Alpine Logistics

In the western Italian Alps near the Swiss border, the pre-alpine arc of the Alpi Biellesi permit walkers to enjoy its lakes, ridges and summits with 360 degree panoramas without encountering glaciers or snow.

Torrents lined by a mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland dominate the valley floors, which give way to pastures, meadows and more open and rugged alpine terrain above 1300m. As you rise, magnificent views of the snow covered peaks of the near by Monte Rosa massif come into view to the north and the Italian plains stretch into the distance to the south.

This part of the alps is also rich in cultural heritage. There are beautiful examples of Medieval, Roman, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, along with one of Europe’s most important Sanctuaries; Santuario Oropa. It boasts twelve chapels and dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The mountain villages are built with traditional drystone methods, still with their original village wash fountains and cobbled streets. The local cheese and wine production is also very good.

Walking and paths

There is a vast network of foot paths running across the pre-alpine range; from forest walks to longer more strenuous excursions to lakes, cols and summits higher up. The majority of these paths are well signed and trodden.

Period and climate

Generally these mountains are clear of snow by June; a fantastic time for those who appreciate mountain wildflowers coming into bloom. July is usually the hottest month, and August is when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely to be encountered. Mid September and October are cooler but very beautiful, as the leaves start to change colour and the landscape becomes a magical mixture of green, gold and red.

Where to base yourself

Biella is the main town in the area and, for those wishing to enjoy a variety of day-long walking excursion in different valleys, it is an ideal location. A buzzing old town centre, small nearby villages built in traditional style and a large, peaceful botanical park make it an enjoyable and interesting place to relax on days off. It offers a good variety and quality of services.

Grande Travesta Alpina Long Distance Walk

For those looking for more of a challenge, it is also possible to undertake a hut-to-hut long distance walk across the pre-alps in around a week. Starting in Valle Elvo in the West of the range, it takes you along beautiful and often wild alpine valleys, across cols and summits, through mountain villages and past lakes towards the north east end of the range. The journey finishes in Val Sesia, at the foot of Monte Rosa’s huge 4000m-high mass of snow and ice that dominates the valley.

What we can offer

We can arrange the accommodation of your choice, a hire car or airport transfers, as well as sending you maps and suggested itineraries so that you can plan your walking before you arrive. If you need to find other people to go with, leave a message on the message board.

Please book no less that one month in advance.

Prices

Prices are seasonal and depend on your preferences for accommodation and transport. Once you’ve decided what your preferences are let us know so we can give you an estimate (contact us). Here is a rough guide of what to expect for a week (7 days, 8 nights) per person.

• Half-board agriturismo (2 people sharing a room) and a hire car: 545 Euros.

How to get here

Turin and Milan are the closest airports, just over an hour’s drive from the town of Biella. Both are serviced by conveniently priced economy airlines; Ryanair and Easyjet respectively.