Alta Valsesia Familia

This ascent links the traditional village in the Sesia valley with a panoramic hut high above the treeline. The walk is short yet quite steep, ideal for introducing older children to real mountain terrain. Forest shade, rushing streams and open pastures alternate along the way, while the view of the surrounding peaks widens with every turn. Some hikers may prefer to use the lift from the village instead, but following the path on foot makes the arrival at the refuge feel especially earned.

From the bus stop in Alagna, follow narrow streets between wooden Walser houses to the bridge over the Sesia. Cross to the opposite bank and pick up the signed path to the hut. A stony mule track climbs in tight zigzags through larch and spruce forest, soon leaving the last houses behind. The trail crosses small streams, then reaches the pastures of Fum d’Boudma and Fum Diss, before traversing above Alpe Weng di Olen and the meadows of Alpe Zaroli and Alpe Pierno, gaining around seven hundred metres in height.

Emerging from the forest, the path finally reaches a broad grassy shoulder below the rocky summit of I Torru. The hut stands here on a natural balcony, with wide views down to Alagna and across to the peaks closing the valley. After checking into your room, you can relax on the terrace, let children explore the nearby pastures or take a short stroll to neighbouring viewpoints before enjoying a warm meal and a quiet night at altitude.

This varied mountain traverse connects two high huts on a balcony path above the valley. A mix of gentle climbs, steeper zigzags and a more technical section with fixed rope makes the route more demanding and suitable only for surefooted families. Views stretch to Corno del Camoscio, Corno Rosso and the rugged ridge around the Olen pass, while the roar of Cascata delle Pisse accompanies part of the descent.

From Rifugio Città di Mortara the way climbs steadily across grassy slopes, soon reaching a rocky spur where the T3 section begins. Here the narrow path traverses broken ground, helped by a fixed rope that provides security for hands. Beyond this passage, the trail continues more comfortably across open terrain and small streams, gradually rising about two hundred metres to a broad shoulder with superb views into the wild basin below.

The route then turns gently downhill, following a clearer path over pastures towards the noise of Cascata delle Pisse, which plunges in stages down the opposite cliffs. After a final traverse above the gorge, the path descends more directly through meadows and scattered boulders. Soon the red roofs of Rifugio Crespi-Calderini appear on a small terrace, where you can settle into the hut, enjoy the stream nearby and watch evening light on the surrounding peaks.