Backpacking North Piedmont: 4 Days Hut to Hut Trek natural park

For a seamless start to your trekking journey, we recommend arriving one day in advance. The most convenient options are staying near Milan, at a Malpensa Airport hotel, or in the charming town of Domodossola if you are already traveling through Italy. Arriving early is the best solution to ensure you are relaxed and ready for our morning meeting and subsequent transfers into the Lake Maggiore Alps. Please note that this pre-trek accommodation is not included in the package.

Our backpacking Piedmont adventure begins with a private transfer from Milan (departing from the Molino Dorino M1 subway station at 7:00 AM) to the mountain village of San Domenico.

From San Domenico, we ascend to the dramatic “Sentiero Balcone.” This panoramic path offers immediate, breathtaking views of the elegant silhouette of Monte Leone, the highest peak in the Lepontine Alps. As we follow this trekking route, we overlook an impressive “orrido”—a deep, rugged rocky gorge carved by ancient glacial streams.

The trail winds through lush alpine pastures before a gentle descent brings us to the heart of Alpe Veglia and our cozy alpine hut. Here, we will visit a traditional local farm to discover the authentic secrets of high-altitude cheese production.

Distance: 6 Km Difficulty: medium Elevation gain/loss: 600 m up 250 m down walking hours: 3 h 30 min

This historic path serves as a timeless link between two vast alpine pastures, where cattle and goats have grazed for centuries. As we trek through flower-filled alpine meadows and follow the banks of lively mountain streams, you will enjoy a superb panorama of Monte Leone.

Upon reaching the mountain pass, the glacier views expand to reveal the majestic peaks surrounding Alpe Devero, including Monte Cervandone, the Helsenhorn, and Punta della Rossa. From here, a scenic descent leads us into a marvelous glacial valley, eventually reaching the serene Alpe Devero plain and our welcoming mountain hut.

Distance: 15 Km Difficulty: medium-demanding Elevation gain/loss: 930 m up 1.060 m down walking hours: 6

This superb route weaves through lush alpine pastures, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and vast mountain meadows offering incredible views at every turn. Leaving the peaceful Alpe Devero plain, we ascend toward the charming hamlet of Crampiolo. After exploring this historic shepherd’s settlement, we continue toward the Great Lake of Devero—famously known as “Small Canada” for its striking resemblance to the wild scenery of Banff.

The trek then leads us higher to discover hidden alpine lakes with their unique high-altitude vegetation. Along the way, we pass through a traditional mountain pasture where you can witness the “heroic” production of the world-renowned Bettelmatt cheese.

Finally, we reach the day’s highest point at a mountain pass, revealing a wonderful panorama across the Swiss border. The descent is equally breathtaking, winding past serene lakes and rolling prairies toward our welcoming mountain hut.

Distance: 14 Km Difficulty: medium-demaning Elevation gain/loss: 1.000 m up 500 m down walking hours: 6

From our cozy alpine hut, we ascend toward the Nefelgiù Pass, dominated by the imposing “Ban’s Horns.” This climb offers a spectacular panorama and intimate glacier views of these unique, jagged peaks. As we descend through lush alpine pastures, the stunning Morasco Lake comes into focus. This reservoir holds a hidden history: a small village remains submerged beneath its waters, sacrificed for the construction of the dam.

Continuing our backpacking journey to the foot of the lake, we finally reach the charming village of Riale. Here, you can admire its picturesque church and discover the curious, “heroic” story of this high-altitude settlement.

Distance: 8 KmDifficulty: medium Altitude gain/loss: 400 m up 850 m down walking hours: 4
logistic: taxi transfer to collect the car at the starting point and transfer to Domodossola, Malpensa airport or Milan.