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TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza RESTAURANTS Ross-Wald Farmhouse San Michele The RossWald Farmhouse offers the opportunity to spend relaxing days in the quiet of the mountains, in direct contact with nature and animals. The restaurant serves delicious meat dishes, especially traditional local specialties. Phone: +39 338 8078072 Email: info@agriturismorosswald.it Website: https://www.agriturismorosswald.it/ Igli Pub Valdo District Phone: 0324 203420 Edelweiss Restaurant Ponte District The Bignami family's cuisine is authentic, genuine, and rooted in the simplicity of its ingredients, carefully selected. The quality of the ingredients is the foundation of their dishes, complemented by passion, love, and a touch of creativity. Phone: 0324 63034 Email: info@albergoedelweiss.net Website: www.albergoedelweiss.net Rotenthal Restaurant Ponte District In this restaurant, you can enjoy authentic dishes from the local Walser tradition, such as Pratähäpfla, roasted potatoes with melted cheese and onions, or excellent local cured meats, especially bresaola, venison ham, and Formazza Valley loin. Phone: +39 351 8731913 Email: rotenthal@rotenthal.it Website: www.rotenthal.it Edelweiss Restaurant Ponte District The Bignami family's cuisine is authentic, genuine, and rooted in the simplicity of its ingredients, carefully selected. The quality of the ingredients is the foundation of their dishes, complemented by passion, love, and a touch of creativity. Phone: 0324 63034 Email: info@albergoedelweiss.net Website: www.albergoedelweiss.net Edelweiss Restaurant Ponte District The Bignami family's cuisine is authentic, genuine, and rooted in the simplicity of its ingredients, carefully selected. The quality of the ingredients is the foundation of their dishes, complemented by passion, love, and a touch of creativity. Phone: 0324 63034 Email: info@albergoedelweiss.net Website: www.albergoedelweiss.net Cà D Pierin Ponte District Bar and restaurant in Formazza, Ponte District, near the chairlift departure point. Phone: +39 331 361 5730 La Cascata del Toce Restaurant Frua District The "Ristorante Cascata del Toce" is the ideal place to enjoy typical mountain dishes in an incredibly prestigious architectural setting, combining your dining experience with a splendid view of Europe's most impressive waterfall. Phone: +39 335 7682841 Email: ristorante.cascata@libero.it Website: https://www.cascatadeltoce.com/ Le Alpi Restaurant Frua Located in Frua, a stone's throw from the Toce Waterfall, Albergo Ristorante Le Alpi offers a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. Phone: +39 338 3448489 Email: ristorantelealpi@yahoo.com Aalts Dorf Restaurant Riale Our facility reflects the mountain characteristics of ancient Alpine homes, evoking the stories, traditions, and customs of the Walser people while offering all the comforts you need: 20 entirely wooden rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, televisions, balconies, panoramic terraces, ample parking, and a restaurant serving traditional and creative gourmet cuisine. Phone: +39 329 1257417 Email: aaltsdorf@gmail.com Website: www.aaltsdorf.com Walser Schtuba Restaurant and Inn Riale Walser Schtuba boasts a wonderful dining room, typical of traditional Walser architecture, where you'll feel enveloped by the warm charm of wood. Phone: +39 339 3663330 Email: info@locandawalser.it Website: www.locandawalser.it

Scopri la Val Formazza: trekking tra paesaggi alpini, sci di fondo, la maestosa Cascata del Toce e tante esperienze autentiche. Scopri cosa fare tutto l’anno. Iscriviti alla Newsletter Sign Up ALL EVENTS Follow us on Instagram @formazza_ Carica altro I PROSSIMI EVENTI Service Name Service Name Service Name Service Name DISCOVER OUR LAND Discover the magic of Val Formazza, an unspoiled corner of nature and tradition in the heart of the Alps. Here you will find breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and authentic hospitality that will make every moment unforgettable. From majestic snow-covered peaks to green alpine pastures, Val Formazza offers unique scenery in every season. Explore panoramic trails, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Toce Waterfall – one of the most spectacular in Europe – and be enchanted by the tranquility of the alpine lakes. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a skiing lover, or a cyclist seeking thrilling routes, here you will find your perfect experience. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, and mountain biking: Val Formazza is the ideal place for those who love movement and nature. Experience authentic moments among the wooden houses of the Walser culture, discover the history and traditions of a people who have made the mountains their home, and savor the genuine flavors of the local cuisine, with cheeses and regional products that tell the story of this land. If you’re looking for a place to rejuvenate, Val Formazza offers relaxation and serenity in a uniquely natural setting. Treat yourself to the warmth of alpine lodges and welcoming accommodations, where hospitality is a way of life. Val Formazza awaits you to offer authentic emotions, far from mass tourism and immersed in extraordinary nature. Plan your trip and let yourself be captivated by the magic of the Alps. WHAT TO DO Life in Val Formazza STORIES THAT TELL US WHERE TO SLEEP WHERE TO EAT HOW TO GET THERE TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza Office Tourist CONTACT THE TOURIST OFFICE

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS GENERAL INFORMATIONS The Formazza Valley is the beating heart of Piedmont's hydroelectric power and one of the symbolic areas of the so-called "hydroelectric colonization of Ossola," a phenomenon that began in the early 20th century and radically transformed the Alpine landscape and the local economy. Here, amid glaciers, alpine lakes, and steep gradients, water became energy, giving rise to an extraordinary complex of dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power plants, capable of fueling the industrial development of northern Italy. The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO), nestled between the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, is characterized by a large presence of alpine lakes. Many of these are artificial basins, created to optimize hydroelectric production at a time when hydroelectric power—white coal—was a major resource for industrial development. Of the 32 artificial basins, only 14 were built on pre-existing natural lakes. The others were built to power power plants that today represent an engineering and historical heritage of extraordinary value. The use of water for energy purposes began as early as the late 19th century, but it was in the early 20th century that the Val Formazza became the undisputed leader. With over 66% of its land non-productive due to the high altitude, the valley was perfectly suited for hydroelectric production. The first to recognize this potential was Ettore Conti, a young entrepreneur destined to become a key figure in the Italian electricity industry. In 1901, he founded the Società Anonima per Imprese Elettriche Conti, linked to Edison. From that moment, a series of projects and construction sites led to the creation of some of the most important plants in the valley: Rivasco Power Plant (1908): it harnessed the waters of the Toce with a 345-meter drop, generating 9,200 kW. Goglio Power Plant: it used the Devero stream and the Codelago and Pianboglio basins (later decommissioned). Sottofrua Power Plant (1924): with a capacity of 7,500 kW, it utilized the Valtoggia basin and Toggia and Lago Nero lakes. Valdo Power Plant (1920s): with 11,000 kW, later integrated into the Ponte system. Cadarese Power Plant (1928): one of the most powerful, producing 56,000 kW thanks to a 7 km long rock-hewn conduit. Morasco Power Plant (1957): entirely built inside a tunnel, it was the valley's first automated power plant, with remote control from Ponte. CONTACTS If you want to visit the hydroelectric power plants, guided tours are organized here:

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza CAMPER AREAS Punta Sabbioni Camper Area BRENDO The RV area extends over three grassy levels and offers 30 pitches with electricity, bathrooms, showers, and barbecues. A playground, therapeutic trail, hot tub, and an organic garden are also available for a relaxing and nature-filled stay. Phone: +39 339 8839479 - +39 333 9089373 Email: dariopiumarta3@gmail.com Website: www.puntasabbioni.it Riale Camper Stop Area RIALE After the Toce waterfall, below the Morasco Lake dam, there is a paid parking area (a municipal employee comes by to collect the fee) with approximately 100 spaces, electric charging stations (paid on one side only), and a camper service.

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza CASCATA DEL TOCE TOCE WATERFALL - THE QUEEN OF THE ALPS With a drop of 143 meters, the Toce Waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Europe. It originates in Riale at the confluence of the Hosand, Gries, and Rhoni streams, and is visible in all its majesty only at certain times of the year due to hydroelectric power generation. Since the 18th century, its fame has attracted mountaineers and illustrious travelers such as De Saussure, Coolidge, Wagner, Carducci, D’Annunzio, and Queen Margherita, who described it as "the most beautiful waterfall in the Alps." A panoramic wooden balcony allows for a view overlooking the waterfall, along the ancient Gries Road, a historic link between Milan and Bern. THE HISTORIC HOTEL Next to the waterfall stands the Historic Hotel, built in 1863 by Giuseppe Zertanna and expanded in 1926 to a design by architect Piero Portaluppi. It was an Alpine excellence with cutting-edge services such as a post office and telegraph office. Today, the building, although converted into apartments, retains rooms and spaces rich in history, which can still be visited. CASCATA DEL TOCE OPENINGS 2025 OPENING HOURS SUNDAY, JUNE 2 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM CLOSED HOURS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM FROM JUNE 9TH TO SEPTEMBER 22ND DA LUNEDÌ A SABATO: Dalle 11.30 alle 13.30 DOMENICA: Dalle 10.00 alle 16.00 FROM 9 TO 20 AUGUST EVERY DAY From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EXTRAORDINARY OPENINGS SABATO 22 GIUGNO dalle 15.00 alle 17.00 SABATO 13 LUGLIO dalle 9.00 alle 17.00 VENERDÌ 30 AGOSTO dalle 8.00 alle 10.00 CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTICS The top of the waterfall: 1,675 meters. The bottom of the waterfall: 1,532 meters. Height of the waterfall: 143 meters. Rock slope: 200 meters. Water level at the edge: 20 meters. Width at the base: 60 meters.

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza TOURISM OFFICE AT YOUR DISPOSAL The Formazza Valley Tourist Office is here to help you enjoy an authentic experience of nature, Walser culture, sports, and relaxation. Whether you're planning a ski vacation, a summer excursion, a rejuvenating weekend, or a family getaway, here you'll find all the information you need to best organize your trip. At our office, you can: Receive maps and informational materials Discover events, itineraries, and outdoor activities Get advice on hospitality, dining, and local products We are the ideal starting point for exploring the pristine beauty of the Formazza Valley, with its spectacular waterfalls, alpine trails, historic villages, and vibrant traditions. Come visit us or contact us: your adventure starts here! CONTACTS PRO LOCO FORMAZZA TOURIST OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com HOURS Tourist Office Hours: September 1st to May 31st Tuesdays: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM Contattaci Nome Cognome Email* Telefono Messaggio* Invia WHERE WE ARE WEATHER CHECK THE WEATHER

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza The Support Points BANCOMAT - at the town hall of FORMAZZA - POSTAL BANKING - in BACENO (27 km from Formazza) - INTESA SAN PAOLO BANK PHARMACY - in PREMIA (24km from Formazza) – S. Pietro Pharmacy Closed Thursday and Sunday afternoons – in BACENO (27km from Formazza) – Marinone Pharmacy Closed Thursday afternoons and Sundays GAS STATION - in PREMIA (24km from Formazza) - in CRODO (32km from Formazza) MEDICAL GUARD Tel. 116117 DOCTOR DR. ELENA ACHILLI: Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tel. 0324491590 – 491592-491589; for emergencies, call +393534308137

PONTE – SAN MICHELE - FONDOVALLE As soon as you cross the main bridge in the village, turn right onto the farm road that connects the hamlets of Ponte, San Michele, and Fondovalle. The road is asphalted, comfortable, and rarely used by vehicles, allowing for a beautiful, long walk amidst nature. The Support Points PONTE - CASCATA DEL TOCE Difference in altitude: 397m Time: 2 hours Difficulty: T Upon leaving the village, cross the bridge over the Toce River and after a few meters, take the path on the right. Passing through the hamlets of Brendo and Canza on the right bank of the Toce River, you reach the base of the waterfall (Sotto Frua). The path climbs, passing on the left bank, and with well-designed hairpin bends and skirting the waterfall you climb up to the initial jump, a good 142m. TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS GENERAL INFORMATIONS The Formazza Valley is the beating heart of Piedmont's hydroelectric power and one of the symbolic areas of the so-called "hydroelectric colonization of Ossola," a phenomenon that began in the early 20th century and radically transformed the Alpine landscape and the local economy. Here, amid glaciers, alpine lakes, and steep gradients, water became energy, giving rise to an extraordinary complex of dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power plants, capable of fueling the industrial development of northern Italy. The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO), nestled between the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, is characterized by a large presence of alpine lakes. Many of these are artificial basins, created to optimize hydroelectric production at a time when hydroelectric power—white coal—was a major resource for industrial development. Of the 32 artificial basins, only 14 were built on pre-existing natural lakes. The others were built to power power plants that today represent an engineering and historical heritage of extraordinary value. The use of water for energy purposes began as early as the late 19th century, but it was in the early 20th century that the Val Formazza became the undisputed leader. With over 66% of its land non-productive due to the high altitude, the valley was perfectly suited for hydroelectric production. The first to recognize this potential was Ettore Conti, a young entrepreneur destined to become a key figure in the Italian electricity industry. In 1901, he founded the Società Anonima per Imprese Elettriche Conti, linked to Edison. From that moment, a series of projects and construction sites led to the creation of some of the most important plants in the valley: Rivasco Power Plant (1908): it harnessed the waters of the Toce with a 345-meter drop, generating 9,200 kW. Goglio Power Plant: it used the Devero stream and the Codelago and Pianboglio basins (later decommissioned). Sottofrua Power Plant (1924): with a capacity of 7,500 kW, it utilized the Valtoggia basin and Toggia and Lago Nero lakes. Valdo Power Plant (1920s): with 11,000 kW, later integrated into the Ponte system. Cadarese Power Plant (1928): one of the most powerful, producing 56,000 kW thanks to a 7 km long rock-hewn conduit. Morasco Power Plant (1957): entirely built inside a tunnel, it was the valley's first automated power plant, with remote control from Ponte. CONTACTS If you want to visit the hydroelectric power plants, guided tours are organized here:

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS GENERAL INFORMATIONS The Formazza Valley is the beating heart of Piedmont's hydroelectric power and one of the symbolic areas of the so-called "hydroelectric colonization of Ossola," a phenomenon that began in the early 20th century and radically transformed the Alpine landscape and the local economy. Here, amid glaciers, alpine lakes, and steep gradients, water became energy, giving rise to an extraordinary complex of dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power plants, capable of fueling the industrial development of northern Italy. The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO), nestled between the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, is characterized by a large presence of alpine lakes. Many of these are artificial basins, created to optimize hydroelectric production at a time when hydroelectric power—white coal—was a major resource for industrial development. Of the 32 artificial basins, only 14 were built on pre-existing natural lakes. The others were built to power power plants that today represent an engineering and historical heritage of extraordinary value. The use of water for energy purposes began as early as the late 19th century, but it was in the early 20th century that the Val Formazza became the undisputed leader. With over 66% of its land non-productive due to the high altitude, the valley was perfectly suited for hydroelectric production. The first to recognize this potential was Ettore Conti, a young entrepreneur destined to become a key figure in the Italian electricity industry. In 1901, he founded the Società Anonima per Imprese Elettriche Conti, linked to Edison. From that moment, a series of projects and construction sites led to the creation of some of the most important plants in the valley: Rivasco Power Plant (1908): it harnessed the waters of the Toce with a 345-meter drop, generating 9,200 kW. Goglio Power Plant: it used the Devero stream and the Codelago and Pianboglio basins (later decommissioned). Sottofrua Power Plant (1924): with a capacity of 7,500 kW, it utilized the Valtoggia basin and Toggia and Lago Nero lakes. Valdo Power Plant (1920s): with 11,000 kW, later integrated into the Ponte system. Cadarese Power Plant (1928): one of the most powerful, producing 56,000 kW thanks to a 7 km long rock-hewn conduit. Morasco Power Plant (1957): entirely built inside a tunnel, it was the valley's first automated power plant, with remote control from Ponte. CONTACTS If you want to visit the hydroelectric power plants, guided tours are organized here:

TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza RIALE PLAIN For those who prefer flat walking, the Riale plain offers the opportunity to walk the entire length without any hills. From the parking lot at the Fondo center to the Morasco dam wall, follow the paved road, also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The Support Points MORASCO DAM Elevation gain: 50m Time: 1 hour Difficulty: T From the road at the foot of the dam, it's possible to climb, on foot only, to the "Guardians' House." It's also possible to cross the dam by following the wall to the other side (600m). The route descends to the Riale plain, still on an easy path. TOUR OF THE MORASCO LAKE Elevation gain: 100m Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: T From the Riale plain, reach the right summit of the Morasco dam wall. Continue along the flat dirt road that leads to the lake's edge. Cross the river and skirt the lake on a slight incline, reaching the shore of the Morasco dam where, still on an easy trail, you descend back to the Riale plain. FROM TOCE FALL Elevation gain: 50m Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: T From the large square at the Toce waterfall, toward the bottom, the trail begins and winds through the meadows of the "Frua" plain. Keep to the right of the valley to climb to the pass that separates the waterfall from Riale. Continue downhill to the right, following the cross-country ski trail to Riale. RIGONI STERN WAY Dislivello: 200m Tempo: 2 h Difficoltà: T Il sentiero è stato intitolato al grande scrittore e Alpino Rigoni Stern per la sua permanenza a Riale nel 1939 durante un periodo di addestramento e preparazione in previsione dell’inizio della seconda guerra mondiale. Il sentiero parte dietro l’albergo Aalts Dorf e si inerpica ripido nel vallone di destra, raggiunto il colletto si prosegue sulla destra salendo ancora e portandosi sopra i dossi che accedono alla piana del Furkulti. Si sale ancora verso destra al passo del Furkulti, bella veduta su tutta la valle, si scende comodamente fino alla diga di Morasco sfruttando una comoda strada bianca. E’ possibile percorrere l’itinerario anche al contrario.

HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS TOURISM OFFICE Ponte 4 - 28863 Formazza (VB) Tel. +39 0324 63059 Email: prolocoformazza@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Tourist Office opening hours from September 1st to May 31st Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm Sunday from 10 to 12:30 LINK 3B Weather Swiss Weather Contributions Received 2024 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions SOCIALS Facebook Instagram © 2025 by Pro Loco Formazza The Formazza Valley is the beating heart of Piedmont's hydroelectric power and one of the symbolic areas of the so-called "hydroelectric colonization of Ossola," a phenomenon that began in the early 20th century and radically transformed the Alpine landscape and the local economy. Here, amid glaciers, alpine lakes, and steep gradients, water became energy, giving rise to an extraordinary complex of dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power plants, capable of fueling the industrial development of northern Italy. The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO), nestled between the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, is characterized by a large presence of alpine lakes. Many of these are artificial basins, created to optimize hydroelectric production at a time when hydroelectric power—white coal—was a major resource for industrial development. Of the 32 artificial basins, only 14 were built on pre-existing natural lakes. The others were built to power power plants that today represent an engineering and historical heritage of extraordinary value. GENERAL INFORMATIONS The use of water for energy purposes began as early as the late 19th century, but it was in the early 20th century that the Val Formazza became the undisputed leader. With over 66% of its land non-productive due to the high altitude, the valley was perfectly suited for hydroelectric production. The first to recognize this potential was Ettore Conti, a young entrepreneur destined to become a key figure in the Italian electricity industry. In 1901, he founded the Società Anonima per Imprese Elettriche Conti, linked to Edison. From that moment, a series of projects and construction sites led to the creation of some of the most important plants in the valley: Rivasco Power Plant (1908): it harnessed the waters of the Toce with a 345-meter drop, generating 9,200 kW. Goglio Power Plant: it used the Devero stream and the Codelago and Pianboglio basins (later decommissioned). Sottofrua Power Plant (1924): with a capacity of 7,500 kW, it utilized the Valtoggia basin and Toggia and Lago Nero lakes. Valdo Power Plant (1920s): with 11,000 kW, later integrated into the Ponte system. Cadarese Power Plant (1928): one of the most powerful, producing 56,000 kW thanks to a 7 km long rock-hewn conduit. Morasco Power Plant (1957): entirely built inside a tunnel, it was the valley's first automated power plant, with remote control from Ponte. CONTACTS If you want to visit the hydroelectric power plants, guided tours are organized here: