Alagna Monterosa Ski

The Alagna sector alone officially offers around 15 km of groomed pistes, running from the gondola departure station at 1,212 metres up to the 3,030-metre Passo dei Salati. The local trail report includes 16 pistes and variants, divided into 6 blue, 6 red and 4 black runs. The total mileage is not extensive, but the descents have considerable vertical development and are generally more technical in character than those on the other sides of the ski area.

Alagna is part of the large Monterosa Ski area, which links Valsesia with the Gressoney Valley and Val d’Ayas on skis. The stated total offer reaches 180 km of pistes, including the main ski area and the satellite resorts. From Passo dei Salati, skiers can descend towards Gressoney-La-Trinité and, crossing Colle della Bettaforca, continue as far as Champoluc and Frachey.

The Valsesian side is served by 7 lifts: one gondola, one Funifor, two chairlifts, one drag lift and two magic carpets. The Alagna-Pianalunga gondola quickly overcomes around 850 metres of vertical drop and leads to the centre of the ski area, at just over 2,000 metres. From Pianalunga, the Funifor reaches Cimalegna and Passo dei Salati, providing a fast link with the Gressoney Valley.

The automatic four-seater Cimalegna-Passo dei Salati chairlift serves the easier, more panoramic slopes in the upper section. The Pianalunga-Bocchetta delle Pisse chairlift is instead a fixed-grip two-seater: functional but slower, it reaches an altitude of 2,400 metres and mainly serves the Mullero pistes. The network is completed by the learner areas at Pianalunga and Wold.

The blue runs on the Cimalegna Plateau are wide, well-exposed and also suitable for less experienced skiers who have already acquired a reasonable degree of independence. Skiing at around 3,000 metres offers sweeping views of Monte Rosa, the Gressoney Valley and, on the clearest days, the Po Valley and a large part of the Alpine arc.

The Mullero piste, together with its variants and the courses used for training, offers more sporting skiing between Bocchetta delle Pisse and Pianalunga. The route alternates open sections, changes in gradient and narrower passages, making it particularly interesting for intermediate and advanced skiers.

The best-known run is the black Olen piste, which descends from Passo dei Salati through the long valley of the same name to Pianalunga. It is a spectacular and demanding descent, with wide open high-altitude terrain, sustained steep sections and snow conditions that can change significantly with the wind and aspect. From Pianalunga, the Alagna piste continues towards the valley floor, forming a total descent of more than 1,800 metres of vertical drop.

The ski-in return to the village is long and includes some technical sections. The lower part passes through the forest and is more affected by high temperatures and a lack of natural snow. On spring days or during periods with less snow, it may therefore be preferable to return to Alagna by gondola.

Beginners find simpler terrain in the small Wold area, located just above the village and separate from the main lifts. The drag lift serves one blue run, one red run and several short variants, while a dedicated area allows visitors to learn and use bobsleighs and sledges. A second learner area with a magic carpet is located at Pianalunga, directly within the main ski area.

Alagna’s most authentic vocation, however, remains freeride and ski touring. From Passo dei Salati and, continuing on the Gressoney side, from the 3,275-metre Punta Indren, skiers can access famous routes such as Balma and Malfatta, as well as numerous descents through the Bors, Otro and Olen valleys. Some routes involve more than 2,000 metres of vertical drop, crossing glaciers, high-mountain slopes, forests and old Walser settlements.

Punta Indren does not serve ordinary groomed pistes and must be regarded as an access point to the high mountains. Off-piste routes require knowledge of snow conditions, complete avalanche-rescue equipment and navigational skills. Those without specific training are strongly advised to rely on local mountain guides.

The ski area’s main limitation is the relatively small number of local pistes. When the Passo dei Salati link is closed because of wind or bad weather, the opportunities for alpine skiing are significantly reduced. Beginners must also take into account the separation between Wold, Pianalunga and the upper pistes of Cimalegna. Skiers with a reasonable level of technique can, however, use Alagna as a base from which to explore the entire Monterosa Ski area.

In summer, the lifts provide access to Pianalunga, Passo dei Salati and Punta Indren, starting points for hikes and mountaineering routes in the Monte Rosa massif. From the valley floor, visitors can also explore Val d’Otro, Val Vogna, the Acqua Bianca waterfalls and Rifugio Pastore, while more experienced mountaineers can use Alagna as one of the access points to Capanna Gnifetti and Capanna Margherita.

Alagna is recommended above all for advanced skiers, freeriders and anyone looking for an authentic mountain setting, with major vertical drops and high-altitude terrain. The local groomed pistes are not numerous, but Olen, Mullero and the long descent to the village have a strong character. The links with Gressoney and Champoluc greatly expand the offering, turning the small Valsesian sector into the gateway to one of the most fascinating ski areas in the Western Alps.