The Great Alpine Crossing (GTA) is one of the greatest ambitions for the hard-core mountain enthusiast. From the Mediterranean across the western Italian Alps to the Lepontine Alps, the GTA is the way to become intimately acquainted with the mountains and their resources.
The Valsesia is obviously part of this long excursion opening at Colle del Maccagno and continuing across the Valsesian mountains along the historical trails set by the first Walser colonies: Sant’Antonio in Val Vogna, Rima, Carcoforo, Santa Maria di Fobello, and Rimella, crossing hills and valleys until entering Campello which borders with Val Strona. In all these areas are GTA-affiliated points and are not to be missed as they are as enchanting as the Valsesian mountains in general and well-worth any deviation to the core itinerary.
The most important “deviation” to the Valsesian nature hike is the trail proposed by the Monte Rosa Tour which departs from Alagna, down the Sesia valley.
The extraordinary though demanding circular trail winds for days, hugging the entire mountain massif and engages many sites outside the Valsesia area like Macugnaga, Saas Fe, Grachen, Zermatt, Cervinia, St. Jacques and Gressoney.
All that is required is the desire to walk in the mountains over great distances, calmly, carefully, with correct physical preparation and essential mental and spiritual openness to totally appreciate and contemplate the awesomeness of Monte Rosa — heart of rock and ice of the Valsesia and the epicentre of tourism to the area.