Discover Formazza: Waterfall, Walser Culture and Winter Trails

Formazza can be explored through its landscape, winter sports and Walser culture. For your individual trip to Italy, you can compare different interests: nature, sporting trails, architecture, festivals and regional cuisine are each tied to specific places and events.

Waterfall and landscape in Frua

The Toce Waterfall, with a drop of 143 metres, is located in Località Frua. A path from the hamlet of Sotto Frua leads to the bridge below the Toce Waterfall in around ten minutes. The panoramic terrace offers a view of the waterfall and thus adds another vantage point to Formazza’s scenic attractions.

Cross-country skiing in Riale

The Centro del Fondo di Riale has a total of 12 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, prepared for both beginners and professional cross-country skiers. The cross-country ski trails in Riale include a 3-kilometre green route for beginners, a 5-kilometre red or black route, and a 12-kilometre red or black route recommended only for experienced skiers. The different lengths and classifications help you assess the sporting challenge when planning your trip.

A snowshoe route

For snowshoe hikes, the Riale–Rifugio Maria Luisa route leads to the Rifugio Maria Luisa at an altitude of 2,157 metres in 1 hour and 40 minutes. The precise route name preserves the connection between Riale and the destination at elevation.

Walser houses and regional architecture

Walser houses in villages such as Riale and Ponte use the log construction technique and roofs made of stone slabs. Characteristic stone and wooden supports serve as load-bearing elements in the granaries. These granaries are known as “funghi” or “mushrooms” – a local term that is particularly vivid when touring the villages.

The Casa Forte dating from 1569

The Casa Forte was built in 1569 by Antonio Zur Schmitten as his own official residence, warehouse and commercial control point.

Walser festivals in August and September

In August, the Pomattertag takes place in Ponte as a Walser festival. The festival is dedicated to the traditions and costumes of the Swiss colonisers. In September, the Walser Häpfla Fest takes place as part of the Sagre Ossola. It celebrates the traditional potato from Formazza with handmade Walser potato gnocchi. In this way, you encounter regional history, clothing and cuisine not only in buildings, but also in festive settings.

Travel connections to Formazza

The Comazzi Domodossola–Toce Waterfall line connects Domodossola with the Toce Waterfall. The SS659 leads into the Formazza Valley.

Define your personal focus

When choosing accommodation in Formazza, you can first orient yourself according to your travel focus: landscape and views, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking, or Walser architecture and festivals. The different themes make it possible to plan your trip according to your preferred rhythm and consider the right type of stay, without reducing Formazza to just one aspect.

More destinations

Ornavasso, Premia, Ceppo Morelli, Casale Corte Cerro, Crodo, Agrano, Antrona Schieranco, Verbania

To the main travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.