Gressoney-La-Trinité
Gressoney-La-Trinité is the last village at the head of the valley crossed by the Lys river. It is situated at an altitude of 1627 metres in a vast flatland dominated by the Lyskamm glacier of the impressive Monte Rosa massif. In the Middle Ages, this district belonged to Sion’s Bishops and was inhabited by shepherds from the neighbouring valley, the Walser. This population of Germanic origin arrived in this area more than eight centuries ago through the Teodulo pass. Their culture is still reflected in the traditions, in the architecture with the typical stadel, in the spoken dialect, the Titsch, and in the precious costume, symbol of the Walser tradition and worn by the women of Gressoney on important occasions, famous for its beauty and elegance.
WHAT TO SEE
● The Walser Ecomuseum: the museum leads its guests on a journey to discover the Walser culture, through the visit of three buildings: an old rural house from the 18th century, the house-museum with permanent exhibitions, and the Binò Alpelté hut, a small mountain pasture built in the shelter of a natural boulder.
● The Parish Church of the Holy Trinity: the church was built in 1671 on the foundations of a pre-existing 15th century building. The Baroque main altar is remarkable, as well as the cemetery lying next to the church with its ancient handmade gravestones, work of local sculptors and stone-cutters.
● The chapels: the territory of Gressoney-La-Trinité hosts several chapels, confirming the importance of religion in the traditional life of the Alpine communities, including the one in Oagre, dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows.
NATURE AND SPORT
Gressoney-La-Trinité is an internationally renowned Alpine resort, known for the ascents on the Monte Rosa and for the practice of winter sports, since it belongs to the Monterosa Ski area which, with over 100 kilometres of slopes, is one of the largest and most picturesque in Europe. Stafal is the gateway to off-piste skiing and ski mountaineering routes that reach the 4459 metres of the Punta Gnifetti and the Regina Margherita Hut, the highest refuge in Europe.
In summer, also thanks to the opening of the lifts, it is possible to choose among numerous hiking routes to reach lakes, refuges or panoramic viewpoints, such as Sant'Anna and Alta Luce. Sports lovers can also try their hand at the challenging Via ferrata delle Guide or experience the thrill of descents by mountain bike on the Punta Jolanda slope or on the ski tracks.
EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● Traditional handicraft markets: these events take part in summer as well as in winter, where the traditional handicraft is the protagonist. These are good occasions to appreciate typical wooden objects and to taste local food products. Don't miss the market on 15th August at Alpe Sant'Anna, with a wonderful view of Monte Rosa.
● The Mountain Guides’ Festival: on 15th August, the mountain guides are celebrated with an evocative torchlight procession through the streets of the village. For the occasion, women wear the beautiful and precious Walser costume.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Gressoney-La-Trinité offers its young guests many summer and winter activities. During the warmer months, in addition to several walks surrounded by unspoilt nature (don’t miss a trip to the Alpe Sant’Anna, where there is a heart-shaped bench framing the glacier from which you can take beautiful photos!), children can try their hand at the Harry Potter via ferrata to experience the thrill of climbing, have fun in the playgrounds or have lunch in a nice picnic area. In winter, families can choose between the baby snowpark Sant'Anna for exciting descents on bobsleigh or skis, or the ice skating rink facing Monte Rosa: fun is guaranteed!
IDENTIKIT
● Altitude: 1627 m
● Inhabitants: 310
● How to get there by public transport: Gressoney-La-Trinité is reachable by bus with the line “Pont-Saint-Martin – Gressoney”. For timetables and further information, please visit the website of the VITA Group company.
USEFUL LINKS
● Download the map of the village
● Download the map of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails