The North West Italy region

 

Piedmont is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, including Monviso, where the Po rises, and Monte Rosa. It borders with France, Switzerland and the Italian regions of Lombardy, Liguria, Aosta Valley and for a very small fragment with Emilia Romagna.

 

Piedmont is the second largest of Italy's 20 regions, after Sicily. It is broadly contiguous with the upper part of the drainage basin of the river Po, which rises from the slopes of Monviso in the west of the region and is Italy's largest river. The Po collects all the waters provided within the semicircle of mountains (Alps and Apennines) which surround the region on three sides.

 

The countryside is very varied: one passes from the rugged peaks of the massifs of Monte Rosa and of Gran Paradiso, to the damp rice paddies of Vercelli and Novara, from the gentle hillsides of the Langhe and of Montferrat to the plains. There are 56 different national or regional parks.

Valsesia

 

What's better, biking among the herons and flooded rice fields, an out-of-bounds run in fresh snow or kayaking down one of the famous Valsesian rapids? And what about a hike amongst the art and flora protected by the Natural Reserve particular to Sacro Monte, or paragliding, or spending a relaxing day fishing? Among such indecisions, there is only one thing for sure: in province of Vercelli, doing sports means taking part of an unforgettable experience...

 

The Valsesia - the territory opens and expands into the entire Sesia Valley, the same river that acted as the spectacular theatre for the 2002 World Championships of Canoeing and Kayaking and has always been loved by sports-lovers for the fabulous stretches designated for those who do river sport and for its rich waters teeming with fish.

 

The Valsesia, "Italy's greenest valley" extends to the feet of Monte Rosa and, in winter fully satisfies the expectations of snow-lovers: there is only the embarrassment of the choice, from the skiing structure of Alagna Valsesia, a free-riding paradise, that is a part of the Monterosaski skiing district, to the new structure of the Mera's Alpe, can be reached by the chair lift in Scopello. Even cross-country skiers can choose among several opportunities: the run located near Scopello, the ring-like run of more than ten kilometres between Riva Valdobbia and Alagna and the accredited course for national competitions in Carcoforo.

Cervatto

 

The towns name derives from the Cervo (deer) that owes its name to the many deer living in the valley. At 1022m the road to Cervatto slopes steeply upwards and is know as the Emerald Green Valley.The towns most obvious feature is Villa Castello built by the Montaldo family at the end of the XIX century next to the small oratory of St John the Baptist.

 

Summer Sports

 

In the Valsesia, the summer is a holiday of colours: the sun's golden yellow, the green of the fields and trees, the sparkling shades of the mountains; the blue of the sky, the emerald of the water; the white of the glaciers and naturally the Rosa (pink), second highest mountain in Europe.

An enchanting world, almost bordering magic. And to enter to become a part of it is so easy that it seems to be a dream.

 

Hiking is an activity that pleases all: from peaceful walks for the whole family wishing to enjoy a bit of green, to routes requiring a bit more for expert hikers. Monte Rosa is known all over the world as an excellent arena for mountain climbing, an activity that certainly requires a great deal of training and even the aid of the alpine guides, but who does not dream about spending one night in the Capanna Margherita, the highest Shelter in Europe?

Climbing for sport is done on artificial arenas, an indispensable preparation for climbing, and on walls of equipped rock present along the valley, which offer various degrees of difficulty.

 

And in the Valsesia, everyone can fly, even those for the first time. There are paragliding courses with competent instructors, or try in a two-seater with a guide.

 

The two wheels, mountain biking and trialing: the best way to taste the freedom of the trails in contact with nature but also the occasion to learn new technical or to refine the style with courses and of the "outings" the local schools propose, for all levels and specialties.

 

Yet the most generous of all is the Sesia River that gives endless emotions, with its ideal stretches for doing all river sports - canyoning, rafting, hydro- speeding, kayaking and tubing, and for those keen on sport fishing, who will not be able to resist the temptations of the wealth and the purity of these waters.

 

Hikes from your doorstep

 

Cervatto (1,022 m)/Madonna del Balmone (1,370 m). Routes nos. 501/507

An itinerary rich in examples of the piety of the population, this is a pleasant walk which is easily accessible, even in spring and autumn. You start from the small square of Cervatto, dominated by the church and the town hall, and following the main road, you soon reach Cadvilli, and then the hamlets of Cadiano and Giavina respectively, from where several routes start: to the left, the path leads to Oro Negro, to Sella di Camplasco, to the mountain meadows and to Pizzo Tracciora; the central path leads to the Prati Rossi and Bassa del Cavaione; following the right-hand path sign no. 507 takes you towards Orlino, from where the path climbs up through the woods and reaches a little church from where you have a view of the whole of the valley of the Cervo. The path climbs again to Taponaccio, a meadow where in the early hours of the morning, you can see deer and chamois; from here a steep path leads to the Madonna del Balmone. To return: the same route until the incline to Taponaccio, to then descend following the signs for no. 502 on the right, which leads to Oro delle Balme. The path crosses route no. 506. Descend until Prati Rossi and follow signs for route no. 503.

 

Walking time: From Cervatto, following route no. 501, until Giavine along the road and then following the mule track, Balmone can be reached in approximately 1 hr 40 mins.

 

Things to see along the route: the church of the Madonna della Neve at Cadvilli; the oratory of San Antonio Abate at Cadiano; the oratory of the Madonna Consolata at Giavina; the small church of San Pietro and Paolo outside Orlino; the small church of San Defendente at Taponaccio; the Santuario della Madonna del Balmone; the parish church of San Rocco at Cervatto; various evidence of the piety of the population and of the architecture of the valley.

Winter Sports

 

Snow has always been the main ingredient for the success of the winter season in Valsesia. And Valsesia offers all kinds of snow: for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Fresh snow for off-piste skiers. Snow for creating atmospheric landscapes in which to enjoy your favourite sport to the full. Easy snow, with a ski school for beginners. The snow on Monte Rosa for watching the sunset while relaxing and snowballs for throwing at friend. You're sure to find the snow you've always dreamed.

 

Alagna – Monterosa Ski District.

The ski resort of Alagna is the gateway to a paradise of 180 km of beaten ski runs: Monterosa Ski is one of Europe's biggest districts, now that the link with Gressoney and Champoluc in Valle d'Aosta is operating. Here every skier can find the best run for his tastes and ability, from the most extreme free ride to easier slopes and beginner's courses.

 

The telecab which holds eight passengers links the town with Pianalunga ( 2025 m ); here the Funifor cableway with space for 100 passengers, runs to Passo dei Salati ( 2936 m ), where it reaches the lift from Gressoney. From Passo dei Salati it is possible to descend into the Valle d'Aosta area on red runs, or down the Valsesia slope. Moreover, the lift which takes skiers from Passo dei Salati up to 3,275 m. to the glacier of Punta Indren, where the Free Snow itinerary starts. Alternatively, from Pianalunga, one an take the open chairlift for two passengers to Bocchetta delle Pisse ( 2396 m ), with its red run, also used for competitive skiing.

In addition to enjoying the breathtaking scenery offered by the glacier of Monte Rosa, lovers of alpine touring can ski down innumerable off-piste routes which have led to this resort being called "Freeride Paradise".

Art and Culture

 

Extensive emotions even for art and culture lovers alike, it is possible to visit San Gaudenzio's Colleghiate Church, the Palace of the Museums with its rich Pinacoteca (art gallery), the Calderini Museum of Natural Science, Cesare Scaglia museum and the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church with the frescoes of the life and Passions of Christ, created by Gaudenzio Ferrari. With the modern cable railway, it is possible to reach Varallo's Sacro Monte, UNESCO property, the oldest in Northern Italy . It is made up of fifty chapels, which represent the Passions and death of Christ with painting and life-like statues, created by great artists such as Gaudenzio Ferrari and Tanzio of Varallo.

Wine and Gastronomy

 

Typical Gastronomy Local Wines Gattinara's Wine Cellar Rice Recipes Ours is a land of great altitudes: from the top of the Monte Rosa to the bell towers of the Sant' Andrea Church to the elevated prestige of our wines, coming from the vineyards in the hills of Gattinara and from the dedication of people who for centuries have been growing-grapes. They are DOC and DOCG wines with an intense scent and with a balanced and velvety flavour that have often obtained the highest international recognition. And also the flavours are of a high standard. A simple cuisine, yes, but the secular peasant creativity and the nutritious base of genuine ingredients and marked taste can be counted on: from the Valsesian toma cheeses, to the beans, to the traditional cured meats, to the frogs, and all are ready to be accompanied by rice, principal product of the Vercelli province. In short, a wine/gastronomical tradition which knows the facts and is waiting to offer you an unforgettable vacation in the Vercelli province.