Holiday Apartment in Balme – Mountain Trails, Waterfall and Alpine History

Landscape between the Stura and the high mountains

Pian della Mussa is an extensive grassy area crossed by the Stura, stretching for several kilometres at an altitude of more than 1,700 metres. Its present-day landscape was once covered by a glacier. This glacier formed a lake, which was eventually filled with alluvial material. In spring, you can observe herds of ibex on the lower slopes of Pian della Mussa.

From Balme, Pian della Mussa can be reached via a road suitable for vehicles or along a mule track beside the Stura. The Sentiero degli stambecchi also places a clear emphasis on observing nature: along this walking trail, you can see ibex descending to lower elevations to graze on the first fresh grass. When planning your day, this means that landscapes and wildlife observation can serve as distinct highlights alongside longer outings.

Hiking trails, winter sports and climbing areas

The Sentiero dell’Amicizia runs around the inhabited centre of Balme, passes through several hamlets and comes to a small mountain pasture. It is suitable for hiking or mountain biking and, except when there is snow in winter, requires neither special fitness nor special equipment. When there is snow, snowshoes are required. The Grande Traversata delle Alpi, or GTA for short, also passes through Balme.

The Sentiero delle Peonie is the only access trail to the Vallone del Servin. This valley occupies half of the municipality of Balme and is dominated by a chain of peaks over 3,000 metres high. The trail follows a medieval route created by miners, connected with the historic iron-ore mining industry as well as livestock farming and the cheese trade in Balme. The Pista Adolfo Kind leads from Balme to Pian della Mussa, climbs 350 metres in elevation and takes approximately one hour.

You will also find specific options for different types of activities. Balme offers more than 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails with varying levels of difficulty. In the Ginevrè area, there are climbing routes of varying difficulty as well as a large area for climbing courses and beginners. The tourist fishing area “Zona Turistica di Pesca Rio Paschiet NO-KILL” is located on the Rio Paschiet.

Alpine history and local culture

The former town hall houses the Ecomuseo delle Guide Alpine di Balme. It documents the origins and development of the mountain village of Balme and its role in mountaineering in Turin. On display are historical photographs, mountaineering equipment, memorabilia, posters and documents relating to outstanding figures in local mountaineering. The ecomuseum also includes sections on flora, fauna, minerals and the local Franco-Provençal culture.

Smaller and older buildings are also part of the village’s history. The Casa, traditionally regarded as the oldest house in Balme, was built before the 15th century and once housed the ancient Cappella della Sindone di Balme. The Cappella della Sindone preserves traces of frescoes depicting Christ and several saints. Together with the old mill and the former buildings used for cooling milk, it shows how closely the natural environment, everyday life and history are interconnected.

A holiday apartment in Balme to suit your daily plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Balme, you can therefore start with your preferred daily rhythm. For a trip involving hiking, wildlife observation and winter sports, the Sentiero dell’Amicizia, Pian della Mussa, the GTA and the cross-country ski trails take centre stage. Other days can be shaped around cultural experiences at the ecomuseum, the Cappella della Sindone, the Casa and the traces of former village life. This allows you to choose accommodation based on the experiences you want to define your trip, combining active, nature-related and historical interests.

More places to help plan your trip: Fiano, Andezeno, Montanaro, San Giorio, Pinerolo, Meana di Susa, Palazzo Canavese, San Raffaele.

For the overview of the broader travel area: Turin.