Piedmont alps
The Alps - Olympic mountains that bewitch the world
Despite the ice and perpetual snow, the immensely high peaks and a nature that appears impregnable, even here man has managed to impose his will and settle in one of the most savage and most beautiful places in the world.
Mountains of history.
The Alps in all their grandeur look like a majestic glacier and, for centuries a natural barrier, have been centre stage to historical events of great significance.
They were where Hannibal’s army made their legendary crossing in 218 BC. His thousands of men and about forty elephants crossed in the region of Moncenisio on their way to Rome. Since time immemorial, the mystique and allure of these spectacular mountains has spurred on adventurers. It was exactly this desire that led an anonymous Christian pilgrim to cross them in 333 AD leaving behind him a document describing his journey.
The history of this area is also indisputably linked to the history of the railway and tunnelling. The first tunnel was made in 1480 when the Marquis Ludovico II di Saluzzo had a small passageway called the “Buco di Viso” opened at about 10,000 feet in the Po valley. This was a walkway to enable communication between peoples in Piedmont and the transalpine areas. Much more ambitious was the commencement of drilling works in 1832 to make the Fréjus railway tunnel that was an undertaking of mammoth proportions for those times. It was completed in 1871 and with more than 8 miles of tunnel carved out of the belly of the mountain it was, and still is, a sign left by man on these towering mountains.
Between extreme sports and unspoilt nature
The Alpine valleys spoil visitors for choice in both winter and summer.
The mountains in winter are home to numerous, famous pistes and the allure of the Alps draws skiers not just from Italy but from all over Europe thanks to excellent packages that are tailor made to suit all types of winter activities. Everyone’s needs can be met: There is an unparalleled range of activities for heliskiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers and mountaineers.
During the summer season, the uncontaminated landscapes offer unforgettable excursions, walks and climbs to discover the art, cuisine, history and legends that these mountains preserve.
These scenes of infinite beauty serve as the backdrop to hotel and guesthouse accommodation that is famed the world over as well as internationally renowned resorts that promise nights and evenings never to be forgotten.
Cuisine, the indicator of the quality of life
The Alps are lands of ancient recipes and genuine produce that draw the visitor in search of peace amongst the green of the mountains to try out strong, exquisite tastes. Once this cuisine has been tried, knowledge of the Alps is complete. Sampling the varied Alpine tastes is an experience that cannot be equalled: wines and cheeses that go perfectly with each other enhance one flavour after another. Game and meat from the farm blend with dishes of potato while wild berries and chestnuts add colour to the table. Chestnuts or the “poor man’s bread” are an essential part of any menu. This exquisite fruit along with the traditional Polenta, that dates back to the late 1800’s, formed part of the staple diet in the more isolated mountain villages and its recipes reflect the history and legends of these lands.
