English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
EspañolElisa Valente's blog
After many ski on Neveazzurra slopes, and before realizing other reportages in other ski stations of the area, Wednesday, March 4th Giancarlo and I, decided to take a relaxing break and live the experience of an outdoor spa bath , surrounded by snow.
Our destination is Premia, in Antigorio valley. It’s in the village of Cadarese, 800 meters of altitude, which just under a year ago opened the spa, surrounded by mountains and natural parks. A structure with indoor and outdoor pools where you can dive into the water naturally warm thanks to the thermal source, and where, in a few months, a real health club will open: it can offer treatment, care, and hours of simple relax. Reaching Premia is very simple: you have to take the highway 33 of Sempione, exit to Crodo, take the road 659 to Valle Antigorio, pass Premia and, within few minutes, you reach Cadarese. A half hour from Domodossola, little more than an hour from Milan.
We arrive at the Spa in the early afternoon and it snows. We are lucky because we can experience the thrill of being immersed in hot water and feel the snowflakes settle on our faces.
The Spa of Premia is a modern building but perfectly integrated into the surrounding environment. The source of hot water was found in the area Longia in the early nineties, during a geological survey for the study of a new hydropower plant, but the presence of this source of hot water is documented by a bull of the Pope Paul IV in 1556.
Hyperthermal new source of water flow at a temperature above 40 °: they are particularly suitable for the treatment of bronchitis, in inflammatory diseases of the upper air-ways than in diseases of gynecology, in articular diseases and especially in care of dermatology.
The internal and external tanks, where the water temperature is 36 °, however, offer the opportunity to spend a few hours of pure pleasure and relax, just spoiled by the warmth of the water, or the Jacuzzi.
We go to the reception to meet Linda, who provides us with the electronic bracelet with which we can access to the pools, enter and exit from the area, perhaps to bring us to the bar for a snack or a coffee. But first of our bathroom, we meet the director Daniela Rossi, who shows us the plan of the Wellness Center.
The Center, which will be inaugurated by the end of June, will be located on the ground floor of the structure. There will be a dry, a wet and a therapeutic area.
In the dry area you can relax with Herbal baths, emotional showers, micronized showers, waterfalls, turkish bath with thalassotherapy, steam baths. The atmosphere is very cozy and relaxing, with soft lights and mosaics on the floor and walls.
In the wet area, you can experience the Kneipp hot, the hay bath, experience showers and many saunas: finnish and bio sauna with light therapy. The entire path may be carried out in two hours, but it will be possible, depending on your needs, access to only one of two areas, or both.
I book for trialling experience in the new Wellness Center and, after saying goodbye to Giovanna, one of the spa employer, I reach the female changing rooms
The rooms are quite big, well equipped and also allow a degree of privacy.
From there, there is a direct access to indoor pool, which offer different opportunities.
The recreational pool for adults has a depth of 120 cm and a temperature of about 30 ° C. in winter and 28 ° C. summer.
This is the pool connected with the external tank, where you can enjoy a hot bath outside even in winter. And that's what I want to do now, so I reach out.
It’s truly fascinating! The water is warm and gives off fumes of steam that warms the head and do not feel the cold.
It snows more abundant and is delightful to perceive the flakes that melt on the face. The girls at the desk advised me to remain immersed in the water as possible and I follow their directions. The surrounding landscape is truly amazing.
The tank is equipped with four positions for the vertical massage jets to wall and three positions for cervical jets. I wait for my turn and I also relaxes me under the jet of hot water.
I'll be back in the indoor pool, and I devote myself to the vascular path. These are two parallel rectangular tanks six meters long and 75 cm deep for the cold area (18 ° C) and 90 cm for the hot zone (at 36 ° C).
The tanks are equipped with 14 whirlpool jets to enjoy the benefits of this path, you need to move alternately in the two pools for at least 20 minutes. This way you can download the lower limbs by reducing the swelling and the sensation of heaviness. A blessing for us women!
After the vascular path, immerse myself in the hot tub, 102 cm deep with water at a temperature of 36 °. There are 5 beds jet and two thermal jets, 2 jets spa area with massage chairs and 8 at high pressure.
The whirlpool, it is known, creates a relaxing and soothing action, and favours the relax of nerves and muscles helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
In addition to these tanks, there is also one used for the practice of gymnastic exercises, and one for the free swimming (both with a depth of about 120 cm and water temperature of 28 °), plus a pool reserved for children 60 cm deep with water at 30 degrees.
These tanks are used for courses for children and for courses in water gymnastics aimed at adults and the elderly.
In hot water, to avoid the risk of blood pressure to drop, you can remain submerged for no more than twenty-five minutes and, after another twenty minutes spent out of the tub, you can return to bathe with tranquillity.
You can sit on one of the many beds available to the public, or go to the bar for a snack break.
Our afternoon of relax is complete, but we would certainly have been to let us pamper you, including a whirlpool and the other.
We give our electronic bracelet to Linda (two Linda at the Spa!), drink a coffee at the bar, and return to the valley.
Premia Spa is open daily except Monday, and for friends of Neveazzurra there is a special promotion: show the ski-pass to one of our stations to get an immediate discount of 10% off.
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
Being in the snow with skis on the feet, looking to Lake Maggiore. It seems incredible but, few km above Premeno, on Verbania hills overlooking the town, lies the ski resort of Pian di Sole, at a height of little more than a thousand meters.
The temperature is delightful, the sun begins to be warm, and by leveraging the exceptional opening on Wednesday of the Carnival week, Giancarlo and I go to the discovery of Pian di Sole.
Far from the lake only few kilometers here there are ski slopes
Left Verbania, where you can already smell the Spring, we take the main road from Intra to Premeno. About ten km, and crossed the town overlooking Lake Maggiore, we travel even a few km to Pian di Sole. Few corners again and we reach the parking of the ski resort, placed right on board equipment.
A great convenience: you can park your car, prepare the equipment and, in a moment, you can reach the ticket office, with skis on.
The training, of the slalom national team.
Pian di Sole is the ski resort of Verbano: it offers easy runs, suitable for beginners, but also a pair of slopes with respectable inclination, enough to have been chosen this year by the Italian slalom national team and Switzerland for their trainings. A field school for juniors and a baby tracks served by ski-lift, and four more runs between red and blue are served by ski lifts, for a total of 3 km, make Pian di Sole a station suitable for practice and fun.
The landscape in which it is inserted is also fantastic, set among the woods of conifers and with a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore. The temperature is certainly not that of the high mountain resort and the sun warms your face nicely.
Ski-pass ticket for families.
We take our ski passes, and the prices are very competitive: the holiday day cost 20.00 €, the early morning and afternoon 15.00 €. Residents in the town of Premeno can ski all day at 13.00 €, while for kids and children are even more discounted prices. At Pian di Sole you can ski on Saturday and Sunday all day, in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday. Holiday periods such as Christmas and Carnival, there are other openings midweek. Also on sale are the point cards, especially suited to children, novice, made a few climbs at a time.
A baby to learn to ski
We cross the field school and go down until the start of the ski lift baby. The track reserved for children is wide, with very little uphill and facing directly to the entrance of the station. Parents can sit quietly on a deckchair in the sun and follow closely the lessons of the children. We meet the ski teacher, and Roberto Notaris. He explains that in Pian di Sole, there is no real ski school, but at the station are on duty five teachers who lend their work as freelancers.
Roberto is teaching to a tiny skier, a child of three years. For the next year is planned to establish a real ski school.
This is confirmed also by the director of the company, Stefano Brusa, who also anticipates the intention to start as soon as possible a rental equipment shop.
From the summit overlooking the lake
We heat on the baby and then reach the start of the ski lift that will take us at the top of the station.
We are curious to see the view and, once on top, we are enchanted to see the lake. Despite the humidity and light fog, the view below is priceless, as are the mountains that surround us.
And now let's try the slopes!
We face the first track, the Rieno, called la Lunga. The snow is pretty compact and well beaten. The track is almost entirely at our disposal: there were few people, accomplice the exception opening week, and it seems almost unbelievable not having a crow at the ski lift and be able to wander the slopes!
We go back and this time we go down the track of the national team, the Muro. Here in recent months, the national slalom team came to get trainings.
How exciting tackle the 750meters track crossed by Giorgio Rocca! It’s slope with a good inclination, served by snowmaking and that the snowcats of Pian di Sole made even more technique, well bottom with the artificial snow.
But Giancarlo on the "Boschetto" doesn’t joke!
But we still have two tracks to be discovered, and so we go back to the ski lift. This time we face the side trail, the Boschetto.
It’s a pretty steep narrow, that next year will be enlarged. While I proceed with caution, Giancarlo leave me the camera, jumps and starts to have fun while I, for once, pay to be the photographer. I must say .... Truly a brilliant style.
Once again down to the ski lift for the final slope. Going down the slope Canalone, return to the training camp, even to talk to the teacher Roberto Notaris and Maurizio Scudeletti, one of the members of Piandosole sci.
And in summer .... grass skiing
We discover that in Pian di Sole you can ski even in summer! Maurizio shows me a grass ski and I’m explained that the big lawn of the school field, now covered by snow, in summer turns into an area suitable to practice this fascinating sport. And Stefano Brusa, the director, confirms that even on Saturdays and Sundays in summer at Pian di Sole, is possible to do this sport for free: the company also offers the equipment. We hope of course to return this summer to experience the thrill of the grass ski.
For lunch there is Genzianella
We say good-bye to Roberto and Maurizio, and let's have a coffee at the restaurant Genzianella, overlooking the slopes. We find Mario who explains that the restaurant offers a la carte menu with typical dishes of the area and that the skiers, with little more than 10.00 €, can refresh themselves with polenta accompanied by damp.
Pian di Sole, an evolving station ...
Pian di Sole is a really charming place, both for the environment in which is inserted the ski resort and for the warmth of an establishment managed by a group of fellow enthusiasts. A location that this year, accomplice the abundant snow and the reopening of second homes in the surrounding hills, is experiencing renewed vigor. The projects and proposals for next year are many, and we are confident that Pian di Sole will have a long life.
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
Macugnaga has thousand faces, small pearl at the feet of Monte Rosa, a beautiful resort to enjoy both in summer and winter, the only one who has two ski districts
After the Belvedere station, suitable for children, beginners and for more experienced people, Friday 13 March our destination is the 2868 meters of Monte Moro.
Monte Moro, a true mountain
A high altitude resort, overlooking Monte Rosa, where the mountain is the real one, with all its virtues and its defects. Like the wind, which recently has continued to blow strongly and that has forced the people in charge to keep the station closed for several days in this month of March. But Giancarlo and I have not been discouraged, and after several postponements, finally Friday 13th, a date so hated by the superstitious, brings us luck.
Sunniest day, but with forecasts of weak wind at high altitude. We reach the village of Staffa of Macugnaga, and turn right into the cableway.
Cable car to reach altitude 3000
To reach the 2868 meters of Monte Moro we have to take two cableways: the first leads to Alpe Bill, 1700 meters altitude, the second cable car instead leads right to the Moor. Just over a quarter of an hour journey in total, almost 1500 meters in altitude, to be catapulted into one incredible scenery and skiing on snow at high altitudes.
At the ticket office of Pecetto we meet Chiara who provides us our ski-pass and we go up by cable car.
There are British and German skiers with us: we are still in active winter sports holiday and the presence of foreign tourists is still marked. Ten minutes and we arrive to Alpe Bill. A couple of flights of stairs to the station of the second cable car that climbs steeply to the summit.
Here we are at the presence of Monte Rosa
At Pecetto, and also at Alpe Bill, the temperature is very pleasant but just outside the exit of the station of Passo Moro, we immediately understand that this is not a joke. The sun is always there, bright, the sky is clear, but the temperature and the wind makes us fall back in the middle of January.
Worn gloves and cap, we're ready to see the Monte Rosa. We soon get used to the temperature changes and we look around: the snow is beautiful, and is waiting for us!
Hook and reach the first ski lift, the San Pietro. Only 320 meters long, with a drop of 75 meters, it is ideal to get warm. But this is not a baby ski lift: this plant also serves the black Pista delle Roccette, and the most famous of the slopes of Monte Moro, Meccia.
Unfortunately, reached the top, the bitter surprise: both slopes are closed due to wind and the subsequent risk of avalanches. Meccia, a very long slope 4 km, is a red run which, together with a variant Meccia Bis, leads to the intermediate station of Alpe Bill. It’s defined by many, including friends of our community, the most beautiful slope of Neveazzurra.
Unfortunately, today we can not go, but we intend to return as soon as possible to verify that and to enjoy the panorama.
At Moro, the most panoramic slopes of Neveazzurra
At Mount Moro, we really can not think of being bored: in the area there are two blue slopes, served by two lifts San Pietro and Smeraldo, the red track lifts Lago served by the ski-lift Joder , which is open only in case of large turnout of skiers, and by the chairlift Ruppenstein. This facility also serves as the eponymous track Ruppenstein, its variant and the variant of the Lago.
The Smerando ski-lift (closed for the wind) serves the Pink Snow Park (also closed because of flooded by heavy snow days) and the two blue runs of San Pietro.
But there's more: there are also two black runs, the Roccette and Roccette Bis, reachable by chairlift Ruppenstein. In short, you are spoiled for choice!
We return to the departure of the ski lift San Pietro where we meet the officer Beppe.
He gives us some indication, and we are recommend to warm up the muscles along the slope Lago up to the chairlift. Once recovered, we can descend along the Lago, take the Moro-Bill with which reaching the intermediate station at Alpe Bill.
It’s a beautiful six-mile descent (plus 1 km and a half of the Lago), which is going to be very beautiful but also challenging, especially in the last part, because the temperatures, falling sea level, will rise inexorably.
From Moro to Alpe Bill, 8 km and 1000 meters of difference in level
We rushed along the Lago trail: it is wide, with fine powdery snow, well beaten, really nice. We reach the chairlift and up again, ready for our 8 km uninterrupted. What can a skier want more?
The path at the last part begins to become laborious, at least for me, but the silence, nature and landscape of the place makes you forget all the efforts, falls (mine) and satisfy the senses.
Along the track we stop several times to admire the Monte Rosa then, after half hour, we finally reach the Alpe Bill.
While we rested, we catch a glimpse of two ski mountaineering, the hides are going to ski down the slope to Alpe Moro. That’s' trouble, and so I understand that it's time to get up and start over.
Lunch at Cai Refuge
Let us take the cable car and back to the high mountains. It’s one and we decide to stop for lunch. At Alpe Moro you can stop for a rest in the station, reachable also by feet, or at the Cai refuge, two hundred meters from the station, where you can also stay overnight and watch the sunrise and sunset on Monte Rosa.
We opt for the latter and allow us a warm meal before getting back on track. At Monte Moro is possible to eat a quick sandwich, or the specialties of the Valley Anzasca. The prices are good, and different promotions are made for skiers.
At Moro is possible to ski until May 1st
After lunch, there's time to ski some more ': the snow, despite of the time and season, continues to be pretty compact and at this altitude is not affected by the rise in temperatures. At Monte Moro in fact you can ski up to the beginning of May 1st.
It 'time to get back to the valley and I decide to take the cable car.
Giancarlo instead wants to take some pictures so we give us an appointment at the intermediate station. From there, in a moment, we are again in Staffa.
Stop at the bar in the square of Macugnaga
A stop in the village for a drink in the square is a must and makes us feel almost on holiday. We meet some friend, we turn to greet Cristina of the Tourist Information Office, and we sat down in a table next to a bunch of English boys.
Macugnaga confirms once again to be a ski resort with a thousand resources, able to fully satisfy the needs of families with children as well as those of young boys in search of fun, both on snow and in the evening.
Nature, fun, culture and traditions make Macugnaga a country .... with thousand faces.
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
The Riding Club “Lo Sperone” is placed in Santa Maria Maggiore, in Vigezzo Valley. Taking the Strada Statale del Sempione, it is easily reachable from the exit of Masera.
I decide to make my walk one Saturday afternoon: the riding school is very crowded! But there are horses for everyone ... in fact, there’re 23 horses and 25 ponies: for all tastes and all races! Groups of walks can reach a maximum of 10 people.
As I wait for the return of the group who went before us, I take the time to have a chat with the owner's daughter.
Graziana tells me that the riding satisfied the needs of adults and children with the possibility (even for those in his first ride) to take relaxing walks through the pine forest from Santa Maria Maggiore to Druogno (17,00 € for one hour) or rent ponies that can be carried by hand from the parents of younger (aged 4 years, 30 minutes: 7.00 €). For further information please contact Gaetano: 328/97388867 or Massimiliano: 349/8103035.
It is also possible to have both western and English riding lessons (19,00 € for one hour)
It's three o'clock in the afternoon and it’s very hot! I really want to cool in the shade of pine trees ... our moment has arrived! The horses are back (luckily with all the riders in the saddle!) and ready for a new round.
With us there are two companions: one opens and another one closes the row. This will ensure maximum safety, even in case of unexpected ...
We climb into the saddle and leave the back door of the team that allows us to immerse ourselves immediately in the pine forest of Santa Maria Maggiore along a dirt road.
A tip: even though we are in line in a large group, we have always to pay attention where our horse puts his feet. During the walk we can quietly enjoy the spectacle of the surrounding nature but always giving a look at the road and the land on which we are progressing. Unfortunately, you can always run into a can or a broken glass bottle abandoned by people just "civilians" ...
We go inside a dense forest, making the gymkhana in the trees...
This trail connects us to the paved road connecting Santa Maria Maggiore to Druogno. There are short stretches of uphill: all standing up in the stirrups! To help the horse to the hills because you must have a solid set-up.
Continuing our walk we are facing the Parco di educazione stradale of Druogno
This park was created to educate young people to a safe movement, spreading better and earlier knowledge of everything related to the language of the street. The park is a great fun and educational area, which leaves both frontal learning and specific ability. A trainer welcomes visitors to accompany them during the stages of educational development, aimed at a global learning.
In springtime I went here with the children of the school where I teach. They have learned and fun a lot (even the teachers, to tell the truth, no longer wanted to go out of their cars... ). The park is open to families on weekends, do not need an advance reservation, just go to reception to register the activity of the group ... an excellent opportunity to learn but also to spend pleasant hours in company.
(Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10.00,12.30 - 15.00,18.00. From Monday to Friday by appointment
Seasonal: March-October).
It's time to return to the stable ... we reverse the direction of travel, and reviewing new trails through the pine forest!
Once dismounted from my horse, gave it to one component of the new group which is preparing to leave ... His work day is not yet over, while I take this opportunity to drink a cold drink at the snack bar “Lo Sperone”.
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
The Restaurant Bar Pizzeria Campagna is immersed in the green plain of Verampio in Antigorio Valley.
Passed the exit of Domodossola, be careful to the indications for Formazza and Antigorio Valley direction Crodo. Beyond the famous city, renowned for its mineral waters, carry on towards Baceno and soon find a road that leads to Verampio.
I arrive at Campagnola at 10 am and Enrico is already preparing the horses for a walk and ... the little Lucrezia gives him a hand!
Climb over Golia is not an easy task (for its size .. could not choose better name guessed!), but I'm finally in the saddle. Adjust stirrups and reins and head for the outer field where there are other Amazons waiting for me!
Claudia, Veronica, Valentina, Lucrezia… Andrea…
... And Enrico closes the line to keep us under control! The group is ready!
A few hundred meters on asphalt and we are immediately on the trail that from Verampio climbs to Baceno
Lucrezia mounts Starlight: it is only 10 years-old but is already a promise of riding country!
Our horses are two argentinian giants... luckily their size is directly proportional to their goodness!
Destination of our walk: the gorges of Uriezzo. These are accessible from three directions: on a path that starts from the Plain of Verampio (our roadmap today), a path that starts from the road before Pioda and descends to Uriezzo. For the third route, which is also more convenient, it must travel the road that starts under Premia and continues in the direction Crego-Uriezzo in the Gola di Balmafredda, where the valley narrows between two towering rocky ramparts, until you reach the characteristic Oratory of Santa Lucia (where you can park and watch an information panel about the Gorges).
Ice streams, sub-glacial streams, the violent flow of debris between ice and rock, have shaped the landscape today is offered to our gaze. Between the Plains of Verampio and Premia there are meny reports of geological history, particularly fascinating and unique. Ravines, boilers, kettles and ravines create mysterious scenes that give the impression of entering into the bowels of the Earth!
After an half hour of journey, we arrive on the bridge that lies between the exit of the gorge south and the Marmitte dei Giganti. It is always better going across the bridge one at a time. The horses may be frightened about these steps, so it is advisable to maintain a safe distance and have "free rein" to handle any unforeseen.
We continue our walk by adapting the gait to the summer weather, to limit the efforts of our horse: is good that the march takes place mainly at a walk, with a short time at trot. We are nevertheless encouraged by the choice of our itinerary that is definitely cool: sheltered from the sun on a woodland path in the mountains!
We pass the entrance of the gorge but we do not stop because we have to accompany Claudia and Veronica ...
Continue a few hundred meters ...
... And here we are at our first stop in the dirt yard of the church of Santa Lucia, also called "oratory". We greet our friends who continue their walk to Baceno while Lucrezia, Andrea, Enrico and I retraced our steps back along the dirt road, forbidden to cars, along a nice little stone house, enclosed by a fence in the logs.
We follow it until we find the signs for the South Gorge. The descent is just ahead, about a hundred meters, and it is marked by a sign and can be reached by some stairs with wood handrails.
We tie our horses to trees at a suitable distance and we go to visit the gorge.
After a few steps, we are about ten meters below ground and we can walk the whole route by walking quietly on moist soil.
The gorge south is amazing! This is cutting deep into the rock excavated by strong falls in gradual retreat as part of the ancient system of streams that flowed to the bottom of the glacier that once ran through the valley. The peculiarity of the gorges of Uriezzo is the fact that the river that runs through them now doesn’t do that, so you can walk easily walk in them, aided by iron ladders and walkways linking the unevenness of the steps.
We continue the tour by following the signs for the Marmitte dei Giganti. As we dismounted, on the occasion to take a walk and stretch our legs ... led him by hand for about ten minutes. In this way, the horse takes a breath and eased the back that has borne our weight for the whole walk!
Headed Verampio, we stop to admire the typical Marmitte along the current course of Toce river: it’s an incredible spectacle!
When we come back from our riding, which lasted about two hours, a well-deserved drink for the little Lucrezia and for his faithful friend Starlight ... They share everything, even a can of tea!
But the rest of the group wants to refresh! We sit at the table and the chef offers us many possibilities, from starters to dessert. I taste a unique pasta with pesto sauce and anchovies and then a Milanese with chips! (all for the modest sum of 12 €, drinks included). Someone say that riding is a sport where only the horse makes trouble .. I do not share much this thought .. and then, I’m very hungry!
Almost forgot! At the Campagnola is possible also for young people living wonderful adventures with ponies that Enrico makes available to its customers (the cost to rent a pony for half an hour is 7 €, while the cost for the excursion to the gorge is 15 €). For further information or bookings please call 0324/62349 Enrico or 0324/62199
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
“The country riding combines the joy of riding to the pleasure of being surrounded by nature."
It's a beautiful July day and I decide to go to Matteo to take a relaxing walk through the woods of the High Vergante. To reach the stables, leaving the highway in Carpugnino, I follow the road in the direction Massino Visconti and rise to the resort of San Salvatore.
At last I arrive at Camelot!
When I arrive at riding school Matteo asks me if I want to prepare Primavera while he saddled his horse and that of Sara. I have been in this riding school also with groups of friends (all beginners or at their first ride) and Matthew gives to each one the best horse. Also, before leaving, you have to go to the saddle-room to try the caps to find one's own measure: it is always best to get around safely!
We and our horses are ready so... Let’s go!
Leaving the stables, we head towards the woods. A few minutes of asphalt and we are immediately on the path of San Salvatore.
Matteo opens the line, and since he knows the horses and the "hierarchy" within the "flock," he suggests in which order disposing them. This usually happens in every riding. The horses know each other and are used to be so close that, if it should happen that safety distances are not observed, they don’t kick.
In any case, I strongly discourages anyone from overtaking ... you could embarrass the other riders the horses!
While we walk, we have time for a chat and face on what a horse riding is for us, or better, going through the woods with a faithful friend.
After about 15 minutes, we arrive in the area of Cascina Pianzaghi: we are facing an immense expanse of green ... since we are all three experienced riders, Matteo asks us if we want to change walk and obviously we welcome with enthusiasm his proposal ... Gallop!
The horses are very good and respond quickly to our commands.
Our walk continues… other twenty minutes of riding and we are in a very panoramic place: from here we can see the Lago Maggiore.
It is a sight that leaves us without breath ... even more exciting because we can join the spectacular scenery to the happiness to be here with our friends horses!
We are reaching the end of our journey. We come back to the stable, continuing on a path that ends in a ring that reunites with the departure of our tour.
Once dissolved the horses and placed in their stable, I ask Matteo a little more information about opportunities that Camelot offers to who want to ride in the countryside.
He explains that the more experienced riders can practice demanding course of 2 or more hours (ex. at Monte della Croce of Tapigliano or Pizzo del Sasso) with the possibility of organizing tours all day, while the newcomers, using horses accustomed and well trained, can travel distances of just one hour (cost: 15 €), for example, those on the hills overlooking Massino Visconti, offering a breathtaking view from one side of the three lakes and at the other side an endless landscapes until Monte Rosa: these walks want firstly to relax in the green of nature. (For further information or to book a walk, please call Matteo at 0323/210031 or 338/9251832; www.agricamelot.it).
The philosophy of Camelot is the idea that it is fair to give the opportunity to ride even to those who wish to practice this sport sporadically or who just wants to try. This is because someone who had never tried, do not believe that can be a thing they like, others face a substantial initial investment (registration, permission to assemble, pass classes, clothing ...), become discouraged and decide to give up. Many others, however, after a first walk, decide to enroll in courses and some even to pursue the purchase of a horse!
Matteo apre la fila e, visto che conosce bene i sui cavalli e le “gerarchie” all’interno del “branco”, ci suggerisce in quale ordine disporci. Questo accade normalmente in tutti i maneggi. I cavalli si conoscono l’un l’altro e sono abituati a stare vicini così che, nel caso dovesse succedere che non vengano rispettate le distanze di sicurezza, non si calcino.
In ogni caso, sconsiglio vivamente a chiunque di fare sorpassi… potreste mettere in difficoltà gli altri cavalieri del gruppo e far innervosire inutilmente i vostri destrieri!!!
Mentre passeggiamo abbiamo il tempo per chiacchierare e per confrontarci su quello che è per noi l’equitazione, o meglio, l’andar per boschi insieme ad un fedele amico.
Dopo circa un quarto d’ora arriviamo nella zona di Cascina Pianzaghi: ci troviamo di fronte ad un’enorme distesa verde… visto che siamo tutti e tre cavalieri esperti, Matteo ci chiede se vogliamo cambiare andatura e, ovviamente, accogliamo con entusiasmo la sua proposta… Al galoppo!
I cavalli sono buonissimi e rispondono con prontezza ai comandi di chi sta in sella.
La nostra passeggiata prosegue, riprendiamo il passo. Ancora una ventina di minuti e ci troviamo in un punto decisamente panoramico: da qui si vede il Lago Maggiore.
È uno spettacolo che ci lascia con il fiato sospeso… ancor più emozionante perché alla spettacolarità del paesaggio uniamo la felicità di condividerlo con i nostri amici cavalli!
Ci avviamo verso la conclusione della nostra passeggiata. Rientriamo in scuderia proseguendo su un sentiero che si chiude ad anello e ci fa ricongiungere con il punto la partenza del nostro giro.
Una volta dissellati i cavalli e sistemati nei loro box, chiedo a Matteo qualche informazione in più sulle possibilità che Camelot offre a chi vuole svagarsi praticando un po’ di equitazione di campagna.
Mi spiega che i cavalieri più esperti possono praticare percorsi impegnativi di 2 o più ore (ad esempio al Monte della Croce di Tappigliano o al Sasso del Pizzo) con la possibilità di organizzare giri di un’intera giornata; mentre i neofiti, mediante l’utilizzo di cavalli abituati e ben addestrati, possono percorrere tragitti semplici della durata di un’ora (costo: 15 €) come, ad esempio, quelli sulle colline sovrastanti Massino Visconti, che offrono da un lato la suggestiva vista dei tre laghi e sull’altro versante infiniti paesaggi sino al Monte Rosa: passeggiate che hanno come scopo principale quello di rilassarsi nel verde della natura provando emozioni inappagabili. (Per avere maggiori informazioni o prenotare una passeggiata potete chiamare Matteo al numero 0323/210031 oppure 338/9251832; www.agricamelot.it).
Alla base della filosofia di Camelot sta l’idea che sia giusto dare la possibilità di cavalcare anche a coloro che intendono praticare questo sport in modo sporadico o a chi vorrebbe solo provare. Questo perché alcuni non avendo mai provato non credono sia una cosa di loro gradimento, altri di fronte a un investimento iniziale consistente (iscrizione, autorizzazione a montare, abbonamento lezioni, abbigliamento…) si scoraggiano e decidono di rinunciare. Molti, invece, al termine di una prima passeggiata si appassionano e decidono quindi di iscriversi ai corsi e alcuni proseguono anche sino all’acquisto di un cavallo!
Photo gallery
Video Gallery
Macugnaga certainly needs no introduction: the famous tourist resort, popular by near tourists both in summer and winter, mainly from Milan, Varese and Novara, many owners of second homes, but also by visitors from abroad English and French first.
Walser cradle, rich in tradition and culture, Macugnaga lies at the feet of Monte Rosa and its accomodation is really wide: from the typical mountain hotel to bed & breakfasts, to the house to rent for a week or for a year. Businesses, events and exhibitions, meeting places: in short, Macugnaga is, of all places in the Ossola Valley, the most equipped and modern resort in terms of tourist accommodation. But it is also a village set in an incredibly beautiful natural scenery, and endless are the sports that you can practice, both in summer and in wintertime.
Along Anzasca Valley
It’s Tuesday, February 17th and the destination of our reportage is the Belvedere, one of two ski areas of Macugnaga. The day is quite windy, and we know that it will be very cold on the slopes, so we equipped and cover ourselves with care. Giancarlo and I leave Domodossola and drive to the Simplon road until Piedimulera, where we leave the highway and take the provincial road to Anzasca Valley. In just over 30 minutes, despite the wok in progress of making safe of the road, we reach the pearl of the Monte Rosa, at an altitude of 1327 meters.
First stop at the tourist office of Macugnaga
The first stop is in the central square of the town, where the Tourist Information Office is set. We met Cristina, who gives us lot of tourist information brochure. Virtually, in the IAT Macugnaga you can find all sorts of information about what the resort offers: from brochures about tourist attractions, the list of public exercises with their opening hours, until the calendar of events. We are in Macugnaga to ski, but also to visit a truly unique attraction: the Pink Ice Hotel, a prototype hotel realized completely in ice by the Neapolitan sculptor Amelio Mazzella. It was set up in Alpe Burki, at an altitude 1581 meters, directly on the ski slopes of Belvedere area.
Cristina shows us some pictures of the hotel, and explains how to reach the Belvedere. We let her work and take the car once again. We travel all over the village and in five minutes we arrive in Square Pecetto, where is located the departure of the chairlift.
We are waited by the mayor, Giovanna Boldini, and the assessor Davide Rabbogliatti. They tell meeverything about the Pink Ice Hotel, a true prototype hotel in a shortened version (54 square meters) with bedroom, reception, bar and a series of sculptures, located at 1581 meters altitude, at the Alpe Burke of Macugnaga, and made entirely by ice, shaped by the skilled hands of the Neapolitan sculptor Amelio Mazzella, president of the sculptors of ice, with the help of colleagues Pieritalo Torri of Carrara and Bruno Cappelletti from Trento Valsugana. The hotel, I am told, was inaugurated on February 14th and will live up to thaw then, presumably, until the first week of March.
Climb to Burki
In ticket office salute also the director of skiing facilities, administrated by the company Monterosa Star, Filippo Besozzi. The company manages two ski areas, the Belvedere and the Moro. Twelve employees in service throughout the year, assisted by 18 seasonal people during the winter, alternate in two ski resorts.
The area of Burki-Belvedere, where we will focus today, is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. It is served by two chairlifts and a ski lift, and at the departure of the chairlift is also located a school camp for children with a comfortable treadmill and a flat area to become more confident on skis.
There are six tracks, three of which are blue, so pretty easy, served by the first chairlift, that from Pecetto to Alpe Burki, and three red, achievable with the second chairlift, that from Alpe Burki to Belvedere. We start from 1390 meters of Pecetto to reach the 2000 meters of Alpe Belvedere.
Here the Pink Ice Hotel
We go up on the chairlift, and in 15 minutes reach the 1601 meters up the Alpe Burki. Curiosity about the Pink Ice Hotel is great, and so we decide to go there for a visit now. Gone down from the chairlift, take the right and even one hundred yards ahead, we see the dome of an igloo. It’s the ice hotel, overlooking a wonderful point overlooking the valley below.
Take off our skis and we reach the entrance, composed by a sort of dice on ice
Cross the threshold and we find ourselves in the hotel lobby: benches in ice, a small bar with glasses full of wine, a tablecloth.
The atmosphere is very cozy and the temperature is really comfortable (considered the strong wind outside, here it is really good).
On the right we can see the bedroom: a beautiful bed, with a blanket and a couple of pillows. How to resist to the temptation to lie down?
The mattress is very hard, but the feeling is wonderful, the atmosphere hushed, the mood light. It is really good. Browsing a bit around: nothing is left to chance, even the furniture, softened by beautiful ice sculptures. The "Pink Ice Hotel" is a prototype, which next year will become a real hotel. In the next winter season, in fact, will be commercialized stay package with 3 nights to spend in one of the many hotels Macugnaga, and a night at the "Pink Ice Hotel." We are sure that many people will want to experience something truly unique and unforgettable: a night at the foot of Monte Rosa, in a hotel made of ice only.
Let’s ski!
We leave the hotel: it's time to discover the tracks.
We begin to ski down the slope Burki and stop halfway to take the ski-lift which serves the slope Gare.
We go down easily, the tracks are pretty easy and pretty wide, suitable also for those who are not expert.
Ski for a good half an hour, going down also along the other track available, the Fontanone. There's too crowded, and it is clear the presence of a large number of foreign skiers: many British, then French and Swiss.
It 'time for lunch and we return to Pecetto, where we stop to have something to eat (and to protect ourselves a little bit from the wind) and we meet the director, Filippo Besozzi, to let us know something more about Belvedere.
Macugnaga beloved by the English and French.
We ask for information on foreigners we met while skiing, and Filippo confirms that this is the period of white weeks. There are many British who enjoy skiing holidays in Macugnaga (and we have noticed several struggling with skiing lessons), but, with them, there are also French and, new this year, even the Dutch tourists.
The director explains that, during the week, the slopes are not particularly crowded, and it is therefore possible to ski in peace and avoid excessive queues. It’s during the weekend that skiers flock to Macugnaga, and the town revives welcoming hundreds of tourists.
Obviously services to skiers are not absent: in the district two ski schools are active, and there are many sports shops where you can rent the equipment, all located in the village.
Thousands of solutions for ski pass
At Belvedere, as at the Moro, you can purchase a ski pass, choosing from the numerous solutions proposed, from a simple daily (on weekdays costs 22 €, the holiday € 27), weekend packages, to those from three to fifteen days until the season ticket valid for two days a week or every day. The offer is really wide and each one can choose the most advantageous formula to suit his needs.
It is also available ski-pass intended for beginners, who uses only the treadmill at Pecetto and the first chairlift to the Alpe Burki. And non-skiers can always get in the chairlift for a simple walk or for a coffee or lunch in altitude. The restaurant service is rather large: two bar restaurants at the start of the first chairlift, a refuge in the station can also be reached on foot, the CAI refuge at two hundred meters from the station where you can also stay overnight, and a bar directly on the tracks reachable only by skis .
You can ski until May, 1st.
This year in Macugnaga skiing will be possible until May 1st, a very long season, which began in mid-November, with lots of snow and beautiful sunny days. There was no need to shoot the artificial snow, but for seasons less fortunate, it is a service available to snowmaking. The director anticipates us that the chairlifts will be replaced in 2010 and that will be realized the lighting at night.
With the skins on the slopes
At the Belvedere there are good opportunities for lovers of snow-shoes and skins: during the opening hours of the skiing facilities is, in fact, possible to trace down the slopes, which are very large and therefore suitable to accommodate safely even those who love walking in the snow.
And now go up to the Belvedere
We hail Pilippo and put your skis on because we are told that the wind has dropped and that the second lift, leading from Burki to the 2000 meters of Belvedere , is open so let's not waste time. Back into the chairlift and reach Alpe Belvedere. There seems almost to touch the Monte Rosa with a finger and the landscape all around is really impressive.
From Belvedere three slopes branch, all red: the Belvedere, the Ruonograbe and Rifugio. We decide to go down the Refuge. We stop several times to admire the surrounding mountains, and Giancarlo takes the opportunity to take many pictures. All around there is an incredible peace, the mountain, the real one, is a living presence and perceived. It is a really good sensation to be in the midst of all this peace. We get to Burki, where we find many children involved in skiing lessons with teachers, and then down, until the arrival, in Pecetto.
Our day ended, and once again we were able to know and experience one of the most beautiful ski stations of our district. The next time we will go up to the 3000 meters of Mount Moro, to explore the area of Macugnaga, and to meet wild friends of the Pink Snow Park.
Photo gallery
