The winter in the Valle Maira is slowly coming to an end and we are already looking forward to the longer and warmer days. So of course, we didn't miss the chance to talk to Renato Botte, a mountain guide of more than 20 years, about spring in the Valle Maira.
Only a few guests and visitors are seen in the Valle Maira in spring. Although, in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful seasons in this unique alpine valley. Nature awakens, the first paths and mule tracks can be hiked and the culinary delights are also influenced by the first fresh spring herbs. Chef Manuela will tell us more about this in the next blog post, but now let's get Renato's three top spring tips.
Renato's tip 1: The best spring hike in the Valle Maira
In spring, I look for hikes with a special bloom and the tour around the Rocca Provenzale - the Piedmont's Matterhorn - has always been a complete success so far. Because there you are overwhelmed by the diversity of the local flora. For example, you can see countless wild tulips in bloom.
And speaking of local flora, I must of course mention the checkerboard flower. If you want to take a closer look at them in spring, then a hike to the alpine meadows of San Michele is my recommendation.
As you can see, it's really difficult to name just one favourite hike, because in spring there are so many paths and mule tracks to discover. And often the good things are so close. The tour that I recommend to all guests of Locanda Mistral in spring starts directly at our house and leads across the sunny slopes to Prazzo. On this tour you can wonderfully admire a wide variety of orchids and blooming fire lilies.
Renato's tip 2: The "most beautiful" spring place in the Valle Maira
Whether it is the most beautiful spring place in the Valle Maira, I don't know. But my favourite place is our own organic vegetable garden at Locanda Mistral.
There is a lot to do there in spring and I really enjoy planting new things and seeing and trying them out. One of my big goals for the next few years is to grow more endemic plants and herbs. Maybe there will soon be a Locanda Mistral tea collection :-)?
In general, I recommend that everyone who comes to the Valle Maira in spring also take in the valley through their nose. The spring scents of the Valle Maira remind me of my childhood in South Tyrol and of the meadows that were still abundant with flowers back then.
This scent, which accompanies the warmer season, as well as seeing life returning to many villages that were largely abandoned in winter - that's what makes spring in the Valle Maira so special for me.
Renato's tip 3: My favourite spring event in the Valle Maira
While there is a lot on the agenda in the Valle Maira in summer, spring is a quieter time of year.
That's why I'm all the more pleased that we're organising a great party for the season opening of the Locanda, with Occitan music by the band Quba Libre, and Manuela is already planning the culinary highlights. Of course, many of our long-standing partners will also be there, and together we will taste new wines and accompanying cheeses.
The spring party will take place on Friday, 19 May, and of course you are all invited.
Is there anything else Renato would like us to do this spring in the Valle Maira?
As I said before, spring in the Valle Maira is a very special time for me with all the flowers, the blooming meadows and the wonderful smells. The Stroppia waterfalls are certainly worth a visit in spring too.
But also the freshly sprouting larch forests, the alpine rose blossom, the many bird songs and generally, the tangible sensation of “winter departing” in the valley.
