Macugnaga

Macugnaga is a mountain village nestled at the foot of the eastern face of Monte Rosa, at the head of the Anzasca Valley in Piedmont. Founded by Walser settlers from the Valais region, the village retains traces of this German-speaking Alpine culture, evident in the traditional timber architecture of its hamlets, particularly Staffa and Pecetto. It serves as a base for mountaineering and hiking, with the east face of Monte Rosa ranking among the highest walls in the Alps. A cable car connects the valley to the area near the Belvedere Glacier, providing access to high-altitude routes as well as ski slopes in winter. The surrounding landscape blends forests, alpine pastures and glacial scenery, ideal for year-round outdoor pursuits: downhill and cross-country skiing in the cold season, hiking and via ferrata routes in summer. Local cuisine reflects the Walser heritage, featuring cheese, cured meats and rye bread specialities. The setting remains unspoilt and lightly developed, valued for its tranquillity and closeness to the unspoiled nature of the Ossola area.