The Oltrepò Pavese area offers a beautiful and evocative setting for snowshoeing in winter, when the landscape is covered in snow. An extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of winter nature. The snow and fresh air regenerate the mind and spirit. Snowshoeing is also a great form of exercise. You don't need any special skills to go snowshoeing, as the routes are usually fairly moderate in incline and development.
In the Oltrepò Pavese area there are several routes and paths suitable for this sport. Mount Penice, Piani del Lesima, Caldirola and Pian del Poggio are all easily accessible starting points.
A passion with ancient roots
The origins of snowshoes are ancient, and their use was very different from that of today. For people who lived in places where there was plenty of snow, especially in North America, the cold regions of Asia and northern Europe, they were an essential tool for getting around. They used tools made of wood, leather and rope, or rudimentary wooden planks. It even seems that the Romans used tools similar to snowshoes in mountainous areas. This system of movement was adopted by Alpine troops as early as the First World War.
The classics on the white coat
There are so many suggestions, because the paths of the Oltrepò Pavese are endless. We will limit ourselves to suggesting the most popular itineraries.
From the Caldirola beech woods to Monte Ebro, from Piani del Lesima to Monte Lesima, from Pian del Poggio to Monte Chiappo, from the Tre Passi to the Monte Alpe nature reserve, from the Passo delle Tre Strade to Monte. And then there is the "Giovanni Tosi" nature trail, a circular route of about 8 kilometres through pine forests, beech groves and mule tracks along the Sassi Neri and Pietra Corva paths. Or that of Monte Groppo.
Clothing and equipment
Even a simple snowshoe hike requires the right equipment and clothing. The first thing you need to walk in the snow is snowshoes. They come in different sizes and styles, depending on your body weight. It is important to wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots: they must provide good grip, support for the ankles and protection against cold and water. Gaiters help to keep out the cold and prevent your trousers from getting wet at the top of the boot. Walking poles are useful for balance and support, and to reduce the strain on the legs when walking. Finally, appropriate clothing: it is advisable to dress in layers of thermal clothing to regulate body temperature according to the intensity of the activity and the weather conditions.
An alternative to snowshoeing? The horse
One of the most fascinating ways to enjoy the beauty of the snowy landscape is on horseback. The stables in the Val di Staffora offer excursions of various lengths for both experts and beginners. A unique and charming experience, almost magical, to discover the beauty of the snowy landscape in a different way. With only the sound of the horse's hooves, muffled by the snow, you can admire fairytale landscapes and magnificent corners of nature: whitewashed trees, mountain peaks, frozen streams, immaculate meadows. It is advisable to contact the riding centre in advance to book the ride. How to tackle this adventure? The same rule applies here: dress in layers and take care not to get cold feet. This is not a problem for the horse: it does not feel the cold. In fact, they feel the heat more.
