Our family has lived in Italy’s Valsesia Valley for 500 years. It is a magical place, and nothing like the Italy you think you know. Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and famed outdoorsman, says visiting the Valsesia “changed his life.” Some of the finest parts of the Alps are in this quiet corner of Piedmont bordering Switzerland. And though you probably think of skiing when it comes to the Alps, Valsesia is an all-season destination.