The Piedmontese valley of Valsesia, defined as "the greenest in Italy," with its peaks, streams, waterfalls, sawmills, and farms, is the bucolic setting that sneaks (now white with snow) through the gigantic windows of the NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso, the first family accommodation of the brand belonging to the Minor group, with 560 hotels in 57 countries. Its managers could have chosen a beach destination to impress the kids, a more common and straightforward task, but they preferred a mountain one. Not just any mountain, but the home of the Monte Rosa massif, the largest in the Alps (220 km2), already on the border between Switzerland and Italy, and of Europe's highest refuge, Capanna Margherita, at 4,554 m.
It is the landscape an hour and a half by car from Milan and Turin that captivated one of the chain's bosses who stayed, casually, at the hotel before it became part of Minor, which happened a year ago because of this visit. "He loved the village of Alagna Valsesia where it is located at 1,154 meters, the alpine design, the day-to-day life, the activities...," says its director, Stefano Cerutti, who had been working for 10 years at the previous establishment owned by the local Ponti family, who are still the owners, although the management is now in the hands of NH Collection.
The traditional Walser architecture, the intrepid Germanic community that settled in the Alps in the Middle Ages overcoming the climate and terrain difficulties, remains intact, with its characteristic wooden and stone facade made of strategically stacked and crossed logs at the corners. The philosophy of a family hotel has not changed either, although the Christmas theme that used to pervade every room was reduced. "It didn't matter if it was summer or winter, the theme remained all year round," continues Cerutti.
Hence the immense fir tree decorated with balls and garlands that still welcomes guests, the red sled in the lobby, the Santa's house set up in the garden, or the reindeer footprints printed in the hallways leading to the 56 rooms and suites, available in various categories (from singles to family rooms with bunk beds for children or the executive suite, which has its own private spa and an XXL bathtub) all with large windows to enjoy the landscape.
Then there's the snack (complimentary for guests) in a buffet style in the late afternoon —the artisan cakes, the focaccia, and freshly made crêpes fly off the shelves...— or the puppet shows, archery, cinema, mini disco, and face painting at the kids' club open from 10:00 to 22:00 for children aged four to 12, who are also offered ski lessons and snowboarding. Those aged one to three have their own space, and there is also a nursery service for those under 12 months.
Another area that excites the kids is the 700 m2 spa, divided into an adult area of 300 m2 —couples are also welcome, and even bachelor parties— and a family area of 400 m2. The first includes heated indoor saltwater pools at 34º, an outdoor pool —what a sensation to swim while snowflakes fall on you!— and a flotation pool, as well as saunas, a Turkish bath, sensory showers, and treatment cabins. The family area features a 30 cm deep pool for babies and even a slide.
Moving on to the gastronomic chapter and the Biancospino restaurant, led by chef Omar Bonecchi, who reinterprets classic Italian cuisine with local products —from cold cuts to meats, potatoes, and cheeses from the valley or the cranberry (mirtillo rosso) that gives the hotel its name— and a nutritional balance. This results in dishes such as homemade broths, fresh pasta with pesto, polenta with ragù, river fish, or bollito, a typical stew from Piedmont. Breakfast and the aforementioned snack are buffet-style, while for lunch and dinner, there are several set menus, and à la carte options are also available.
Then there's the endless list of activities to sign up for. From a day of skiing or snowshoeing in the Monterosa domain, with 160 kilometers of slopes spread across three valleys, to visiting other Walser villages like Rassa, one of the most beautiful officially in Italy, or the FlorAlp farm to feed ponies, rabbits, and goats; the evening lantern walk and the cable car ride to the Pianalunga area (at 2,050 meters altitude) to go sledding, "one of the favorite plans for families," concludes Davide Zambrino, the hotel's guide. "In summer, they switch it for kayaking...".
More information: NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso. Strada della Barriera, 8, Loc. Riva Valdobbia (Alagna Valsesia, Piedmont, Italy). Phone: 34 9126 665 708 and 39 016 391 810. Website: NH Collection.