The Geopark’s educational programme for the 2026/2027 school year

Six free tours for local schools

The Sesia Val Grande Geopark’seducational programme for the 2026/2027 school year is now underway – a project that brings knowledge of geology, palaeontology and archaeology into classrooms and onto the region’s trails through six themed programmes tailored to different school years and levels. A journey that winds its way from the hills of Upper Piedmont to Lake Maggiore and on to the Alpine peaks, born out of the UNESCO recognition in 2013 and designed to help the younger generation discover the extraordinary geological features that make this area unique in the world.

Each course combines a classroom session with a field trip, led by geologists, naturalists, archaeologists and the Geopark’s official environmental and hiking guides, and coordinated by Studio Aligraphis in Gravellona Toce. Classes will be able to choose from six modules covering different parts of the region and the protected areas involved — Valsesia, Ossola, Verbano — and themes ranging from karst formations to glaciation, from the Insubrian Line to the Via della Pietra, from the Walser glaciers to the supervolcanoes on our doorstep.

Membership and participation

Classroom lessons and field trips are free of charge for up to 75 classes, with priority given on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the geographical distribution of schools in the event of oversubscription. Interested classes must submit the registration form by 20 November 2026 to info@aligraphis.it: confirmation will be sent by 15 December and the contact person will be contacted to agree on the schedule and details. Schools are responsible for transport costs and, for some venues, admission tickets.

An online project, funded by the Piedmont Region

The initiative is funded by the Piedmont Region, through the Regional Department responsible for the Environment, Energy and Research, and stems from a collaboration between three organisations that have been working for years to promote the region: the Val Grande National Park, the Valsesia Protected Areas Management Authority and the Sesia Val Grande Geopark Geotourism Association. This network pools scientific expertise, knowledge of the local area and the ability to bring it to life, in order to offer schools an educational experience that combines scientific rigour with hands-on discovery.

Michele Zanelli, Technical Director of the Geopark, states:“The start of the new school year is a key moment for introducing the younger generation to our geological and natural heritage. Through the Geopark’s educational activities, organised in close collaboration with our partners and supported by the Piedmont Region, we offer pupils and teachers unique learning opportunities to understand the value of geodiversity and sustainable development”.

For further information and to register

Studio Aligraphis — Gravellona Toce · info@aligraphis.it