Holiday apartment in Formazza: waterfall, Walser culture and winter trails

Formazza combines the Toce Waterfall, winter trails around Riale and Walser culture in Ponte. The Toce Waterfall, Riale, Ponte and the hamlet of Sotto Frua give the trip specific points of interest; festivals and regional specialities complement the impressions of the landscape. In Formazza, waterfalls, cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes, Walser houses and festivals come together with a strong sense of place.

The Toce Waterfall and trails through the landscape

The Toce Waterfall is located in Località Frua and has a drop of 143 metres. From the hamlet of Sotto Frua, a path leads to the bridge below the Toce Waterfall in around 10 minutes. The panoramic terrace offers a view of the Toce Waterfall. The path from Sotto Frua leads to the bridge below the waterfall; the panoramic terrace provides a view of the Toce Waterfall.

Winter days with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

The Centro del Fondo di Riale has a total of 12 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, groomed for both beginners and professional cross-country skiers. The cross-country ski trails in Riale include a 3-kilometre green route for beginners, a 5-kilometre red or black route, and a 12-kilometre red or black route recommended only for experienced skiers. The trail options in Riale therefore range from the 3-kilometre green route to red or black routes of 5 and 12 kilometres. Another option is the Riale–Rifugio Maria Luisa snowshoe route: it leads to the Rifugio Maria Luisa at an altitude of 2,157 metres in 1 hour and 40 minutes. At 1 hour and 40 minutes, the snowshoe route takes longer than the approximately 10-minute walk from Sotto Frua to the bridge.

Walser houses, history and festivals in Ponte

The Casa Forte was built in 1569 by Antonio Zur Schmitten as his own official residence, warehouse and commercial control point. Walser houses in villages such as Riale and Ponte use the log-building technique, stone-slab roofs and characteristic stone and wooden supports for the granaries, known as “funghi” or “mushrooms”. In August, Ponte hosts Pomattertag as a Walser festival; it is dedicated to the traditions and costumes of the Swiss colonisers. In September, the Walser Häpfla Fest takes place as part of the Sagre Ossola. It celebrates the traditional potato from Formazza with handmade Walser potato gnocchi. In Ponte, these elements bring together architectural styles, traditional costumes and regional cuisine throughout the year.

Getting to Formazza

For travel to the area, the Comazzi Domodossola–Toce Waterfall line connects Domodossola with the Toce Waterfall. The SS659 also leads into the Formazza Valley.

Other places to include in your regional planning are Cresseglio, Craveggia, Nonio, Gurro, Gignese, Macugnaga, Madonna Del Sasso and Bracchio.

For the broader travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.