Only a short ride (55 km) from Torino, Balme (1432m.) is the highest village in the Lanzo Valleys, the last one of Ala di Stura Valley. Once the cradle of Piedmont mountainering and historic site of vacation in the early 20th century, today is a mecca for expert mountainers as well as simple trekkers who loves uncontaminated mountains and huge, quiet landscapes. Balme offer to its visitors a perfect starting point for beautiful treks, climbing and winter sports like snow shoes walks, treks, mountain biking and cross-country ski.
Once a minerary center in the 13th century, with immigrations from other regions like Sesia Valley and Bergamo country, Balme became an independent village in 1610 when it separated from Ala di Stura. Its landscape is overlooked by the big shapes of Bessanese and Ciamarella peaks. A few kilometers far from Pian della Mussa, with the Stura levee flowing through it, Balme is surrounded by gorgeous forests, pastures and lush grasslands.
Balme is an ideal spot for those who love mountain in its true and wild essence Surrounded by high mountains and famous since 19th century for its fresh air and clean waters, it is a touristic spot of big interests, starting point for treks and ascents, a mecca for mountaineers and skiers.
Mountaineers can challenge several ascents of many degres, from easy to very difficult ones on various peaks. In fact, this little village gave birth in the last century to some of the best alpine guides, among them Antonio Castagneri aka Toni dei Tuni. His stunning 46 first ascents palce him among the best of his era. A true pioneer of mountainering, he lost his life in 1890, on a glacier in Monte Bianco. A plate on the Church of Santissima Trinitą placed by Club Alpino Italiano remembers him, and his modest home is available for visits.