Outing to Val Thures and "La Tana Degli Orsi"

Off we went the other day to visit our friends up and over our valley, Chisone and into the Susa valley, to remote and beautiful Val Thures. It was another gorgeous day and, of course, the scenery along the way was beautiful. We're not having the biggest snow year so far this year, but you can trust Val Thures to have a bit of snow stashed to make an outing for cross country skiing or snow shoeing a worth while effort. The area is famous for its cross country skiing and the ability to strap on a pair of snow shoes and head up the valley to the French border, with no border crossings to interfere maybe just a bit of steep up to deter you. Our friends, Faustina and Claudio were keeping the fires stoked in their charming Bed and Breakfast.
It was a welcome sight, La Tana Degli Orsi, (or Bear cave) upon arriving to the restored cantina with it's magnificent stone arches that now serves as the dining area and is the heart of the B&B. The "bears" (Claudio and Faustina) have been running their B&B in this remote little mountain area for the past 5 year and have become a welcome spot for all the people that love the tranquility and splendor of these magnificent mountains. There is always a warm welcome for all, even for the people that just drop in need of a warm up to keep them going. They, of course, don't get to enjoy the quaint rooms of the "bear cave", ot the genial hospitality and the gentle humor of the "bears" hosts themselves. What a pity. During the season, Mama bear, Carla (Faustina's mother) comes up to lend a hand and round out the family. La Tana Degli Orsi in Val Thures, is just another reason to make some tracks to Piedmont and our alps to discover more hidden gems that aren't on a topography map!