Sentiero Chiovini
The Resistance trek along the partisan trails of Val Grande
About Sentiero Chiovini
Walking the paths of memory
The Sentiero Chiovini is considered the most famous of the Resistance Trails in Val Grande, Italy's largest wilderness area, now protected by the Val Grande National Park. This is no ordinary hike; it is a commemorative trek that retraces the rugged routes used by partisans to evade the massive Nazi-Fascist roundup of June 1944—one of the most dramatic chapters of the Resistance in the Verbano region.
Every year, the event concludes in Aurano, a small town in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO) in the heart of the Piedmontese mountains, with a commemorative ceremony at the Partisan Ossuary of Scareno, where those who fell in the partisan struggle are laid to rest.
Who was Nino Chiovini?
The initiative is dedicated to Nino Chiovini (1923-1991), a partisan who later became a historian of the Resistance and the rural, mountain culture of the Verbano area. His works gave a voice to the people of the valleys and preserved the memory of the War of Liberation. The Nino Chiovini Literary Park is named in his honor and accompanies the journey each year with readings and historical insights, alongside the official guides of the Val Grande National Park.
A two-day trek
The route is divided into two stages, with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge. The first day climbs from Miazzina to the CAI Piancavallone Refuge, passing through Alpe Aurelio, Monte Todum, and Pizzo Pernice. The second day descends from the refuge toward Intragna and Scareno, where the final ceremony takes place. This is a challenging hiking route (E), suitable for fit walkers, offering immense landscape and historical value.
A community gathering
Organized by the Valgrande Società Cooperativa in collaboration with the Nino Chiovini Literary Park and the National Park Guides, the Sentiero Chiovini combines hiking, history, and civic engagement. Participation in the trek is free and remains one of the most authentic ways to discover Val Grande and honor the memory of the Ossola Resistance.
Sentiero Chiovini — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Sentiero Chiovini returns on the weekend of June 13-14, with an approximate schedule from 08:30 to 17:30. The itinerary covers the areas of Miazzina, Intragna, Aurano, and the CAI Piancavallone Refuge, retracing the Resistance trails of Val Grande. Along the way, readings and insights are provided by the Nino Chiovini Literary Park and the official guides of the Val Grande National Park. Participation is free, with mandatory booking.
Programme Sentiero Chiovini 2026
Saturday, June 13 — From Miazzina to Piancavallone Refuge
- 08:30 — Meeting in Miazzina (VB)
- 09:00 — Departure
- Route: Miazzina → Alpe Aurelio → Monte Todum → Pizzo Pernice → CAI Piancavallone Refuge
- Stage data: approx. 7.9 km, 3 hours and 50 minutes of actual walking time, elevation gain +930 m / -110 m
- Overnight stay at the CAI Piancavallone Refuge
Sunday, June 14 — From the refuge to Scareno (Aurano)
- Route: CAI Piancavallone Refuge → Intragna → Scareno
- Stage data: approx. 8.2 km, 3 hours and 10 minutes of actual walking time, elevation gain +210 m / -1020 m
- 12:00 — Commemorative ceremony at the Partisan Ossuary of Scareno
- Return to Miazzina via organized transport
Throughout both days, historical readings and insights are provided by the Nino Chiovini Literary Park and the official guides of the Val Grande National Park.
Highlights Sentiero Chiovini 2026
- Commemorative ceremony at the Partisan Ossuary of Scareno (Sunday at 12:00)
- High-altitude overnight stay at the CAI Piancavallone Refuge
- Readings and insights by the Nino Chiovini Literary Park along the way
- Itinerary through the sites of the June 1944 roundup
Prices Sentiero Chiovini 2026
Practical information — Sentiero Chiovini
Getting there
The meeting point is in Miazzina (VB), accessible by car from the shores of Lake Maggiore (Verbania-Intra) along the road to Mottarone-Val Grande. The arrival is in Scareno, a hamlet of Aurano, from where organized transport back to Miazzina is provided.
Registration and costs
Booking is mandatory. Participation in the trek is free, excluding food and lodging. The overnight stay at the CAI Piancavallone Refuge (dinner, bed, and breakfast) costs approximately 55 euros.
Tips
This is a challenging hiking route (E): trekking boots, layered clothing, water, and a light backpack for the overnight stay are required. You will be reaching high altitudes; please check weather conditions before departure.
Contact
Valgrande Società Cooperativa, tel. +39 328 054 2370, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Sentiero Chiovini
Val Grande - Ossario dei Partigiani di Scareno
Ossario dei Partigiani, Scareno, 28812 Aurano