Mottarone, Mountain peak in Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy
Mottarone is a mountain summit rising to 1,491 meters between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, with sweeping views in all directions. The surrounding terrain includes meadows, sparse forest, and distant vistas stretching toward the Maritime Alps and the white peaks of Monte Rosa.
The mountain hosted Italy's first giant slalom race in 1935, marking a pioneering moment in national winter sports. This early competition helped establish the region as a center for Alpine athletics.
Local mountain pastures maintain traditional grazing practices, where shepherds still tend herds and native wildflowers grow in the high-altitude meadows.
A toll road from Stresa-Gignese climbs the mountain, while an alternative route departs from Armeno via the Due Riviere road. Both paths are clearly marked and suitable for most abilities.
The Giardino Botanico Alpinia sits at 803 meters elevation and houses over one thousand Alpine plant species in its gardens. Established in 1934, it offers an unexpected encounter with rare mountain flora for those climbing toward the summit.
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