Fishing is another popular sport here mainly for trout from the crystal clear rivers and mountain lakes. There is a long history of fly fishing in the area and it even has its own ( secretive! ) method, 'Valsesian fly', using a long cane and horse-hair line!

There cannot be a better location for lovers of walking, hiking and climbing with countless mountain huts and refuges along the many marked routes and picturesque valleys, cols, mountain lakes and waterfalls. Itineraries can be as gentle or challenging as you choose with the services of local mountain guides for the more adventurous. Monte Rosa boasts the highest mountain refuge in Europe, the Capanna Regina Margherita at 4,554m - now there's a challenging hike!

Visiting the Capanna Margherita, the highest mountain hut in the Alps, is a great adventure and introduction to high alpine environment as it requires no technical climbing skills.

All that is required for the ascent is four season or winter walking boots, 35/45 litre back pack and the usual windproof and waterproof gear. Other equipment like harness and crampons can be easily hired or supplied by your guide. A guide is strongly advisable unless you are a very experienced climber.

The usual recommended route is to take the cable-car from Alagna in the afternoon, then climb 2.5 hrs to the Gnifetti refuge at 3,600m and spend the night there to help you acclimatise to the altitude. The following morning you will start at first light to climb to the Margherita Hut at 4,664m on Punta Gnifetti, this takes approximately 3-4 hrs. Whilst the climb is not technical it is made arduous because of the altitude but the effort is rewarded by some of the most spectacular views in the Alps.
 

These mountains are also the home of the highest national park in Europe, the Parco dell' Alta Valsesia, with its unique flora and fauna.

The mountains above Campertogno are world famous for mountaineering with numerous peaks rising above 4500m and crowned by the Capanna Regina Margherita on Punta Gnifetti, the highest mountain refuge in Europe. The Margherita hut was built in 1893 and dedicated to the Italian queen Margherita and it was renovated 1980. Facilities include 80 beds, bar and restaurant, open late June to mid September. A very popular and unique climbing destination.

Nearby peaks:

Piramide Vincent 4,215 meters
Corno Nero 4,322 meters
Ludwigshohe 4,342 meters
Balmenhorn 4,127 meters
East Lyskamm 4,527 meters
West Lyskamm 4,481 meters
Parrot 4,436 meters
Zumstein 4,563 meters
Dufour 4,634 meters
Nordend 4,609 meters
Castore 4,221 meters

For the non expert, a taste of real alpine mountaineering is possible with 'via ferrata', climbing with the aid of permanent steel fixings and cables for difficult sections. The Emilio Detomasi Ferrata is a well known route above Alagna on the southern side of the Monte Rosa, and named after the famous Alpine Guide.

There are many possibilities for rock climbing and several prepared rock faces and climbing walls to choose from with options for beginners to expert.

The area is also fabulous for mountain biking with many roads, paths and donkey tracks linking villages, including an easy route between Campertogno and Scopello. However, if its adrenalin you're after try being dropped off by helicopter then its downhill all the way! Again there are local schools that will give instruction and guiding, not only for mountain bikes but also trials riding.

Food and wine are subjects close to the Italian heart and there are plenty of places to sample flavours of the region. There are simple local dishes to be enjoyed, served in mountain refuges or fine restaurants. Piemonte is Italy's most famous wine region and some of the most prestigious wines are produced here. Gattinara is produced from a variety of Nebbiolo and their cellars are open to the public for wine tasting and purchase.

Further afield the lakes of Orta and Maggiore are only a short drive as are the cities of Milan, Turin, Novara, and Vercelli.