Outdoor and nature 4 seasons: Piedmont is the experience you don't expect

Great Alpine Crossing - GTA: Central Piedmont Section

4 minutes

The Great Crossing of the Alps, known as the GTA, is a long-distance, medium-difficulty hiking route to be undertaken on foot, which runs along the Pennine, Graian, Cottian and Maritime Alps, as far as the valleys of the Ligurian Alps. In Piedmont, the GTA route covers 1,000 km and is divided into 55 stages, starting from Viozene, in the Ligurian Alps, and ending at Molini di Calasca, in the Anzasca Valley, in the Verbano Cusio Ossola region.

A spectacular alpine trek for lovers of slow tourism and wildlife watching between valleys, villages and alpine lakes in wild landscapes along paths and mule tracks, all signposted and certified by CAI (Club Alpino Italiano), which make it possible to pass from valley to valley crossing the most accessible passes.

Each stage involves 5 to 8 hours of walking. The recommended period is from mid-June to September, when (except for seasonal exceptions) there is no snow and all the places and shelters are accessible and open. All trails are identified by white and red signs, as well as metal flags with the GTA logo. At the end of each stage, you will find GTA accommodation or Italian Alpine Club mountain huts. Loop routes are also connected to the GTA, allowing you to start and return to your starting point.

Departure

Rivetti Mountain Hut
13811 Andorno Micca (BI)

Arrival

Barbara Lowrie Mountain Hut
10060 Bobbio Pellice (TO)

Zone: Biella Valsesia Vercelli, Turin
Departure: Andorno Micca
Arrival: Bobbio Pellice
Distance: 221.00 km
Hiking time: 140 hours
Departure height: 2,200 m
Arrival height: 1,765 m
Climb difference: 25,800 m
Descent difference: 26,700 m
Difficulty: Medium

Divided into 3 main sections corresponding to the northern, central and southern areas of the region, here we present the Central Piedmont Itinerary, which includes stages 27 – 50, starting from Andorno Micca (province of Biella) and arriving in Bobbio Pellice (province of Turin).

The itinerary begins at stage 27, which leads from the Rivetti Refuge to Valle Cervo, through the Biella Pre-Alps, dotted with ancient religious complexes such as the Sanctuary of Oropa, the largest Alpine sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, located in the beautiful green valley at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The route passes through some of Piedmont's most beautiful villages in Italy, such as Rosazza, "the village of mysteries" to be discovered along the esoteric route, with its 19th-century palaces, Guelph Tower, House Museum and castle gardens. Going over the Val Chiusella and arriving in Val Soana, we cross the section between Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont of the Gran Paradiso National Park, the first to be established in 1922 on the former royal hunting reserve of the Savoys, and an authentic oasis of sports and outdoor fun. 4 seasons with historic family-friendly leisure, sports and wellness resorts, such as Ceresole Reale. Leaving the Park, crossing the Valleys of Lanzo you reach Susa, the thousand-year old sentinel of the Susa Valley on the Via delle Gallie: not to be missed is a tour of the centre, which reveals priceless evidence of its Celtic, Roman and mediaeval past. From here, you can either follow the main route towards Salbertrand or ascend in the direction of Meana di Susa. The variant joins Val Chisone in Usseaux, which is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy in Piedmont, and is a Sustainable Village of Piedmont and an Orange Flag of the Touring Club. Known for the sundials and murals that decorate the typical wooden and stone houses, it is an impressive Alpine microcosm to be discovered on the themed trails that connect its five hamlets among ancient wash-houses, ovens and mills. From here, the last part unfolds with a recommended diversions to Prali to visit the Ecomuseum of Mines and the Germanasca Valley and enter the rural-mining atmosphere.

And on the left side of the Chisone Valley the skyline is dominated by the colossal Fenestrelle Fortress, the largest Alpine military bulwark in Europe, with fantastic views of the Alps. Today, the history of this European Wall of China can be discovered on an exciting guided tour. We are in the centuries-old Valdesi settlements in Piedmont in Val Germanasca and Valle Pellice. Step by step, villages and towns reveal the precious Valdese cultural heritage with the Valdese Museum in Torre Pellice, the Museum in San Germano Chisone and the one in Prali, the Museum of Valdese Women and the Odin Bertot School Museum in Angrogna, and the special Beckwith School-Museum in Pramollo. An immersive experience in nature, among the treasures of art, architecture and traditions in spectacular settings that convey beauty and well-being. And at high altitudes and in the valley, when the crisp air works up an appetite, it is at the table that stories and Alpine traditions are savoured with a fragrant selection of sausages, salamis and alpine cheeses, accompanied by a glass of select 18DOCG and 41 DOC wines, including the "heroic wines" produced on the ancient terraces in the Susa Valley or in the Ossola Valleys.

Content compiled with information provided by the Piedmont Region Partner.