Domobianca365 is directly connected to the town of Domodossola, both by a paved road and by a dense network of trails that allow you to walk to the start of the Alpe Lusentino ski lifts.
From here the easy route along a dirt road leads up to the Casalavera reservoir and passes several mountain pastures with panoramic views over the Val d’Ossola plain. From Alpe Lusentino you can also hike through the magnificent beach woods and try the new circular trekking route named “Lusetrek”, which starts and returns at Alpe Lusentino.
Domobianca365 is an active ski resort in the snow season, but the ski lifts also operate in summer, allowing you, via two chairlifts, to effortlessly reach an altitude of 1700 metres: from the arrival station to the second chairlift, with a short, well-signposted, medium-difficulty walk, you can reach the top of Moncucco, one of the most panoramic observation points in the entire Val d’Ossola, with a view ranging from the Swiss Alps to Mottarone and beyond.
Here is the specific information on the Lusetrek: the path starts to the right of the car park (looking at the ski slopes) and initially crosses the green pastures of the lower altitudes, passing the Ristorante la Roccia and entering the beech wood until it reaches the little picturesque San Bernardo church.
Continuing slightly uphill through very beautiful coniferous woods, you will skirt the path of the Alpe Foppiano ski lift: after following it two thirds of the way, a long route through unspoilt nature begins on the right, taking you away from the Domobianca365 facilities and leading you to the border with Valle Bognanco. The route now becomes more demanding and along the way keen observers will spot old charcoal pits once used to collect coal for the winter months.
Following a climb of around 300 metres you will find the dirt road, which you can follow uphill, reaching the Alpe Casalavera and its lake after a few minutes. A break and photos are a must before setting off on the return journey: from the small ford at the beginning of the lake, take the little road that goes round a small promontory and heads towards the mountain huts and then downhill again to Alpe Foppiano. Here we recommend a stop at the Baita Motti alpine refuge before continuing along the path that winds under the first chairlift until the return to Alpe Lusentino.
Technical details
Walking time: 2/2.5 hours
Difficulty: average
Period: April-October or depending on snow cover
For more information: www.domobianca365.it
