Valle Orco: a paradise to explore
The Wild Heart of Canavese
The quintessential alpine valley of our Canavese, the one that, if followed all the way to its end and peak, would lead you into the Valsavarenche in the Aosta Valley — via one of the most extraordinary and scenic roads in the entire Italian Alps: the route to the Nivolet Pass, at 2,700 meters.
We are in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, on the Piedmont side, and the use of “would” is intentional: although the road climbs all the way up, it does not continue down into the Aosta Valley. This allows the natural habitat of Italy’s oldest national park to remain beautifully preserved!
Why such an evocative name? An “ogre” (orco) never sounds like a good omen!
Orco is actually the name of the stream that starts from Lake Rosset, at an altitude of 2,709 meters, and flows through the entire valley before joining the Po River near Chivasso, after a 90-kilometer journey. When in full flood, its force and violence are truly overwhelming!
And yet, in the plains, it is known as the Eva d’Or — “Water of Gold” — because of the tiny gold flakes it carries along its course.
inside Parco del Gran Paradiso
The Mountain Kingdom
This is the perfect place for those who love high-altitude mountains, the warm hospitality of mountain huts, alpine trekking, rock climbing — and even two-wheel adventures.
Here, it’s just rock, sky, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife roaming free, from the cheerful marmots to the chamois balancing gracefully on rocky spurs!
There are hundreds of kilometers of trails to explore, many of which follow the ancient hunting routes of the House of Savoy, where, depending on the season, it’s not uncommon to spot ibex grazing on mosses and lichens.
At higher altitudes, the landscapes are often dotted with shimmering bodies of water, sometimes natural, sometimes man-made — a testament to how, in this land, human work and nature have learned to coexist, each adapting to the other.
inside Parco del Gran Paradiso
The Mountain Kingdom
This is the perfect place for those who love high-altitude mountains, the warm hospitality of mountain huts, alpine trekking, rock climbing — and even two-wheel adventures.
Here, it’s just rock, sky, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife roaming free, from the cheerful marmots to the chamois balancing gracefully on rocky spurs!
There are hundreds of kilometers of trails to explore, many of which follow the ancient hunting routes of the House of Savoy, where, depending on the season, it’s not uncommon to spot ibex grazing on mosses and lichens.
At higher altitudes, the landscapes are often dotted with shimmering bodies of water, sometimes natural, sometimes man-made — a testament to how, in this land, human work and nature have learned to coexist, each adapting to the other.
Ceresole Reale
The Allure of Alpine Lakes
The large dam that essentially gave rise to Lake Ceresole was built in 1932, while the National Park had already been established three years earlier! Today, we can no longer imagine the valley without this emerald-colored basin, around which visitors can enjoy beautiful walks and, during the brief summer season, admire the many colorful blooms. Similarly, we wouldn’t have the spectacular view from the Nivolet Pass, with the Serrù and Agnel lakes—also formed by artificial dams—and the winding switchbacks of the provincial road: images now universally recognized.
There aren’t many towns along the way; after Pont Canavese, which stands at the entrance to both the Orco Valley and the Soana Valley, the road begins to climb, passing through Sparone, Locana, Noasca, and finally Ceresole Reale. The mountain slopes, initially densely forested, gradually become increasingly rugged.
From the Noasca Waterfall to the Nivolet
Adventures You Can’t Miss in the Orco Valley
Take notes, because these might just be your next destinations in Canavese:
- A moonlit snowshoe hike across the snowy landscapes of Ceresole Reale, guided by the highly experienced, certified Park guides.
- A lovely walk leading to the back of the Noasca waterfall, where you can stand behind the cascading water.
- A day immersed in nature to hike up to the Pian del Nivolet: just make sure to choose a weekday in summer, so you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery almost all to yourself!
- some interesting ascent of our peaks (but only for the more daring), such as Monte Colombo and Punta d’Arbella, to be in the presence of pristine and authentic landscapes.
From the Noasca Waterfall to the Nivolet
Adventures You Can’t Miss in the Orco Valley
Take notes, because these might just be your next destinations in Canavese:
- A moonlit snowshoe hike across the snowy landscapes of Ceresole Reale, guided by the highly experienced, certified Park guides.
- A lovely walk leading to the back of the Noasca waterfall, where you can stand behind the cascading water.
- A day immersed in nature to hike up to the Pian del Nivolet: just make sure to choose a weekday in summer, so you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery almost all to yourself!
- some interesting ascent of our peaks (but only for the more daring), such as Monte Colombo and Punta d’Arbella, to be in the presence of pristine and authentic landscapes.
A valley for every season
True Authenticity Away from Tourist Hotspots
In short, it is a valley to experience in all seasons and in which to practice sports at all levels; but forget crowded ski slopes: the only ski lift is the one at Alpe Cialma, above Locana, set in a truly unforgettable natural landscape and an ideal destination for families with children and young people.
Here is another aspect of CANAVESE VILLAGE!
Our Partners in Valle Orco
