The most distinctive element of Formazza Valley is undoubtedly its Walser culture, but in the winter the area is also indisputably the best for cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing.
You can access Formazza Valley by following the motorway until its final exit, trunk road 659 for Crodo/Valle Antigorio and Valle Formazza, and then following signs for Formazza-Cascata del Toce.
After leaving the Riale car park, proceed along the cross-country trails, following the snow groomer trail that marks the route up to the Maria Luisa refuge. If conditions allow it, more adventurous snowshoers can carefully cross the steepest slopes, perhaps avoiding the upper part that joins the plain, which involves greater risk. After the first bends, a breath-taking view opens up behind you. The ascent gradually becomes gentler and the Toggia dam comes into view. The path winds towards the inner plain and the landscape radically changes. Immediately below the dam, on the left, you will come to the Maria Luisa refuge (2157 m) 1h 40m.
Riale (1730 m)
Via trunk road 659 until its end point in the hamlet of Riale.
T
427 m
1 hr 40 min
G20
Maria Luisa refuge is the starting point for other trips: Lago Kastel, Laghi del Boden, Punta Elgio, Val Rossa. Always ask the supervisor about snow conditions and the risk of avalanches.
Info: www.rifugiomarialuisa.it
