Wolf Tracking Field School in the Appennino Piemontese

In C*lo ai Lupi - Viaggio nell'Appennino dimenticato takes you into the high forests and ridgelines of the Alto Monferrato and the Appennino Piemontese, a short drive from Moretti and the hamlets around Ponzone. Led by Avventura sulle Gambe in partnership with Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica La Ventura di Ponzone, this guided walk focuses on the return of the Appennine wolf and the ecology of these wooded crests. The day begins with a meeting at Strada dei Ronchi, Vigevano, PV or Parcheggio Bennet, Mortara, PV before gathering at La Ventura, Moretti di Ponzone, AL. From there the route follows the Bric Berton loop and the crinale dei Pianazzi: roughly 9 km with 400 meters of ascent, three hours of walking through beech and chestnut stands, open grassland benches and rocky outcrops that reveal views over valley mosaics. The trail is a hands-on field class—guides interpret tracks, scat, territorial markings and prey remains while explaining Canis lupus italicus behavior, pack dynamics, and monitoring techniques. What makes this trip special is its scientific backbone. Guides who collaborate with the LIFE WolfAlps EU project integrate citizen science methods into the walk, equipping visitors to recognize signs and contribute real data. The experience balances quiet observation with sensory exercises designed to sharpen listening and tracking skills; participants learn how human land use intersects with large carnivore recovery and confront common myths with evidence. Expect close attention to the landscape’s geological bones: folded sandstone ridges, shale bands and the crumbly terraces typical of the Alto Monferrato that concentrate wildlife travel routes. Birdsong and the rustle of deer are frequent companions; the walk’s low-impact format keeps encounters observational rather than intrusive. A pause at the panoramic Pianazzi lets the group open the optional Lunch Box La Ventura (20€), a tasting of local products enjoyed with a view. Practical notes: this outing suits people age 15 and up and runs about 5–6 hours total with languages offered in Italian and English. The pace is moderate but the route demands steady footing on uneven forest trails; dogs are not permitted. Small-group monitoring, local stewardship and public education make this operator a standout for visitors who want wildlife insight rather than a simple hike. If you’re curious about wolves, conservation in the Piedmontese Apennines, and learning how to read a wild landscape, this is a field trip with depth and purpose. Meetings are usually organized from Parcheggio Bennet, Mortara, PV or directly at Strada dei Ronchi, Vigevano, PV; transport between pickup points and La Ventura, Moretti di Ponzone, AL is coordinated with the operator. Guides are AIGAE certified and carry monitoring equipment—binoculars, field guides and GNSS units—so guests can practice data collection and support ongoing research. Bring water, binoculars.