Alta Valsesia Familia

Na een snelle rit met de kabelbaan van Alagna Valsesia naar het Pianalunga-station stap je meteen de hoogalpine wereld in en laat je de grote klim achter je. Vanaf hier klimt het pad gestaag over grashellingen omhoog, tot je een rotsrichel bereikt waar het T3-gedeelte begint. Hier traverseert het smalle pad door ruiger terrein, met hulp van een vaste kabel waar je je handen aan kunt zetten. Na dit stukje wordt het pad weer comfortabeler en loopt over open terrein en kleine beekjes, langzaam zo’n tweehonderd meter omhoog naar een brede kam met geweldig uitzicht in de ruige kom beneden.

De route buigt daarna licht dalend af en volgt een duidelijker pad over alpenweiden, richting het geruis van de Cascata delle Pisse, die in verschillende treden langs de overkant naar beneden stort. Na een laatste traverse boven de kloof daalt het pad directer tussen weiden en verspreide blokken. Al snel verschijnen de rode daken van Rifugio Crespi-Calderini op een klein terras. Daar kun je je installeren in de hut, even bij de beek gaan zitten en kijken hoe het avondlicht over de omliggende toppen strijkt.

Alles bij elkaar is het een mix van rustige klimmetjes, steilere zigzags en een kort, wat technischer stuk met vaste kabel, waardoor de route vooral geschikt is voor zekere, tredvaste families. Ondertussen reikt het uitzicht tot aan Corno del Camoscio, Corno Rosso en de grillige kam rond de Olenpas.

This is a short and fairly relaxed mountain walk, linking two cosy huts along the Vallone di Bors. The route mostly follows the valley floor beside lively streams, with only gentle climbs and a longer descent towards the end. Steep rock walls rise on both sides while small alpages and clusters of larch add variety. It is an ideal stretch for recovering energy, spotting marmots and enjoying the wide views back to the high peaks around Corno d’Olen and the Monte Rosa group.

From Rifugio Crespi-Calderini the path first climbs very slightly across grassy slopes, then bends into the Vallone di Bors. A clear track runs close to the torrent, crossing side streams and passing the pastures of Alpe Murifitcar. The surroundings feel pleasantly wild, with boulders, small waterfalls and occasional marshy patches where flowers grow in late summer. Further on, the route undulates through scattered larches and passes Cascina Lunga and other small alms while gradually losing around three hundred metres of height.

The descent becomes gentler as the valley opens and the path approaches the meadows around Rifugio Pastore. Soon the first buildings and wooden footbridges appear and the track curves towards the hut, set on a broad grassy terrace. After arriving, you can settle into your room, let children play on the flat pastures or visit the small chapel nearby. The hut’s terrace is a perfect place for a lazy afternoon, and strong walkers can add an additional three hour circuit before returning to the hut for the night.

This final section returns from the quiet mountain basin to the lively village in the valley. Almost all of the walking is downhill on good paths and quiet roads, making it a gentle end to the tour. Views remain dominated by the Monte Rosa group behind you, while ahead the valley widens and cultivated slopes appear. Along the way you pass a beautifully painted oratory that marks the transition from high pastures to the inhabited world.

From Rifugio Pastore, follow the main track downhill beside the river, crossing wooden bridges and passing scattered alpages. The path descends through larch woodland and open clearings before meeting a small road. This winds past the Oratory of Saint Mary Magdalene with its colourful frescoes, then continues between chalets and ski buildings such as Mansarda Monte Rosa Ski. Gradually the valley broadens and the route follows lanes and paths through meadows and isolated farms towards the first houses of Alagna.

At the edge of the village, the track becomes a paved street lined with traditional Walser houses and balconies full of flowers. Continue into the historic centre, where shops and cafés cluster around the main square and near the river. Accommodation is scattered through these streets, making it easy to reach your overnight stay. After dropping your pack, you can celebrate the end of the circuit with a stroll through the alleys and perhaps a final drink or ice cream.