Cross-country skiing in Riale: trails, rentals and parking

In Riale, in upper Val Formazza, you can cross-country ski. There are three routes: 3 km (green), 5 km (red/black), and 12 km (red/black). The trails sit between 1,731 and 1,803 meters above sea level. There's a practice area for beginners, and equipment rental is available. A full rental from 12:30 to 16:30 costs 10 euros.

The cross-country season often starts between late October and early November. Snowfarming makes that possible. Snow from the previous winter stays under thermal covers all summer. It's then used to prepare the first loop. So you can train while many other trails remain closed. Professional athletes and national teams come to Riale, too.

How to get there and where to park

You can't get to Riale directly by train. By car, Domodossola, Verbania and Omegna are roughly an hour away. It might take a little longer. From Novara and Vercelli, expect around 1 hour 45 minutes. It could take up to 2 hours. From Milano, the drive takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. From Varese, Busto Arsizio and Gallarate, allow 1 hour 45 minutes. It could take a little over 2 hours. From Torino, it takes about 3 hours. So Riale is less convenient for a day of skiing.

After the village of Formazza, the final stretch narrows. It also has bends, so watch for oncoming vehicles. It's best to drive it in daylight.

I found parking a bit tricky. The lot outside Centro Fondo / Hotel Aaltro Dorf is closest. It's right by the start of the ski trails. But it fills up quickly on weekends. There's a larger lot before you enter Riale. It's on the right, after the trail's wooden bridge. It's a few hundred meters from the cross-country ski center. You generally have to pay: about 5 euros per day.