PRESENTATION

Arriving from Vallese in Switzerland beginning in the 12^th century the Walser peoples colonized the areas south of Monte Rosa which include the upper valleys of Gressoney, Alagna, Rima, Carcoforo, Rimella, Campello Monti and Macugnaga. The itineraries which we reproduce here are not the high altitude paths used by the Walsers to cross the Monte Rosa massif but are walks which touch on some points which still conserve tangible traces or artistic and architectural interest connected to the Walser culture.

The area taken into consideration is inside the Natural Park of Alta Valsesia (the upper Sesia valley) in the townland of Alagna. Alagna is the main town in the upper Sesia valley at the foot of Monte Rosa and is situated at an altitude of 1191 metres above sea level. The climate is characterized by cold winters with abundant snowfalls which favour winter sports and by cool, healthy summers which also attract numerous tourists.

The landscape is classical alpine: at the higher altitudes besides mosses and lichens one can find primroses, glacier buttercups, genepy and gentian; lower down at the level of the mountain farmhouses where trans-humance is still practised one can find pastures with clover, nettle and wild mint. The lowest level is characterized by coniferous and deciduous forest with woodland rhododendron and blueberry.

The fauna, which is typical of high alpine altitudes includes larger mammals like the ibex, chamois and marmot as well as the smaller fox, martin, weasel, badger, hare, squirrel and numerous other small rodents. There is also a remarkable avifauna worth of note, the most important being the eagle, imperial raven, wild owl and partridge.