knew the area well and found so much powder. Thanks so much

Martin

5.00

Hello Basically I am satisfied with the whole organization, because in the end everything worked as expected, whereby the guide had a big part in the success! Unfortunately, the information regarding equipment was unclear in advance and sometimes varied, which didn't make it any easier for a beginner like me. In general, the flow of information was rather slow, but towards the end it was sufficient and quick. In general, I would recommend that you revise the list of necessary equipment! Above all, it should be clear what the guest has to bring (with a distinction between "must" and "recommended"), what is provided by the organizer and what could be rented if necessary. Of course, this is not easy to accomplish, as the necessary equipment also depends on the conditions. Best wishes and continued success with the organization of ski trips! Martin

Alex

5.00

Great service. Above and beyond expectations. Abigail went the extra mile to make my trip happen, after hours and at very short notice. It would not have been possible without her. Highly recommended.

olivier

2.00

Hi, good service from explore share and peaks hunter, only some miscommunication on 2 or 3 days program, due to bad communication between you both. The guide was OK, friendly although non very experienced in the practice of pédagogie and communication, especially before couloir des Goûter s, there can be better briefing on security and also in general on the whole expedition. But he can grow by learning some coaching lessons. We did not do the final ascension due to bad weather, a proposal and financial compensation for 2nd attempt would have been welcome.6/10.can do better.

5.00

We just remember now the breathing, the view and the joy we had in Gran Paradiso accompanied by our guides Silvia and Elis. This kind of memory makes us smile and look for the next adventure. Silvia and Elis were attentive, kind and professionally fully prepared to help us reach a great experience of discovery and safety. For sure the moment would not be the same without our guides. We feel grateful and lucky to have their support and company. Elis, Silvia, thanks for taking us beyond.

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.