On the Track of the Ancient Walsers – 5 Days

Download Walser Trail Trip Dossiers and Pricing 

Description:  This is a fascinating itinerary to discover traditions and architectural styles of the ancient Walser people, who came from Switzerland to Valsesia in medieval times, bringing central European language and customs. With your personal local guide you will pass through meadows to plunge into unforgettable natural scenery, under the majesty of Monte Rosa glaciers.

The trekking starts in Alagna(1200m), the main tourist resort in Valsesia under the Monte Rosa massif(4634m).  You will walk on the ancient mule track up to Otro village(1664m), this is a wonderful original Walser settlement, you will spend your first night at Zar Senni hut.

The day after you will go through mountain pastures up to “Zube” pass (2874m) where, if you are lucky, you will see Ibexes; crossing the western side of Corno Rosso you will reach Col d’Olen(2880m) for your second night at Città di Vigevano hut.

During the third stage of your trek you will go down the Olen valley to Pianalunga(2000m) and then up to Bocchetta delle Pisse(2390m). Then you go down to the Pastore hut (1570m), through Alpe Bors, with a wonderful sight on Monte Rosa, where you will spend the third night.  On the fourth day you make a circular walk on the track under the glaciers and moraines of the south face of Monte Rosa, through Testa Nera and Barba Ferrero hut and then back to the Pastore hut. On the last day of your Walser trek you will go down to Alagna and then up to Alpe

Campo(1846m) overlooking a lovely lake at the bottom of Tagliaferro mount.

Difficulty: Excursion

First day: Alagna 1200m-Otro 1664m. (Zar Senni hut)

• Difference in level: 500m. (up)
• Time: 1,30 hrs.

Second day: Otro 1664m.- Col d’Olen 2880m. (Città di Vigevano hut

• Difference in level: 1350m. (up)
• Time: 7-8 hrs.

Third day: Col d’Olen 2880m.-Alpe Pile 1570m.( Pastore hut)

• Difference in level: 400m. (up), 1700m. (down)
• Time: 6 hrs.

Fourth day: Alpe Pile 1570m.-Testa Nera 2200m.-Alpe Pile 1570m. (Pastore hut)

• Difference in level: 625m. (up), 625m. (down)
• Time: 5 hrs.

Fifth day: Alpe Pile 1570m.-Alpe Campo 1846m.-Alagna 1200m.

• Difference in level: 550m. (up), 750m. (down)
• Time: 3,30 hrs.

Accommodation and food:  Every night’s accommodation is in a traditional mountain hut, so you will sleep in big rooms with bunk bed or in smaller rooms with 4-6 bunk beds (It depends on hut).  It is not possible to have single or double rooms.  Accommodation is on half board basis and you will need to bring your own sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner.  It is possible to buy snacks for lunch at the hut.

Clothes and equipment:  Backpack (about 35 - 40lt), mountain walking boots, waterproof mountain jacket, rain-cover, sleeping bag liner, personal toiletries, towel, solar protection and sunglasses, hat, mid-layer mountain clothes, headtorch, water bottle, trekking poles, binoculars and camera.  Each person will carry his or her backpack with all the necessary equipment for the trekking – remember light is right!  So backpacks should not be packed too heavily.

Ideal time to go:  From late June to first week of September

Bookings & reservations:  Normally for these Zuba trips reservations and payments must be made at least one month before the start date of the trek.  (It may possible to add some people to your trip after the reservation, it depends on hut’s availability).

What’s included:

• Personal qualified guide
• Accommodation - 4 nights
• Breakfast and Evening meals

Whats’ not included:

• Airport Transfer - you may wish to rent a car - Zuba Ski can arrange transfers
• Drinks & Pack lunches (these can be purchased in the Mountain Huts)
• Accommodation you may wish to book with Zuba Ski for before and after the actual trek
• Personal Travel Insurance