After nine hours of driving, we finally stop our car in the small parking lot at the church in the small village Borgata Superior in the Maira Valley.

Just a few minutes later we see Sagna Rotonda owner Giovanni driving down the street with snow chains in his off-road vehicle to bring us to the apartment – the excitement and anticipation for our break away from the hustle and bustle increases!

Last summer, we’ve already spent a week here in the Maira Valley in Piedmont and were thrilled. Coming back now in winter is completely different though: Have you ever been picked up by your host with snow chains? Due to snow and ice, it is not possible to drive to the apartment yourself?

Read more: Back to simplicity and untouched nature: the eco-village Sagna Rotonda in Piedmont

The tranquility of untouched mountain peaks

This time we stay in ‚Civico 2‘, equipped for a family of four, but for two it’s just as comfortable 🙂 From the main path, a narrowed, shoveled path leads you to the entrance door, inside it is wonderfully cozy and host Teresina has already lit up the fireplace for us. On top, the Valle Maira welcomes us with sunshine and blue skies – a real blessing after the rather gray last weeks in Germany! Hence, we first unpack our spikes for the hiking shoes and take a walk through the snowy surroundings of Sagna Rotonda. We enjoy the silence of nature, the breathtaking view of the mountains and notice this special feeling of happiness combined with relaxation. It definitely was the right decision to travel to Piedmont after Christmas.

Snowshoeing to the top

Every day we put on our snowshoes, pack our hiking sticks and something to drink and make our way: through larch forests, past partly abandoned, partly renovated, always typical Piedmontese houses and hamlets until we reach the ridge. When walking uphill with snowshoes you get warm easily and the sun has a lot of power as well and so the breaks in the mountains get a little longer every day 😉 Here time seems to stand still, it is totally quiet, except a bird here and there and the crunch of snow under our shoes.

Sometimes on beaten paths, then again through untouched deep snow, we explore nature, discover various animal tracks and see only a few other people. In the afternoon, when we are back at Sagna Rotonda, it’s time for a coffee or beer at Tavernetta di Sagna as the sun is shining on the benches in front of the small restaurant. The slowness, quietness, and relaxation feel good.

Read more: Deceleration instead of a party: New Year’s Eve in Piedmont

Piedmontese hospitality in the ‘Tavernetta di Sagna’

Although we cater for ourselves, we have reserved a table at the Tavernetta di Sagna for New Year’s Eve and are served a regional 4-course menu by the restaurant hosts Fabio and Paula. Even though we are already full after just the starter, but it just tastes so good we have to eat on! Shortly before midnight Giovanni and Teresina also arrive and at noon all guests of Sagna Rotonda clink their glasses of champagne.

Outdoor adventure, cuisine and a lot of hospitality: Locanda Mistral

For a month now, Green Pearls® has also been working with the small, family-run boutique hotel Locanda Mistral, which is also located here in the Valle Maira. Of course, we also want to see it personally and get to know the owners Renato and Manuela. In the bar of the Locanda Mistral, Renato is already talking to some guests when we arrive: the experienced mountain guide climbs the mountains with his guests every day, sometimes with snowshoes, sometimes with touring skis.

Read more: For Outdoor fans and beer lovers: my 4 favorite hikes

In our conversation, we quickly realize how much he cares about nature in Valle Maira and how much he knows about the region, its architecture and culture. Overall, Renato tells us, the valley would be able to take a lot more tourism. Then, the shrinking villages are being revived and more young people are moving into the valley again. Also, a lot would have to be done before the region would ever be crowded. Of course, it is important to take the environment and culture into account and to ensure gentle quality tourism – Renato and Giovanni agree on that.

Renato proudly guides us through the buildings of the Locanda Mistral and also shows us the modern, but still typical extension of the restaurant. A wide window front opens to the garden, where guests relax in summer guests and organic food is grown. Manuela processes these into delicious, typical dishes in the kitchen. We also get a small taste of Manuela’s cooking skills and are thrilled! This year, among other things, the construction of a small wellness area with stone sauna is planned – perfect relaxation for sore muscles after an active day in the mountains. We are excited to see the development, and will be back soon!

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