In the footsteps of the population Walser 17th to 19th century

A 6 day trekking which enables you to relive moments in the every day life of the population Walser.

The Walsers were the Alemans, a Germanic population who, in Roman times inhabited part of southern Germany.  With the fall of the Roman Empire, they began to move south through the valleys that now belong to Switzerland.  For 300 years from the 12^th century, migration towards the Alpine zones led to the foundation of numerous colonies in an area stretching from Savoy to Austria.  The Walsers brought with them their culture and their language. 

In the Aosta Valley, the first records of the Walsers’ presence date from the 12^th century.  Settlements were situated throughout the region, especially in the eastern part.  Of the original settlements in the Aosta Valley, only four, the largest have left evident traces: Gressoney and Issime in the Val de Lys, Canton des Allemands in Val d’Ayas and Gettaz des Allemands near Champdepraz in the main valley.

Our trekking takes us back in time to the traditional ways: from milking the cows to the production of cheese.  We visit a magnificent museum at Alagna in Valsesia where one can see how difficult life was in the mountains in the past. 

Day 1

Gressoney st. Jean

Day spent adapting to the mountain environment. Visit the village and learn some history of the Walser population.

Day 2

Gressoney st. Jean - Sottile refuge 2500mt

Approx 4 ½  hours

We depart from the hotel by foot and walk up an easy footpath immersed in nature.  The footpath leads us to the colle di Valdobbia where our first stop is in the Sottile refuge.  Your guide will explain about the flora and fauna of the mountain.

This is the only uphill walk of the tour.

Picnic lunch.

Day 3

Sottile Refuge - Alpe Larecchio 1900mt

Approx 2 hours

We head down from the refuge towards the Val Vogna, this footpath is a spot well known for spotting chamois and marmots.  After approx 2 hours we arrive at our second stop: Alpe Larecchio, they run farm holidays in an breathtaking spot. 

The day will continue by taking a look at the animals and watching and learning about the production of milk and cheese.  The evening will be spent in a baita typical of those in 1700.

Day 4

Alpe Larecchio – Alagna

Approx 4 hours

We continue downhill in the Val Vogna, passing through very old villages, this is another chance to see some mountain wildlife.  We arrive at Alagna at the foot of the Monte Rosa where we settle into the Bed & Brekfast and then have a wander arround this typical mountain village.

Dinner in a typical trattoria

Day 5

Alagna, museum Walser, Waterfalls ‘Acqua Bianca’, Pastore Refuge, Alagna.

Visit the Walser Museum in the village.  Walk from the village to the waterfalls and then onward to the Pastore Refuge.  We will have lunch at the refuge and then stroll back to the village. 

Dinner in a typical trattoria.

Day 6

Alagna - Gressoney la Trinitè (Staffal)

We take the lifts from Alagna up to the colle dei Salati and from here we head down by foot to Gressoney either by foot or with the lifts, as decided by the group.

The tour may be modified by your Alpine Guide based on the weather or if the conditions are deemed to be dangerous for the particpants.

Overall difficulty:

Technical difficulty: