Entracque: Cross-country skiing, wolves and mountain landscapes

Landscape between lakes and hydropower

Entracque lies in the Gesso della Barra valley, in a glacial basin landscape between the waters of three streams. Lago delle Rovine lies at an altitude of 1,535 metres in the Valle Gesso di Entracque and is associated with an ancient landslide. The Piastra and Chiotàs reservoirs were built to supply the underground hydroelectric power plant near Entracque.

Cross-country skiing and wolf-related activities

The Centro Sci Fondo Gelas di Entracque has more than 45 kilometres of cross-country ski trails across 10 loops. Cross-country skiing is an independent winter sport in which you move through the terrain on narrow skis. The Centro Uomini e Lupi opened in 2010 to raise awareness of issues related to wolves and to deepen understanding of the species' biology through interactive exhibitions as well as educational and outreach activities. The Centro Uomini e Lupi consists of two complementary areas: the visitor centre in the town of Entracque and the wildlife area in Casermette. The Percorso lupo educational trail runs outdoors along the path between the visitor centre in Entracque and the wildlife area in Casermette. The Percorso lupo includes identifying wolf tracks, quiz questions, analysing finds, and checking information and facts about wolves.

Hiking, climbing and cycling

The Via Ferrata dei Funs di Entracque is equipped with cables and metal steps along the limestone walls of the Gorge della Reina. Entracque has hiking and trekking trails in the Alpi Marittime Nature Park. The Via Ferrata dei Funs can be reached by car via the provincial road through Santa Lucia and Tetti Violino; from there, an approximately 30-minute walk leads to the starting point. Entracque offers cycling routes for mountain bikes, e-bikes and bicycles: from gentle trails with little elevation gain and challenging gravel stretches to paved panoramic roads leading to hamlets. A climbing facility has been set up on the dam of the Piastra reservoir.

Hydropower and nature experiences

Fishing is considered a nature experience in mountain streams and Alpine lakes. The Enel Green Power information centre is located at the “L. Einaudi” hydroelectric power plant in Entracque and informs visitors, school groups and the general public about the dams in the Valle Gesso and how the pumped-storage power plant works. A pumped-storage power plant uses water moved between reservoirs at different elevations to store energy.

Cuiette and local tradition

Cuiette are potato gnocchi served with a cream made from the local Alpine cheese Castel d'Ariund or with a sauce made from red sausage. The potato fair in Entracque was held for more than 20 years on the first weekend of September. At the potato fair, visitors could sample handmade Cuiette prepared by volunteers from Entracque.

More destinations for planning your trip: Frabosa Sottana, Stroppo, San Damiano Macra, Barge, Canosio, Roà Marenca, Sanfront, Prine.

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