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THE UNEXPLORED WILDERNESS OF NORTHERN PIEDMONT

SKI LOCAL WITH GIOVANNI

Giovanni Pagnoncelli, who is responsible for ORTOVOX sales in Italy, takes us to his local mountains in northern Piedmont, close to the border with Switzerland. Giovanni has lived near Domodossola for 15 years. The Monte Rosa massif may be just 30 kilometers away, but Giovanni prefers the wild, pristine mountain world on his doorstep.

“I ALWAYS WANT TO BE DISCOVERING NEW THINGS – ESPECIALLY IN MY OWN BACK YARD.”
(GIOVANNI PAGNONCELLI, ORTOVOX EMPLOYEE)

ON THE CIMA DI VALLE (IT)

Mountains, crags, lakes, rivers – the landscape of Piedmont’s northern tip has it all. Here, Giovanni has everything he needs. One of his favorite tours is the ascent of the Cima di Valle (2593m), to the south of Monte Cistella.

He starts from his own doorstep in Domodossola at 270 meters and uses his e-bike for the first 28 kilometers to Alpe Solcio (1751m), where the approach begins. From here, the elegant mountain and north-facing ascent couloir are already in view – a spectacular sight! The Cistella Diei group is renowned for its cathedral-like appearance – and for the fact that its high rock faces are only accessible via steep couloirs.

REDISCOVERING THE FAMILIAR

DGiovanni likes to climb the Cima di Valle once a year. And each time the ORTOVOX employee rediscovers it as if for the first time. Every mountain has its own unique facets that you can experience in a completely new way each time. That’s the wonderful thing about your own back yard: You know the terrain really well, yet you have the chance to continually explore it in different ways, at different times, and with different emotions. You might tend to think that your home has its limits – but the possibilities are endless.

TOUR FACTS

TYPE: Bike and ski tour
DURATION: 6:30 h
VERTICAL METERS: 2.350 m
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: difficult

Ortovox Tour tips

Ski tour on the Cima di Valle

To the tour description

GIOVANNI’S 5 TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE SKI TOURING

1. TRAVEL BY RAIL OR BIKE

The majority of CO2 emissions result from traveling to and from a starting point by car. So look for tours that can be reached by rail and bus – or in spring perhaps by rail and bike.

2. RESPECT CONSERVATION AREAS

Conservation areas exist to enable wild animals to find a secure refuge in winter. In severe conditions, animals can only survive by using as little energy as possible. So behave respectfully and avoid these conservation areas – even if the largely unspoiled landscape seems irresistible.

3. THINK ABOUT CONTAINERS

These days you should wrap sandwiches in an oilcloth rather than aluminum foil – or carry them in a traditional sandwich box. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug for the approach journey – and for the tour itself take drinks in a thermos flask or (insulated) hydration bag.

4. SUSTAINABLE EQUIPMENT

When buying your equipment, make sure it is of good quality and sustainably produced. If something does get broken, you can always contact the repair service.

5. EAT AND SLEEP LOCALLY

You can also reduce your carbon footprint through your choice of hotels and restaurants. Local specialties are produced in the region and don’t have to be delivered from far afield. What’s more, by doing this you support the local economy.

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