Things To Do in The Stura Valley

The Stura Valley is the widest of the valleys in Cuneo and is also the easiest passage to France. It is not well known and has therefore maintained its untouched and pristine condition. The only industrial factory in the area is Sant' Anna water factory, which in recent years, has become well known due to the quality water that is offered.

The mountains surrounding The Stura Valley (nestled between the Marittime and Cozie Alps) are reminiscent of the more famous Dolomites. The area, rich in forests, mountain streams and small side valleys offers a true paradise for mountain enthusiasts.

For those who love cultural excursions- Pontebernardo offers a small jewel known as the Ecomuseum of the Shepard. Here you can learn of the village's history of raising the highest quality sheep in all of Italy. In the surrounding areas, you may visit the Museum of the Smuggling (located in Ferrera), the Documentation Center of the Valley (located in Sumbuco) The Sanctuary of S. Anne (the highest in Europe) and the Fort in Vinadio. After your excursions, you may want to relax in the thermal bains of Bagni di Vinadio. It is also always worthwhile to take a ride to the Colle della Maddalena (1991 meters) and for those who don't mind traveling a little further, there is Barcelonette- a nice village full of life just over the French border.

For those who love day hikes- plenty of choices surround Pontebernardo. There are easy paths leaving from the Ecomuseum that offer a stunning aerial view of our village. For those who are a bit more experienced, there is the Prati del Vallone di Pontebernardo which connects to the panoramic Becchi Rossi (2261 meters), the Colle Stau, Colle del Ferro (2586 meters), and the Ferriere that leads to the amazing Vens Lakes (2370 meters).

Easily reachable is the Prati della Regina where you may spot Roe Deers, Chamoisis and Muflons. The Prati della Regina leads to the highest peak of the valley, the Tenibres Mountain (3031 meters) and the Colletta S. Bernarda (2395 meters).

On the other side of the valley are other interesting paths leading to the pastures above the Barricate Cliffs (La Montagnetta). From here, you can connect to the Vallone dell' Arma via the Colle di Valcavera, or Lake Oserot (2308 meters). From Lake Oserot, you can take the Rocca Brancia pass to Valle Maira.

The high and low valleys offer a myriad of hikes. A few of our favorites include: The Roburent and Lauzanier lakes (from the Colle della Maddalena), The Colle del Puriac (from Ferriere), The Bersaio Peak and The Tour of the Nine Villages (from Sambuco), The Ischiator Pass (from the hiking refuge of Migliorero), the Colla Lunga Lakes, the panoramic views from the Chiavardine Peaks trek (from Vinadio) are breathtaking and many other hikes are waiting for you to discover them.

For those who desire longer excursions- Several marked treks lead to Pontebernardo.