Pragelato in winter: cross-country skiing, nature and alpine culture

Cross-country skiing on the valley floor of Val Troncea in winter

In winter, the valley floor of Parco Naturale Val Troncea can be explored on a permanently groomed cross-country ski trail. The trail is limited to the valley floor and the winter season. Unlike the ski trail, the seven thematic paths are intended for excursions in the park. When planning a day in Pragelato, the cross-country ski trail and the network of paths can be treated as separate components.

Signposted paths and thematic routes in the park

Parco Naturale Val Troncea has 22 paths created and signposted by the park authority.

Seven self-guided thematic paths have been established for excursions in the park. For an excursion in Parco Naturale Val Troncea, it is therefore important to distinguish between the entire network of paths and the self-guided routes.

The thematic paths have a recommended direction of travel and can mostly be completed in one day. When planning a day trip, the direction of travel can determine the sequence of an excursion; the information on walkability provides a time frame without specifying the same duration for every path. In addition, the thematic paths are signposted and continuously maintained by park staff.

The park can be explored on foot. There is a large car park in front of the park entrance.

Natural history themes in the park and botanical paths

The Museo Naturalistico del Parco Naturale Val Troncea uses information panels to present the landscape areas and forests. It also covers traditional architecture and the history of the park, as well as its flora and fauna.

For nature enthusiasts, the museum connects forests, flora and fauna with traditional architecture and the history of the park.

An ethnobotanical path has been created outside the Museo Naturalistico del Parco Naturale Val Troncea. The museum also offers self-guided botanical paths. The ethnobotanical path is therefore located outside the museum, whereas the botanical paths are offered by the museum.

Santa Maria Assunta in Pragelato’s historic centre

The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in Pragelato’s historic centre, known as Ruà. Its ceilings feature valuable fresco decorations, including floral compositions and depictions of sacred figures.

Everyday life and traditions in the old district of La Ruà

In the old district of La Ruà, the Museo del Costume e delle Tradizioni delle Genti Alpine opened to the public in August 1998. The museum presents everyday objects from household and working life in various areas. These include a stable, kitchen, bedroom, hayloft and cellar, as well as the characteristic "croutin".

Cultural influences on traditional dress in Pragelato

Pragelato’s traditional dress gradually acquired its present-day characteristics and forms through the layering of two cultural influences. These include the Francophone Savoyard culture and the pre-existing Francophone, Provençal-Alpine Escarton culture.

Further destinations: Bardonecchia, Valprato Soana, Sauze D'oulx, Susa, Torre Pellice, Beaulard, Oulx and Busano.

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