GTA (Great Alpine Traverse): The Heart of Walser Culture in Rimella

If there is an itinerary capable of telling the wild and authentic soul of the Piedmontese mountains, it is the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA). A long journey that does not seek the famous peaks of mass tourism, but winds through stone villages, silent valleys, and high mountain passes.

What is GTA?

The GTA is an epic hiking trail that spans the entire Alpine arc of Piedmont. It ideally connects the Swiss border to the Mediterranean Sea, along a route that highlights the "high lands" and small rural communities. It unfolds over approximately 55 stages, with daily hikes lasting between 5 to 8 hours, stopping each time at designated facilities ("stopping points"). You can complete the entire route or choose intermediate stages.

• Starting and Arrival Point: Although originally the journey began in the south to reach the north, today the route usually develops from the north (starting from the Anzasca Valley, near the Swiss border) towards the south, ending in the Ligurian Alps, just a few steps from the sea.
• Best Period: From mid-June to September. This is when the trails are free of snow and the accommodation facilities are open to host hikers.

In this article, we will focus on describing the stages that pass through our territories, two fundamental stages of the Valsesiana section: 21 and 22. To make these itineraries accessible to everyone, we have chosen to include links to Google Maps, but if you decide to delve deeper, we recommend using specific trekking apps where you can clearly see the route to follow on foot (while on Maps, if you try to enter the starting and ending points... you might find yourself with entire days of walking!).

This is because Maps can only provide you with road routes). In any case, the GTA itinerary is dotted with characteristic red and white signs, and it's impossible to get lost!

Stage 21: From Campello Monti to Rimella

This stage marks the solemn entrance into the Rimella territory. It is the moment when the trekkers leave the Strona Valley to embrace the Mastallone Valley.

• The Route: Starting from the village of Campello Monti, you will begin the ascent towards the Bocchetta di Campello (1924 m). This is a symbolic point: a natural altar that will offer you one of the most spectacular views of Monte Rosa.

• The Descent: Once you reach the summit, the path descends towards Alpe Pianello, where the CAI hut of Borgomanero stands. Continuing downwards, you will begin to experience Walser architecture as you encounter the first hamlets.

• The Arrival: Passing through the beautiful San Gottardo, the trail will lead you directly to Rimella, first to Frazione Sella, the oldest Walser colony, and then continue towards the center of the village in Frazione Chiesa (1168 m). Here you can pause and enjoy a well-deserved rest, relying on the affiliated GTA stopover, the charming Hotel-Ristorante Fontana.

Also take a look at our facilities in the Sella and Chiesa districts: Walser House and Casa Gemma.

Stage 22: From Rimella to Alpe Baranca

After a night of rest, the GTA calls you to a new valley.

• The Departure: Leaving Rimella, the path initially descends towards the bottom of the valley, and when you reach the junction with the Chapel of the Queen of Angels, continue towards Roncaccio Inferiore.

• The Ascent: From the valley floor, you will begin to climb the opposite slope, passing through Roncaccio Inferiore and Roncaccio Superiore, heading towards the Res of Fobello (1419 m). It is a breathtaking grassy saddle that serves as a natural watershed.

• The Alpine Pasture: From Res, the route continues at altitude, offering unique views of the Val Mastallone, passing through Belvedere, the Piana di Santa Maria, until reaching the basin of Alpe Baranca (1600 m) with its splendid lake. Here, amidst breathtaking views of the lake and the remains of ancient Art Nouveau villas (the one known as “Villa Lancia”), you can stop at the rest point Rifugio Alpe Baranca, located in the basin of the hill.

If you decide to continue the GTA, you will head to the next stage, towards Carcoforo. These were the two specific stages of Rimella, where you can traverse history for a moment, immersing yourself in the Val Mastallone and the history of the Walser people.

If you decide to stop by, take a look at our article on the 10 things to do in Val Mastallone and Valsesia, and consider staying for more days to fully enjoy the activities that our area has to offer!

About Us: Bianca & Martino

Hello! We are Bianca and Martino, the souls behind this blog. Our story is a bridge between Romagna and the Alps.

Martino grew up among the slopes and pastures of Rimella, carrying in his heart the memories of summers spent in Val Mastallone and winter skiing on Monte Rosa. Despite life in Ravenna, the pull of his roots has always been incredibly strong.

Bianca, from Ravenna, discovered this corner of Piedmont for love: she fell in love first with Martino and, soon after, with the wild beauty of Valsesia. In 2026, she decided to change her life, leaving her "permanent job" to turn a passion into reality and dedicate herself full-time to managing the diffused hotel Walser House.

Every summer we live among these mountains, and our goal is to share with you the experiences that make this place unique. We want to help you discover what it truly means to "unplug": here, among the stone houses and the sound of the streams, we have learned the true meaning of living "slow."

We look forward to welcoming you to Val Mastallone to show you our idea of home.