Pian del Creus and Buscaiè Woodland
Tour with snow rackets
- Trail Conditions: On foot
- Interest: Flora, Wildlife
- Departure: Località Ponte d'Ardua
- Duration: 4 hour/s
- Difficulty Level: intermediate
- Difference in height: 400m
The itinerary leaves from Ponte di Ardua and reaches Pian delle Gorre (30 min) following the track which during the winter is used as a cross-country skiing track. From Pian delle Gorre, take the road on the left of the mountain hut and, after 200m, turn left and take a steep trail developing across the woodland, reaching Pian del Creus (1 hour).
From Pian del Creus turn right towards Villa Soche private mountain hut and cross Buscaiè woodland until you reach Gias Sottano di Sestrera (50 min).
From here, go down to the Saut near the homonymous waterfalls and return to Pian delle Gorre first and then to Ponte di Ardua (1 hour).
Alternative route: from Pian del Creus go ahead after crossing the stream up to the summer mountain pasture of Gias Madonna.
Curiosities: wildlife and vegetation
Following torrent Pesio towards Pian delle Gorre, you will cross noble broadleaf woodlands (ash, elm, maple) and beech woodlands. In this stretch, it is evident the difference in vegetation between the two slopes, given to ecological differences, but also to the different forest management. Pesio offers charming views where it is possible to sight the White-throated dipper and sometimes herons looking for trout, the torrent is rich in. Then follow rio del Saut (tributary of Pesio) running between the two silver fir seed woodlands (Buscaiè and Prel). Fir trees are one of the main features of the Park and one of the reasons for its establishment. Preserved from the cutting by the careful management of the Carthusian monks, they are now growing and are essential for many species of ungulates that under the big fir trees can find the necessary nourishment to spend the winter.
The plateau of Pian del Creus runs along the rocky ridge of Bruseis that, for the exposure and steepness of its slopes, is for most of the winter free from the snow and therefore a wintering area for chamois, roe deer, and wild boars. Crossing once again Buscaiè woodland, it will be possible to find the traces left by other animals: foxes, pine martens, and squirrels are the most frequent. The barked fir trees are an evidence of the presence of the black woodpecker and sometimes it is possible to see the traces of the new entry: the wolf.
Map of the roue (PDF - 3Mb)
Information: Parco naturale Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro - parcopesio@ruparpiemonte.it - Tel. 0171/734021
R. Lussignoli mobile 334/6246213
Snow rackets rental: Jeannot Sport - Tel. 0171/734177; Marguareis Sports Center - Matteo Musso mobile 335/5211456; Pian delle Gorre Mountain Hut - Osvaldo Castagna and Antonella Alberto Tel. 0171/738077 - mobile 333/2700314
