Pontechianale

Pontechianale is the last town before crossing into France, located at 1600 meters in the Varaita Valley. There are 5 ski lifts and 20 km of groomed slopes plus 10 km for assisted freeriding. The slopes for alpine skiing are suitable for skiers of medium ability and beginners. The ski area also has a bobsled and toboggan run. For cross-country skiing there is the high altitude track "Daniele Roux" with 2 rings of 3 km and 2 rings of 4 km of medium difficulty (0175.950174). Pontechianale is the starting point for ski mountaineering excursions in the Monviso mountain range or to the numerous alpine lakes in the surrounding area such as the Forciolline lakes at 2807 m or the Bes lake at 2649 m. With snowshoes it is possible to cover about 20 km: Bagnour refuge path - Vallanta valley - Chianale - Pian Vasserot - Colle dell'Agnello along the provincial road (closed in winter) - Vallone di Soustra. An excursion to the Alevè forest on the slopes of Monviso is worthwhile: the pine trees rise from 1500 to 2500 m for 825 hectares, some of which are 500 to 600 years old. In addition to the snow, you can also have fun climbing the icefalls; there are 5 in Chianale (1797 m) and 8 in Castello (1603 m) - Pontechianale (1614 m).