Difficulty: Intermediate, 1000 m of elevation gain, 20 km, highest point 2500 m.

What does the price include?

Included: Certified Guide, Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included) and Guiddy accident insurance. Not included: Transport.

IT EN

PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE

iWhat does it mean?

The Gries Loop: Through the Scenic Vistas of Upper Formazza Valley

Formazza, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day · Sunday•Hiking · 2,500 m

Experience

Day hikes

Difficulty ?

INTERMEDIATE

Where?

provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte

On your own?

No problem

Points

+20

The Gries Loop: Through the Scenic Vistas of Upper Formazza Valley

Community photos

Overview

The experience

Difficulty

What's included

Itinerary

Carpooling

What to bring

Your guide

Reviews

Questions

WHY THIS HIKE

Gries Loop Trail

A spectacular trek between Italy and Switzerland, where alpine lakes, historic passes, and high-altitude panoramas come together in an unforgettable experience!

Group chat a couple of days before

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

The Gries Loop will take us to discover some of the most iconic places in Upper Val Formazza, including the Gries Pass of the same name with its distinctive mountain shelter, the wide pastures of Alpe Bettelmatt, and the historic Maria Luisa Refuge.

A hike that brings together nature, history, and boundless landscapes, designed for those who love experiencing the mountains in their most authentic form. Come and discover it with us! 🥾🏔️

GOOD TO KNOW

Group chat

It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.

Free cancellation up to 3 days before

For the selected date: by 28 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.

Guiddy accident insurance

Included in the price.

+20 Guiddy points

Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.

Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)

Included in the price.

Not suitable for dogs

This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale

INTERMEDIATE

F+

I+

D+

1,000 m D+ · 20 km · 8 h

Easy

Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.

Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.

Easy Plus

A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.

Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.

Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!

Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.

Intermediate Plus

When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers

Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths

Difficult

Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.

Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.

Difficult Plus

Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.

Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.

Exposure and exposed sections

NONE

No exposed sections reported on the route.

VERTIGO RISK

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO

✓

BEFORE YOU GO

Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8 h and 1,000 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough

✓

IN YOUR BACKPACK

Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED

✓Certified Guide

✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)

✓Guiddy accident insurance

✕NOT INCLUDED

✕Transport

To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain

1,000 m

Max altitude

2,500 m

Distance

20 km

Duration

8 h

Sunday

1 Nov

20 km · D+ 1,000 m · 8 h

The stops · 20 km

Meeting point 8:30approximate

Ss659, 28863 Formazza 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

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

08:30PARKING

Riale, Formazza (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola)

The start of our hike in the Walser village of Riale Formazza (VB)

11:00BIVOUAC

Gries Mountain Hut

An ancient Alpine pass between Italy and Switzerland, where the mountains reveal all their grandeur. A wild, scenic landscape framed by the peaks of the Lepontine Alps and the unmistakable Gries Mountain Hut.

14:30MOUNTAIN HUT

Maria Luisa Mountain Hut

A historic alpine mountain hut set in one of the most breathtaking areas of Val Formazza. The perfect starting point for unforgettable hikes, it offers spectacular views and the authentic atmosphere of the high mountains.

16:30RETURN

Return to Riale

Return to the village of Riale, in Formazza (VB), marking the end of this wonderful adventure.

How do you get to Formazza? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING

for the selected date

1 car with 4 free seats for this date.

With a Guiddy profile you can see where they leave from and who's looking for a ride.

Create a free profileAlready have a profile? Log in

1 car

4 free seats

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Windproof

REQUIRED

Trekking poles

REQUIRED

Sunscreen

REQUIRED

Trekking boots

REQUIRED

Packed lunch

REQUIRED

Backpack

REQUIRED

Cap

REQUIRED

Windproof

RECOMMENDED

Camera

RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Guide for this date · Sunday 1 November

Lorenzo C.

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Lorenzo, an environmental hiking guide, and the mountains have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up among the peaks of the Ossola and the wild landscapes of the Val Grande National Park, an area I know deeply after years spent exploring its trails, valleys and lesser-known corners. The Val Grande in particular is the place that feels most like home: genuine, untouched, and a joy to show anyone who wants to really live it. I chose to become a guide because I believe the mountains are far more than a destination: they're a place to slow down, find your contact with nature again, test yourself and share things that stay with you. I specialise in treks and multi-day outings, for people who want to be fully immersed. Every trip is built to be safe, engaging and right for the group, with real care for the environment hosting us. If you want to discover the Val Grande and the Ossola mountains with someone who lives them every day, I'll be waiting. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano

Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

PICKED FOR YOU BY IBEX

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Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.

—

no reviews yet

Itinerary—

Organisation—

Overall experience—

The first reviews come after the outing

We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?

⌄

Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8 h with 1,000 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.

Can I join on my own?

⌄

How does carpooling work?

⌄

What happens if the weather is bad?

⌄

What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?

⌄

Until when can I cancel?

⌄

Book now, pay only if it goes ahead

The Gries Loop: Through the Scenic Vistas of Upper Formazza Valley

Formazza, (VB) · Piemonte

1 day · Hiking · 2,500 m

New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it

Elevation gain

1,000 m

Max altitude

2,500 m

Distance

20 km

Exposed sections

None

Duration

8 h

Guiddy points

+20

2 photos

WHY THIS HIKE

Gries Loop Trail

A spectacular trek between Italy and Switzerland, where alpine lakes, historic passes, and high-altitude panoramas come together in an unforgettable experience!

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

A hike that brings together nature, history, and boundless landscapes, designed for those who love experiencing the mountains in their most authentic form. Come and discover it with us! 🥾🏔️

How hard is it

Guiddy scale

INTERMEDIATE

F+

I+

D+

1,000 m D+ · 20 km · 8 h

Easy

Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.

Easy Plus

A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.

Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.

Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.

Intermediate Plus

Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths

Difficult

Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.

Difficult Plus

Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO

✓

BEFORE YOU GO

Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8 h and 1,000 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough

✓

IN YOUR BACKPACK

Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish