San Sicario

Located a short distance from the main village, this centre offers various groomed cross-country ski loops ('Anello di Fondo') catering to both classic and skating techniques. Trails range from easy (3-5 km) suitable for beginners, to more challenging routes (up to 15 km) for experienced skiers. Equipment rental is available on-site, along with professional instructors for lessons. Provides a serene alternative to downhill skiing, immersing visitors in the quiet beauty of the snow-covered forests. Season: December to March, daily 9:00 - 16:30. Prices for trail access: €8/day.

Experience the pristine winter landscape away from the crowded pistes with expert-led snowshoeing excursions. Various routes are offered daily, ranging from half-day easy walks suitable for families to full-day challenging treks to high-altitude viewpoints like Monte Fraiteve's secondary peaks. Guides provide insights into local flora, fauna, and mountain safety. Snowshoes and poles can be rented. A popular evening option includes 'Aperitivo under the stars' tours. Daily departures from the central square. Prices starting from €35 per person for a half-day tour, including guide.

Situated a short drive from San Sicario, the Cesana Adventure Park offers an exciting array of aerial courses among the trees, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Featuring ziplines, rope bridges, and climbing challenges, it's a fantastic outdoor activity for families, friends, and solo adventurers. All necessary safety equipment and instructions are provided by trained staff. There are courses specifically designed for children, ensuring fun and safe challenges for younger visitors. Open from June to September, daily 10:00 - 18:00. Prices: Adults €25, Children €18.

Due to its high altitude and minimal light pollution, San Sicario offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Local astronomy enthusiasts organize guided evening excursions to a nearby viewing point or a small private observatory. Participants learn about constellations, planets, and distant galaxies through telescopes and expert commentary. Special events are organized during meteor showers or planetary alignments. Reservations are highly recommended. Available year-round, weather permitting, typically starting after sunset. Prices: €20-€30 per person.

Explore the untouched beauty of Val Troncea Natural Park, located just beyond Pragelato and easily accessible from San Sicario. The park offers a network of well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through pristine forests, alongside alpine rivers, and past historical hamlets. Trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging ascents, often leading to stunning viewpoints or high-altitude refuges. Visitors can spot local wildlife such as marmots and chamois. Guided tours focusing on geology, botany, or wildlife are available. Park is accessible year-round, with specific trails subject to snow conditions in winter.

Located in a scenic area close to San Sicario, this equestrian centre offers horse riding lessons, guided trail rides, and pony trekking for children. Experienced riders can embark on multi-hour excursions through alpine forests and meadows, while beginners can enjoy supervised rides within the centre's enclosures. It's a unique way to explore the mountain landscape, especially during summer and autumn. Helmets and basic equipment are provided. Open from May to October, daily 9:00 - 18:00. Prices: €30 for a 1-hour trail ride.

One of the iconic downhill ski runs of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, the 'Kandahar Banchetta' offers an exhilarating challenge for experienced skiers. This black-rated slope starts from Monte Banchetta (2800m, accessible from Fraiteve) and descends towards Sestriere. It features steep gradients, demanding turns, and high-speed sections, making it a true test of skill and nerve. While its full length and difficulty are reserved for expert skiers, it provides a unique opportunity to ski on the tracks of Olympic champions. Access is included with a Vialattea ski pass. The piste is fully monitored and groomed daily during the winter season.

A popular summer hiking trail that leads to the summit of Monte Fraiteve (2701m), offering spectacular panoramic views stretching across the Italian and French Alps, including Mont Chaberton and Monte Viso. The trail can be accessed directly from San Sicario Alto or by taking the Seggiovia Fraiteve for a shorter, less strenuous ascent. This medium-difficulty trail involves a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections, with an elevation gain of approximately 500m (if hiking from San Sicario Alto, 200m if using the chairlift). It takes about 2-3 hours for the round trip from the top of the chairlift. Best enjoyed from June to September. No specific cost beyond personal equipment and optionally the chairlift fee.

San Sicario serves as a vital gateway to the expansive Vialattea (Milky Way) ski area, offering direct access to over 400 km of interconnected pistes across Italy and France. The resort's lifts, including modern gondolas and chairlifts, efficiently transport skiers to a diverse range of slopes. San Sicario's own slopes are particularly renowned for their excellent sun exposure and include the historic 'Fraiteve' Olympic downhill runs, offering a thrilling experience for expert skiers. The area features a mix of blue (easy), red (intermediate), and black (expert) runs, with a total vertical drop from the highest points exceeding 1000 meters. Lift passes vary, with daily adult passes typically ranging from €45-€60 depending on the season and duration. Operating hours are generally from 09:00 to 16:30 during the winter season (early December to mid-April).

Located within the San Sicario ski area, the snowpark provides a dedicated zone for freestyle enthusiasts. It typically features a variety of jumps, rails, boxes, and other structures suitable for different skill levels, from beginners practicing their first tricks to experienced riders seeking more challenging lines. The park is regularly maintained by a dedicated shapers' crew to ensure safety and quality. Access is included with the Vialattea ski pass. Specific opening hours align with the main lift system, weather permitting.

During the summer and autumn months, the ski slopes and surrounding alpine terrain transform into an extensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Notable trails include routes around Monte Fraiteve, offering panoramic views of the Italian and French Alps, and gentler paths through the Thures valley. Trails vary in difficulty from easy family-friendly walks (e.g., 'Sentiero delle Borgate' connecting various hamlets) to strenuous multi-hour treks and technical downhill MTB routes (e.g., specific segments of the 'Via Lattea Bike Resorts'). Maps are available at local tourist offices and online. Most trails are free to access, while some specialized MTB parks or lift-assisted routes may require a fee. Season typically runs from June to October.

A short drive from San Sicario, the 'Great Wall of Piedmont', Forte di Fenestrelle, is an impressive 18th-century alpine fortification stretching over 3 km along a mountain ridge. This monumental complex, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, offers guided tours that delve into military history and engineering marvels. Visitors can explore the internal staircases (one with over 4,000 steps), barracks, and defensive structures. Guided tours are available in various lengths (e.g., 1-hour, 3-hour, full-day options) with prices ranging from €10 to €25. Check official website for specific opening days and hours, generally from spring to autumn.