The solitary and pristine landscapes of the Ossola valleys have the power to fascinate ski mountaineers at first sight. These mountains offer all kinds of terrain, suited both to beginners and experienced skiers, from the easiest and safest tours, which are often considered training terrain (Alpe Deccia, Alpe Rausa, Moncucco, Monte Cazzola), to the most complex and technically demanding ones (Tossenhorn, Boshorn, Punta Grober, Basodino). The orographic variety of the Ossola mountains, from the rivers of Lago Maggiore to the 4000-metre peaks of the Pennine Alps, characterizes each valley, its inhabitants and mountains differently, though they have one thing in common: a wild and untouched natural environment, inviting ski mountaineers to live unforgettable adventures. This first edition presents the classic must-do tours in Ossola, which will reward you of all your efforts with spectacular views of mostly unknown and little frequented mountains.

Simone Antonietti, born in 1988, has been exploring the mountains of Ossola for over 15 years. All-round mountaineer, has repeated many climbs on the Alps, in California and Peru. His most remarkable ascent in Ossola is the first winter ascent and first repetition of the Via delle Guide on Pizzo delle Piodelle. He has also taken part in many ski mountaineering competitions, such as Mezzalama, Tour du Rutor and Adamello SkiRaid; he’s a CNSAS technician within the X Delegazione Valdossola.

Paolo Sartori, born in 1990, is a professional outdoor photographer. He has worked and traveled with some of the most accomplished climbers and mountaineers, taking part in international expeditions in Peru, Patagonia, Yosemite, Norway, Japan. Rock and ice climber, paraglider and ski mountaineer, when he’s not on expedition around the world, he spends his time exploring the most isolated and unknown mountains of Ossola.