As well as in the Formazza Valley, Nordic skiing enthusiasts find their perfect refuge in Santa Maria Maggiore, in the Vigezzo Valley, which hosts a very popular mid-mountain cross-country skiing centre. Located at an altitude of 820 metres, it offers natural slopes that connect the major resorts of the Vigezzo valley through pine woods and beautiful landscapes.
The piste is usually open from early December to March and the number of available kilometres depends on the snow conditions. From Centro del Fondo in Santa Maria Maggiore, there is a 15 km route involving various levels of difficulty: two easy 2.5 km circuits, one medium-difficulty 7.5 km circuit that connects Santa Maria Maggiore to Malesco and a medium-to-difficult circuit that also intersects with the Malesco and Druogno resorts, practically joining the whole of Valle Vigezzo.
Meanwhile, from Valle Loana, which can be reached by car from Malesco, you can access a 5 km circuit just outside Val Grande National Park at an altitude of 1400 metres. This piste is open to everyone and is free of charge. However, it is always advisable to check the opening and accessibility of the piste by visiting the Centro del Fondo’s website.
The Santa Maria Maggiore station in the Vigezzo Valley also allows you to experience the thrill of night-time cross-country skiing on a fully floodlit 2.5 km track: it is the only resort in the whole Ossola Valley ski area that offers this experience. The “by night” piste is available every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 8pm to 10pm.
The Via Belcastro multi-purpose centre offers an equipment hire service, a skiing school and one of the first ski clubs founded in Italy. In between skiing sessions, the ski bar offers snacks and delicacies to enjoy a break in the peaceful Vigezzo Valley.
For more information: centrofondovigezzo.it