VAL FORMAZZA – the best snow conditions early in the year, over 120 square kilometers of heliskiing area and any landing point for the helicopter make all freeride hearts beat faster. Val Formazza the little “jewel” is already being referred to as the little Canada of the Alps. Our exclusive heliski area in Piedmont is located between the Goms in the canton of Valais and the Val Bedretto in the canton of Ticino.
The area is divided into flight sectors in which we can individually select the landing sites and runs, which offers us the greatest possible flexibility. The 120 square kilometer heliski area is bordered by the peaks Ofenhorn 3250m, Blinnenhorn 3373m and the Basodino 3270m. It offers countless departure options in all expositions and is already one of the best and most diverse heliski spots in the Alps. The Formazza Riale region is one of the snowiest regions in the Alps due to its location in the northern and southern Alps. Not to be forgotten is the culinary side of this valley that leaves nothing to be desired.
The purpose of the environmental impact study is to determine in advance whether certain activities can have a significant impact on Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the protection of natural habitats and flora and fauna. This procedure was introduced by the EU Habitats Directive 92/43 / EEC. Sports and leisure time activities such as ski touring, snowshoeing and heliskiing can potentially disrupt the preservation of the natural environment. In our operational areas we work in two Sites of Community Importance (SIC) and two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Before an external activity such as heliski may be practiced there it needs an environmental impact study to ensure that this activity has no impact on local species and habitats. That is what we have achieved in Val Formazza with Piedmont region. We are indeed conducting a serious surveillance activity both in terms of helicopter operation and wildlife management.Finally, an environmental impact assessment is a good tool to strike a balance between sustainable tourism activities and natural habitat conservation.
Istituto Oikos Srl
Dr. Chiara De Franceschi