Excursions in Val Vigezzo are an excellent idea for a weekend away. Close to MilanTurin and Genoa, is one of the wildest and relatively little traveled in the Alps. This is why trekking here, as well as feeling good, toning up and relaxing, is also a way to explore nature.
Known as the “Valley of the painters”, the Val Vigezzo it is one of the seven valleys that branch off from the most famous one Valley of Ossola. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this area thanks to dense network of routes including paths and even ancient mule tracks which wind through the woods of the valley floor until reaching the highest peaks. A valley where trekking becomes a moment of contact with nature and above all with routes suitable for all ages.
Excursions in Val Vigezzo, the most beautiful routes under Monte Rosa
From Piana di Vigezzo to Colma di Toceno
It is a route without major difficulties. A ring that can also be traveled in the winter season provided that the possible snow cover is in safe conditions. The departure is from the arrival station of the cable car to the Piana di Vocogno, better known as Vigezzo plainfrom here you follow the dirt stretch that passes under the cable car and then continue eastwards along the path that goes into the woods.
The first ‘finish line’ is Colma del Fuori, a place from which you can enjoy a unique panorama over the entire valley, enjoying the view of Monte Rosa and the peaks of the Ossola Valley. Returning to the woods, towards the north, after passing a crossroads (keeping left), you arrive at “Baita Rosa”, where also in this case the view repays the effort made up to that point. After passing the slope under the arrival of the Arvogno chairlift, the path leads towards another panoramic route over the Melezzo valley and takes you back to the starting point of the Vigezzo plain.
The Piana can be reached by cable car from Prestinone, the starting altitude is 1714 meters and the difference in altitude of this route is negligibleas well as the difficulty. An excursion lasting approximately one hour.
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Around 2063 meters of Lake Panelatte
Reach Lake Panelatte at an altitude of 2063 metres it requires greater commitment and time, so much so that this excursion is defined as level ‘E’ (hiking, i.e. with certain training and adequate equipment). The starting point is Arvogno (1247 metres) along an asphalt road up to the bridge over the Melezzo from which you can choose whether to continue on the road or along the mule track. Through a slight slope you reach another bridge, on the Verzasca Rivera river that originates in the Canton of Ticino, then enters the woods and begins to rise.
Trekking between mountain pastures and majestic views
The passage through a couple of gullies where you can also notice the signs of past avalanches leads to an abandoned mountain pasture at an altitude of 1462, where the presence of a fountain allows you to refresh yourself. Beyond the mountain pasture the mule track continues through the fir forest up toAlpe I Motti (1815 meters). A path made up of steps made with large slabs of local stone “takes you” to the Chapel of San Pantaleone (1992 metres), a building that can offer shelter in case of bad weather and the only point where the cell phone field is present. From the Chapel a well-marked and obvious path leads to Lake Panelatte, a small but fascinating natural lake, destination of this excursion, located at 2063 meters above sea level on the slopes of Pizzo del Corno (2278 metres).
The starting point of this excursion, Arvogno, can be reached by car from Santa Maria Maggiore taking the detour to Toceno, along the SS 337 which crosses the Vigezzo valley. Once in Toceno, follow the signs for Arvogno. The total difference in altitude from the start at Lago Panelatte is 860 meters and the duration of the excursion is approximately three hours.
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What to do in Val Vigerzzo
To find out about the routes and possibilities that Val Vigezzo offers for those who are passionate about trekking, an interesting guide is “Val Vigezzo. Walks and excursions on foot” by Marco de Ambrosis. By the same author, “The Val Vigezzo Train. Hiking and eco-sustainable mobility in the Valle dei Pittori”, on the blue train, with a history of almost one hundred years, which connects Italy and Switzerland, crossing the Alpine valleys.
Photo credits: vallevigezzo.eu; santamariamaggiore.info
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2023-09-21 07:22:07
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