Two events for Earth Week 2026

To markEarth Week 2026, theSesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geoparkis organising two events open to the public, offering the chance to discover the extraordinary geological history of our region through hiking and popular science.

Two opportunities to walk amongst the rocks, landscapes and historical remains, and to gain a better understanding of the processes that helped shape the Alps and the landscape of the Valsesia.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Sunday 27 September – “The Magical Val d’Otro”

A hike throughthe spectacularVal d’Otro, the suspended valley of Alagna Valsesia, to trace the marks left by ancient glaciers in the landscape and discover the complex geological history of the Alps.

Along the route, you will encountergorges, waterfalls, terraces and rock glaciers, alongside impressive outcrops of quartzite, calcsilicate and prasinite – rocks that tell the story of the evolution of the ancient Ligurian-Piedmontese Ocean and the processes that led to the formation of the Alps.

The walk will also give you the chance to discover the remains of the ancient mining activities linked to the manganese and copper mines, as well as the fascinatingWalsersettlements on the Otro plain.

To make the day even more special, there will be a few musical interludes featuringthe handpan – an instrument with a harmonious and relaxing sound – played by our guide, Tanzio Arfino.

9.30 am|Meeting point:the fountain in Piazza Grober, Alagna Valsesia
Cost:€25 for adults, €15 for children under 14
Difficulty:moderate |Distance:6 km
Elevation gain:560 m |Minimum age:8 years
Participants:maximum 30
Registration required by 24 September

For information and bookings:
Tanzio Arfino– 349 2250035
tanzioarfino@gmail.com

Link: THE MAGICAL VAL D'OTRO | Planet Earth Week

Sunday 4 October – In search of the ‘Sesia Supervolcano’: a day in the life of a scientist

A journey to discoverthe ancientSesia Supervolcano, one of the most significant geological features in the Geopark area.

Participants will be taken on a genuine journey of scientific exploration, following the clues that enabled geologists Silvano Sinigoi and James Quick to piece together the history of this gigantic volcanic system.

This will not be a simple excursion, but aninteractive tour in stages, during which, through observations and clues, we will attempt to solve a number of scientific puzzles and piece together the events that unfolded in the depths of the Earth some 300 million years ago.

The itinerary, which involves travelling by car and walking some sections, will start inRomagnano Sesiaand end inScopetta, a hamlet of Scopa, passing through some of the main geological sites of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark.

9.15 am|Meeting point: Romagnano Sesia Price:€25 for adults, €15 for children under 14, free for children under 6
Difficulty:low |Duration:one day
Distance:approximately 45 km
Participants:maximum 25
Registration required by 3 October

For information and registration:
Ilaria Selvaggio– 347 4474021
ilaria@selvaic.it

Link: IN SEARCH OF THE ‘SESIA SUPERVOLCANO’: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SCIENTIST | Earth Week

Two events offering the chance to experience theSesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geoparkthrough the geology, landscape and history of its rocks: an invitation to see this area – which holds millions of years of Earth’s history – with fresh eyes.

We look forward to seeing you there so we can discover it together!