Miniere di Radis

This hike completely develops in the Rio Lusignetto lonely valley, where the labor of miners extracting iron at 2350 m altitude and then towing it to the valley bottom is still perceivable. The whole itinerary is characterized by wilderness, which takes on pastoral characteristic when reaching the Alpe Radis meadows. More trained hikers may lengthen the trip climbing Monte Rosso d’Ala or crossing eastwards to visit Lago Lusignetto and Lago di Viana.

Indications

Suggested period

May – October.

Starting point

Ala di Stura – La Fabbrica hamlet (1006 m)

Elevation gain

1350 m

Difficulty

Travel time

4.30 hrs

Recommended for

Hikers
Families

Access

Before reaching Ala di Stura residential area, along the county road, turn left, indications for the chairlift station, and park the car in one of the areas you will find on the way down.

Itinerary

The trail begins at the chairlify station. Cross the Stura on the bridge in front of the station, and start walking on the dirt road to Pian Belfè. After the first ramp, on reaching a direction board for Lusignetto (EPT 211), leave the dirt road and take the track entering the wood. The trail crosses diagonally up to the Vallone del Lusignetto entrance. Here the wood ends and lush vegetation of alders and ferns replaces it. The route climbs up the valley progressively crossing the Sapè (1340 m), the Lusignetto Est (1651 m) and the Colaou (1815 m) pasture huts. From the last huts, at first climb along the stream, then turn right. Having overtaken a water rich clearing, you will find a crossroads for Alpe Radis (EPT 211a): do not follow the deviation and continue straight ahead. On reaching a plain dominated by a huge monolith, pass on its left. You will find a paved mule track, crossing a characteristic stone bridge, which will take you to the mine (2350 m).