Germanasca Valley – Piedmont: mines, deep forests and communities among the oldest in the Alps. The Germanasca Valley is one of the most secluded valleys in western Piedmont, located between the southern Cottian Alps and the border with Val Pellice. Characterized by an austere but fascinating landscape, it preserves intact nature, stone villages and a history linked to the Protestant world and mining, still clearly visible in the area. ⛏️ Between mining history and memory of the subsoil: One of the symbolic places of the valley is Scopriminiera, in Prali: an open-air museum that allows you to explore disused underground tunnels, once dedicated to the extraction of talc. Guided tours reveal an important page in the culture of alpine work. 👉 Tip: Put on a helmet and waterproof jacket and take part in the underground route: an educational and surprising experience even for the little ones. 🌲 Wilderness and lonely trails: The valley is ideal for those who love the mountains away from the tourist routes: dense forests, alpine meadows, hidden lakes and rock faces accompany hikers along uncrowded routes. The landscape is constantly changing, with open views and secondary valleys to explore. 👉 Tip: Reach Lago Verde starting from Ghigo di Prali: a moderate hike, with a view of Monte Ghinivert. 🏘️ High-altitude villages and Waldensian architecture: The valley is strongly linked to the Waldensian culture, visible in the temples, in the stone houses and in the social fabric of the villages such as Ghigo, Rodoretto and Massello. The architecture is sober, functional, made to withstand long winters and steep slopes. 👉 Tip: In Ghigo di Prali, visit the Waldensian Temple and stroll through the silent streets of the village: every detail tells a community and resistant story. ❄️ Winter sports and alpine tranquillity: In the colder months, Prali becomes a small ski resort with well-groomed slopes, hospitable refuges and itineraries for ski mountaineering and snowshoeing. Without the hustle and bustle of large ski areas, it offers a more intimate and relaxed approach to the winter mountains. 👉 Tip: Rent snowshoes and walk the path that climbs to the Monti della Luna, through snowy forests and spectacular views. 🍲 Local flavors and simple hospitality: The cuisine of the Germanasca Valley reflects the mountain context: legume soups, mountain pasture tomes, mountain potatoes, wood-fired bread. The taverns in the area maintain a family style, linked to seasonality and the genuineness of the products. 👉 Tip: Try supa barbetta, a traditional Waldensian soup, at an inn in Rodoretto or Ghigo. The Germanasca Valley is a cozy and authentic place, where the mountain is told through the work, memory and strength of the communities that have inhabited it for centuries.