Salbertrand

Access

To reach Salbertrand there are easy connections both by car and public transport. The presence of the railway station on the Turin-Modane line facilitates access by train; SAPAV bus services guarantee connections with Turin and Briançon. The municipality can also be reached by car via the main road, with parking available at the entrance to the village. The nearest airport is Turin Caselle, from where there are direct train connections, with trains every hour from Turin Porta Nuova to Bardonecchia and a stop in Salbertrand.

Introduction

Salbertrand, located in the Alta Val di Susa, is part of the metropolitan city of Turin and is included in the Unione Montana dei Comuni dell'Alta Valle Susa. The municipal territory is located in an alpine area of particular naturalistic importance, within the Dora Riparia valley, on a plateau surrounded by reliefs that reach 2,500 metres in altitude and mark the border with Val Chisone. The municipality is a reference point for hiking and nature enthusiasts, thanks to the presence of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park, one of the best known protected areas in Piedmont.

Description

The geographical context of Salbertrand is characterised by extensive forests, alpine meadows and watercourses that enrich the landscape. The Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park extends over more than two thousand hectares and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna: more than 600 plant species are recorded here, with a predominance of conifers such as silver fir, spruce, stone pine and larch, while the fauna includes deer, chamois, roe deer, wild boar, as well as a notable presence of alpine avifauna, including golden eagles and black grouse. The commune comprises many hamlets and villages, including Combes, Deveys, Eclause, Fenil, Frenee, Moncellier, Oulme, Plan, Rival, San Romano and Seu.
The history of Salbertrand is linked to its strategic location along ancient routes connecting Italy and France. The toponym appears in medieval documents and reflects its Occitan origin (Salbelträn). In the period from 1939 to 1955, the name was temporarily Italianised into Salabertano, following a widespread trend in Piedmont. The village was affected by the passage of armies and merchants, and has preserved traces of its past in the rural architecture and Alpine villages, where characteristic stone and wood buildings can still be seen.
The economic life of Salbertrand has evolved around mountain farming, livestock breeding and forestry, with a growing vocation for tourism thanks to the special landscape and hiking offer. The Gran Bosco Park is a year-round destination for hikers, with a network of trails crossing forest areas, mountain pastures and panoramic viewpoints. The protected area promotes environmental education activities and hosts events dedicated to the valorisation of natural resources and local culture.
The traditions of Salbertrand are deeply rooted in the calendar of religious festivities, with celebrations dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the municipality, celebrated on 24 June. There are also events dedicated to alpine culture, handicrafts and local gastronomic specialities.

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Information

Area: 38.32sq km
 Altitude:1032m
Maximum elevation: 3.207m - Cima del Vallonetto
 Inhabitants:584
Name in dialect: Salbertrand
Inhabitants name:Salbertrandesi
Neighbouring communities: Exilles, Oulx, Pragelato
Patron Saint: St. John the Baptist (24 June)
Internet site: www.comune.salbertrand.to.it