Grande Traversata della Valsesia (GTV)
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Punto di partenza | Bocchetta della Boscarola - 13028 Scopello (VC) - Italy - 1423 m |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.737360000000, 8.095660000000 |
| Punto di arrivo | Rifugio Città di Borgomanero all'Alpe Pianello - 13025 Rimella (VC) - Italy - 1801 m |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.916580000000, 8.224000000000 |
| Lunghezza | 113.20 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 11 giorni |
| Quota massima | 3320 m |
| Dislivello salita | 9459 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 9578 m |
Description
The itinerary of the Great Valsesia Crossing (G.T.V. – Grande Traversata della Valsesia) is divided into 11 legs, crossing the entire territory of High Valsesia and linking it to the Biellese territory. It starts from Bocchetta della Boscarola in the Municipality of Scopello (which is linked to the Great Biellese Crossing and the Dolciniano itinerary) and ends at Bocchetta di Campello and in the Strona Valley, in the province of Verbania.It runs high up the mountains at the foot of Monte Rosa and it crosses the protected natural areas of the High Valsesia and High Valstrona Natural Park, as well as some sites belonging to the Natura 2000 network, thus protected by the European Union.
The route shows the ecosystem and all the different ethnic and cultural elements of Valsesia.
Therefore, we invite hikers to enjoy the surrounding environment while following the essential rules to safeguard and preserve biodiversity and the habitats they will find along the way.
The legs
1st Bocchetta della Boscarola – Alpe di Mera – Alpe Meggiana – Alpe Toso.
2nd Alpe Toso – Passo della Gronda – Alpe Salei.
3rd Alpe Salei - Alpe Maccagno - Alpe Peccia
4th Alpe Peccia – Alpe Larecchio – Ospizio Sottile Hut at Colle Valdobbia
5th Colle Valdobbia – Nero Lake – Corno Bianco – Tailly Lakes – Ravelli Bivouac (EEA). Alternative route: Alpe Peccia – Riva Valdobbia – Alagna Valsesia – Otro.
6th Ravelli Bivouac – Alpe Pianmisura – Foric Pass – Olen Valley – Bocchetta delle Pisse – Alpe Bors – Refuge F. Pastore at Alpe Pile.
7th Alpe Pile – Alpe Vigne Sup. Refuge Barba Ferrero – Alpe Testanera – Alpe Faller – Colle Piglimò Refuge Alpe Vallè (Rima).
8th Refuge Vallè – Colle del Vallè - Colle della Bottigia – Refuge Massero
9th Refuge Massero – Carcoforo – Colle Egua – Alpe Baranca
10th Alpe Baranca – Alpe Res – Roncaccio Sup.
11th Roncaccio Sup. - Bocchetta di Campello or di Rimella
Map
Attachments
Itinerari collegati
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 1 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.737360000000, 8.095660000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.726000000000, 7.970370000000 |
| Lunghezza | 14.70 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 6 ore |
| Quota massima | 1963 m |
| Dislivello salita | 1198 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 972 m |
Description
Leg 1Bocchetta della Boscarola – Alpe Toso
The first part of this leg follows the ridge dividing Valsesia from Biellese in the stretch between Bocchetta della Boscarola (1423m) (the link to the Great Biellese Crossing) and Bocchetta dei Fornei. From this highly panoramic section you can catch a glimpse of the Po Valley, Monte Rosa and other important Valsesia peaks. Some tops, such as Cima d’Ometto (1911m), Testone Tre Alpi (2081m) and Punta Scalaccia (2034m), can be climbed. If you want to stop halfway, make a detour and reach the Refuge Alpe Meggiana. From here the route descends to one of the Rassa ravines, i.e. the Sorba Valley. Pass through Alpe Sorbella (1600m), hike down to the Prabella bridge (1180m) and then up along the Sorba Valley to Alpe Toso (1649m), where you can find the CAI Varallo rest point of the same name.
During the winter 2017/18, a wolf who had died of natural causes was found close to Bocchetta della Boscarola. This was the first tangible proof of the return of this large carnivore to Valsesia.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 2 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.726000000000, 7.970370000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.753120000000, 7.955290000000 |
| Lunghezza | 7.60 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 4 ore e 30 minuti |
| Quota massima | 2150 m |
| Dislivello salita | 737 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 679 m |
Description
Leg 2Alpe Toso – Alpe Salei
From the Alpe Toso (1649m) rest point, hike up the Sorba Valley to Alpe Lamaccia and the lake of the same name, then head towards Alpe Prato (2218m). From this point the route becomes harder; a steeper stretch leads to Passo della Gronda (2386m), the highest point of this leg. Then hike down to the Gronda Valley, pass through the Seia Lake (2200m) and arrive at the Alpe Salei rest point (1707m).
In the Sorba Valley, close to Alpe Massucco, there is a unique site in Valsesia where wild peonies can be seen. This is a real paradise for botanists, housing also other rare plant species (like iris). Mineral outcrops too are noteworthy. In this area, in fact, there was a precious white marble quarry, which is now abandoned.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 3 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.753120000000, 7.955290000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.799140000000, 7.908830000000 |
| Lunghezza | 12.50 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 6 ore |
| Quota massima | 2600 m |
| Dislivello salita | 825 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 1083 m |
Description
Leg 3Alpe Salei - Peccia
From Alpe Salei (1707m) hike up the Gronda Valley to the Seia Lake (2200m) following the left bank. The route gradually climbs up to a large but steep canal leading to the Laghetto lake (2400m). Walk along the left bank of the lake and climb up to Passo del Laghetto (2532m). From here, descend to the Vogna Valley and reach the Nero of Maccagno Lake (2322m). Pass through the mountain pastures of Maccagno, Camino, Pioda di Sopra and Buzzo and arrive at Peccia (1449m) - where you can sleep – or hike down a dirt track, which later becomes a carriage road, to Riva Valdobbia.
From the Nero del Maccagno Lake you can climb up to Passo del Maccagno and reach the Refuge A. Rivetti and then Piedicavallo in the Biellese territory, or hike down to Gressoney in the Aosta Valley.
From the head of the Vogna Valley you can reach the Giare Lakes in the Artogna Valley through Colle della Meia and hike down a long route (more than 14Km) in an unpolluted Alpine environment leading to Campertogno, where you can visit the Parish church dedicated to Saint James and other artistic monuments. We suggest sleeping at the CAI rest point at Alpe Campo.
Alpe Maccagno is the place where the famous “Toma del Maccagno” cheese is produced. This dairy product is made with a very ancient technique, using the milk coming from a single milking at its natural temperature. It is a Slow Food Presidium cheese, which has applied to obtain the Protected Designation of Origin and the corresponding product specifications.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 4 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.799140000000, 7.908830000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.788380000000, 7.866080000000 |
| Lunghezza | 4.70 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 3 ore |
| Quota massima | 2480 m |
| Dislivello salita | 1031 m |
Description
Leg 4Peccia – Ospizio Sottile Hut
From Peccia (1449m) hike up through Alpe Montata to the beautiful basin of Alpe Larecchio (2044m.), where you can find accommodation. From this point, keep on climbing and reach the famous Ospizio Sottile Hut at Colle Valdobbia (2480m).
In this pass, known from the 18th century, a first facility was built in 1787 to give shelter to the migrants heading towards France and Switzerland. However, it was the Canon Nicolao Sottile who paid to have the first hut built and accomplished in 1823, following an accident that occurred in 1820. He took this decision because he knew very well how dangerous that route was, because of the high number of avalanches.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 5 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.788380000000, 7.866080000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.837170000000, 7.880730000000 |
| Lunghezza | 10.30 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 11 ore |
| Quota massima | 3320 m |
| Dislivello salita | 1056 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 1033 m |
Description
Leg 5Ospizio Sottile Hut – Don Luigi Ravelli Bivouac
From the Ospizio Sottile hut (2480m) hike down to the Vogna Valley for approx. one hundred metres, then take the path on the left and start climbing. Go past two exposed sections, continue through stony pastures and reach Colle di Valdobbiola (2635m). From here, hike down to Aosta Valley and arrive at Passo dell’Alpetto (2769m): pay particular attention to this stretch, as the soil is unstable and slippery. Return to the Valsesia side, pass by a 15m long slab and arrive at the Nero del Rissuolo Lake (2667m) through a long traverse. From this point you can hike down to the Bianco Lake and then to the Refuge A. Carestia at Alpe Pile Vecchie (2201m), which is open in summer. You can spend the night here or hike down to Peccia, Riva Valdobbia and Alagna to reach the hamlet of Otro for an overnight stay and then head towards Alpe Pianmisura to continue the itinerary.
An expert hiker can climb Passo dell’Artemisia (where there is a fixed chain) and continue along the gullies of Bocchetta del Forno. From this point you can start ascending to Corno Bianco (3.320m). From Bocchetta del Forno, follow the ridge up to Bocchetta di Puio, then hike down to the remains of the Puio glacier. Pass through it and arrive at Passo della Pioda, Tailly Lakes and Otro Valley. Through the screes you can reach Colletto Tailly and then the unattended CAI Bivouac “Don Luigi Ravelli” (2503m), where you can sleep.
The section stretching from Passo dell’Artemisia up to Colletto Tailly is an Alpine route only for well-trained and suitably equipped hikers.
In the Corno Bianco area there is a large colony of ibex. This ungulate was almost extinguished in the Alpine arc; only a community survived in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Thanks to dedicated programmes, it was reintroduced in the second half of 1970s. From that moment on, it widely spread over Valsesia too. Now the ibex is a stable and large presence on our mountains.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 6 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.837170000000, 7.880730000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.883870000000, 7.928210000000 |
| Lunghezza | 14.30 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 7 ore |
| Quota massima | 2872 m |
| Dislivello salita | 874 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 1802 m |
Description
Leg 6Don Luigi Ravelli Bivouac – Refuge F. Pastore
This is a leg with a moderate progression, but relatively easy and characterised by a slight difference in height uphill compared to a more remarkable one downhill. From the Ravelli Bivouac (2503m) hike down the Otro Valley to Alpe Pianmisura (1848m). From here, climb up again towards Passo Zube and reach Passo Foric (2356m). Hike down to the Olen Valley and reach Alpe Seiwji, where the Refuge Città di Mortara (1945m) is located. A short stretch uphill leads to Bocchetta delle Pisse (2396m), characterised by a small lake and a perfect view on the south wall of Monte Rosa. Then hike down to Alpe Bors (1836m) - Refuge Crespi-Calderini and reach Alpe Pile, where the Refuge F. Pastore (1575m) is located. In the neighbourhood, at Alpe Fum Bitz, you can visit the Visitor centre and the Park Botanical garden, housing the main plant species representing the flora of the protected area.
You can also visit the hamlet of Otro, full of traces of the Walser people, in particular the typical wooden houses with the loggia. The Walsers, coming from Germany, settled here in Valsesia in the 13th century. Their German origin is evident in the names chosen for their settlements, which bear a German name (Follu, Scarpia, Tschukke, Weng, Feglierec, and Dorf).
During the descent to Bocchetta delle Pisse along the Bors Valley, you can see the remains of ancient mine activities. The gold vein running through Monte Rosa was in fact exploited in the last centuries.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 7 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.883870000000, 7.928210000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.904410000000, 7.994000000000 |
| Lunghezza | 14.80 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 7 ore |
| Quota massima | 2485 m |
| Dislivello salita | 1446 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 846 m |
Description
Leg 7Refuge Pastore – Refuge Vallé
During the first stretch of this leg you can admire the south wall of Monte Rosa and its main 4000 peaks (P.ta Giordani, Vincentpiramid, P.ta Parrot and P.ta Gnifetti with the Regina Margherita Hut/observatory). Reach the Refuge Barba Ferrero at Alpe Vigne Superiore (2247m). Continue along the hillside up to Alpe Testanera (2260m), then hike down to Alpe Mitlentheil (1943m). From here, reach Alpe Faller (1970m) and continue up to Colle del Piglimò (2485m), after having left behind you (on your left) the famous mule track leading to Colle del Turlo. The Rima territory starts here: hike down to Lanciole Sup. with its typical terraced houses, then keep on hiking (again along the hillside) up to Alpe Lavazei and Alpe Brusiccia (1943m). The types of stone constructions of all these mountain pastures are particularly noteworthy. Finally, hike up to Alpe Vallé Sup., where the Park Refuge (2175m) of the same name is located.
This leg runs almost entirely through the High Valsesia Natural Park. The Park was created by the Piedmont Region in 1979 to protect the biodiversity, landscape and history of High Valsesia in the municipalities of Alagna, Alto Sermenza (Rimasco and Rima S. Giuseppe) and Carcoforo. In the ‘80s it was enlarged to include the municipalities of Fobello and Rimella. Since 2012 the Valsesia Protected Area Management Authority has been managing the High Valsesia and High Valstrona Natural Park, as well as the Monte Fenera Natural Park.
From the Refuge Vallè you can hike down to Rima, a typical Walser village, and visit the Artificial marble laboratory, which has brought this artistic technique back to life. In the mid-19th century, thousands of families left this small centre to export the art of decorating buildings and churches. Many marble artists coming from Rima worked in some great urban realities all around Europe: in the Habsburg territory, in the young German power and in the Russian empire.
You can sleep in Rima at the Refuge of the Alpe Brusà Park.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 8 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.904410000000, 7.994000000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.913330000000, 8.016380000000 |
| Lunghezza | 4.00 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 3 ore e 30 minuti |
| Quota massima | 2607 m |
| Dislivello salita | 450 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 543 m |
Description
Leg 8Refuge Vallé – Refuge Massero
From the Refuge Vallé, climb among whale-back-shaped rocks, mountain pastures and screes up to Colle del Vallé (2605m). By means of fixed ropes, pay careful attention and descend to the side of the Quarazza Valley, a side valley of the Anzasca Valley (VCO). Follow an unstable - and sometimes covered by snow – scree, and pass through the north side of Pizzo Montevecchio up to Colle della Bottigia (2607m). Climb down the hill through a landscape similar to the uphill one and reach the Refuge Massero, belonging to the Park (2082m).
The Refuge Massero is linked to the Refuge Vallè by a “via ferrata,” recently equipped to climb up Pizzo Montevecchio (2789m).
In the particular environment of this leg, with a little luck you can see the rock ptarmigan. This Tetraonidae is one of the symbols of the Alps: it lives above 1,800 metres and nests at an altitude of 2,800 m. in small holes in the ground beneath stones or among shrubs. In winter this bird has pure white plumage to better blend into the surrounding environment.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 10 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.924930000000, 8.108270000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.910620000000, 8.174450000000 |
| Lunghezza | 8.90 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 4 ore |
| Quota massima | 1600 m |
| Dislivello salita | 392 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 823 m |
Description
Leg 9Rifugio Massero - Colle d’Egua - Alpe Baranca
From the Refuge Massero, pass through Alpe Fornetto and Chignolo along a comfortable
path and climb down to Alpe Selva Bruna. That is the beginning of a track leading to Carcoforo,
a small centre where you can visit the Museum of the High Valsesia Natural Park, some
ancient Walser houses and beautiful churches. You can find also large parking lots, picnic areas
and sports facilities.
Pass through the residential area of Carcoforo, climb up the Egua Valley and follow the GTA itinerary
to Alpe Piovale (1685m) and the Refuge Boffalora P. Majerna. Then head towards Alpe Egua
and Alpe Selletti (1915m) up to Col d’Egua (2239m), where you can find the newly-established
Volpone–Sesone Bivouac. From Col d’Egua hike down to the Mastallone Valley, where you can
reach Alpe Selle through easy passes. From here, hike down to the Baranca Lake and follow its
left bank ending in a narrow stone threshold. Then, through a nice mule track, reach Alpe Baranca
(1566m) and its Refuge of the same name, where you can sleep.
From Alpe Selle you can reach the Anzasca Valley through Colle di Baranca.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 10 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.924930000000, 8.108270000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.910620000000, 8.174450000000 |
| Lunghezza | 8.90 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 4 ore |
| Quota massima | 1600 m |
| Dislivello salita | 392 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 823 m |
Description
Leg 10Alpe Baranca – Roncaccio Sup.
From Alpe Baranca hike down the comfortable mule track to the hamlet of Santa Maria (a GTA stop) and continue to Fobello. At La Piana, climb quickly to Boco Superiore and from here to the hamlet of Belvedere. A short stretch uphill on a comfortable path leads to the panoramic mountain pasture of La Res (1419m). The following descent leads to Roncaccio Superiore, in the municipality of Rimella, where the Refuge Obre Huusch is located.
The descent from Alpe La Res to the hamlet of Roncaccio Superiore runs through a beautiful forest of beech trees and silver firs. Stop here and watch the avifauna: you will see different bird species typical of forest habitats, including several birds of prey.
Map
Attachments
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Codice Itinerario | GTV |
| Tappa | 11 |
| Difficoltà | Escursionismo |
| Classificazione | Provinciale con sviluppo di alta montagna |
| Coordinate partenza | 45.910620000000, 8.174450000000 |
| Coordinate arrivo | 45.916580000000, 8.224000000000 |
| Lunghezza | 8.10 km |
| Tempo di percorrenza | 3 ore |
| Quota massima | 1796 m |
| Dislivello salita | 844 m |
| Dislivello discesa | 90 m |
Description
Leg 11Roncaccio Sup. – Rimella – Bocchetta di Campello
From the Refuge Obre Huusch, descend to Roncaccio Inferiore and continue on the carriage road up to the hamlets forming Rimella, i.e. Chiesa, Sella, and San Gottardo. Then follow the GTA track leading to Bocchetta di Campello (1924m).
The itinerary runs through large mountain pastures, used by farmers producing excellent types of cheese.
Near the hamlet of San Gottardo, we suggest stopping at the chapel called “Posa dei Morti” (The laying of the dead). Until the 16th century, during the winter season, the bodies of the dead of Campello Monti were laid here, before being buried in the Rimella graveyard.
Campello Monti, which is now a municipality, has been governed by Rimella for a long time. It became independent only in 1816.
Rimella is a Walser village and the old people in town still speak the ancient language (tittschu) and wear the traditional costumes during the feast days.