Lou Lindal, a gateway to a truer nature

From Turin to the Hamlet of Preit in Canosio, in Search of a Deeper Connection with Nature

Caterina arrived at Rifugio Lou Lindal almost on a whim. A mountain lover with a passion for local cuisine and wines, she was looking to change jobs—to step away from her life in Turin for a while. When she and Grazia began managing the mountain lodge, she discovered that it was possible to live differently, in direct contact with nature.

The deep indigo skies, the energy of mountain streams, and the green of the trees made her fall in love with these lands and their way of life.

At first, there was a desire to build something new, to give shape to a project. But soon they both understood the magic of this place and began to call it home. Today, they live here six months a year, and bit by bit, parts of themselves have found their place among these mountains.

Caterina and Grazia are creative artisans. Caterina is a ceramic artist who crafts poetic bowls, vases, and plates in ceramic and stoneware—pieces that now decorate the lodge’s rooms and dining tables. Grazia works with natural fibers and carefully selects the lodge’s textiles, ensuring they honor the environment and resonate with the surrounding landscape.

Their artistic souls soon infused the entire lodge, transforming it into a stage where they express their passions—and welcome those of the people who join them along the way. This year, for example, a talented chef (also named Caterina) designed a gastronomic series where local ingredients meet culinary traditions and cultures from Japan, Chile, France, and many other corners of the world that inspire her—creating surprising and delightful fusions.

Many guests arrive at Lou Lindal by following the Occitan trail routes. The lodge is located at the heart of the Chialvetta–Marmora stage and is a prime spot for exploring the Gardetta Plateau. You can also reach it via the Soleglio Bue Pass variant, which offers a spectacular scenic impact, with sweeping views over the Vallone dell’Unerzio and the Preit Valley.

At the lodge, guests find a restaurant, a café where they can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, and cozy accommodations—rooms and dormitories lovingly curated down to the smallest detail.

Caterina has also created a warm welcome area featuring a carefully curated selection of local food and wine products, as well as ceramics and natural fiber accessories handmade by the two hosts.

This is a place where Caterina and Grazia have found a constant source of inspiration to stay and grow—season after season, encounter after encounter. It’s this spirit that they bring to the workshops they offer: ceramics, sewing, and cooking. Here, taking a class means truly immersing yourself in the experience you’ve chosen.

Today, those who arrive at Rifugio Lou Lindal find the warm, communal atmosphere typical of mountain lodges—but with a deeper awareness and care, fueled by the hosts’ personal journeys, their love of beauty, and their deep connection to nature.

Watch the video story dedicated to Rifugio Lou Lindal at this link.

This story is part of the “Life Stories from Valle Maira” project, conceived by the Valle Maira Tourism Consortium and produced by photographer Eunice Brovida, videomaker Fabjo Hazizaj, and copywriter Milena Rivolta.

Discover more stories at vallemaira.org and on our social media channels.