Pian di Boit: pioneer's night

Two days in Italy's truest wilderness. We sleep in a bivouac, we walk in silence.

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Cicogna, the gateway to Val Grande, the largest wild area in the Italian Alps. The route is a loop, and in autumn the beech woods blaze red and gold, with golden afternoon light filtering through the branches. We climb with the Guidders past Alpe Pogallo, a perfect intermediate stop before diving into denser beech forest, where trail markers ask for a bit more attention: that's where Val Grande shows its true face. We reach the Pian di Boit Bivouac, a handful of mountain huts, one of which stays open to hikers year-round: a fireplace, solar panels, a spartan atmosphere that becomes a memory.

Here nature has taken everything back: after the 1968 flood the last herders left, and the forest closed over human traces, creating Italy's largest wilderness area.

5 reasons to join - two days immersed in the wildest corner of the Italian Alps - an authentic night at the Pian di Boit Bivouac - autumn beech woods in full color - the loop route that closes the circle on itself - the charm of a land reclaimed by nature

Who it's for You'll need sure footing and a good sense of direction: this isn't a stroll, but an adventure for those with trained legs.

Come discover Val Grande with the Guidders: two days that stay with you.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

Two days, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day 1

12 km · D+ 1,100 m · D− 200 m · 7 stops · from 09:00

Day 2

10 km · D+ 400 m · D− 800 m · 4 stops · from 08:00

Meeting point 9:00approximate

Back to the cars at Cicogna, 28817, Miazzina, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

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A

09:00MEETING

Meeting at Cicogna with the Guidders

We meet at Cicogna, a hamlet of Cossogno in Val Grande, to set off together with the Guidders: the time is indicative and will be confirmed in the trip's Telegram group. Autumn paints the woods in gold and red, perfect for starting this loop in Val Grande.

B

09:30WATER

Entering the wild Val Grande

We descend into the heart of Val Grande, through beech woods glowing with autumn colours. The narrow trail follows the stream, golden light filtering through the branches.

C

10:00WATER

Crossing the Pogallo stream

We cross the stream at a characteristic ford, clear water flowing over the rocks. The autumn woods reflect in the water for some great photo moments.

D

12:00WATER

Alpe di Pogallo — Lunch break

We stop at Alpe di Pogallo, an ideal halfway point surrounded by autumn foliage, for our packed lunch. The stone huts tell the story of this wild valley.

E

13:00WATER

Towards Alpe Prebusa

We continue along a trail that climbs gently through the beech forest, watching for the faded white-red markers among the fallen leaves. The autumn atmosphere makes every step more evocative.

F

13:30WATER

Arrival at Bivacco Pian di Boit

We arrive at Pian di Boit, where a few stone huts host the essential bivacco of Val Grande Park. Here we close our first day, ready for an authentic night surrounded by nature.

G

18:30BIVOUAC

Night at the bivouac

The night is spent at the bivouac: an essential shelter at altitude, a simple dinner and an authentic mountain experience. Suggested by the system based on the route: please confirm it before publishing.

What to bring

A list made for a multi-day trek: you carry everything you bring, so less is more.

Questions?