Vision Board 2025:
Discover Italy Like a Local Edition
As the new year begins, it’s time to set intentions, dream big, and plan the adventures for this new year.
For 2025, I’ve set an ambitious yet thrilling vision board about a few places I would love to explore and some peaks I would like to conquer.
Below is the breakdown of things I am planning.
Catch you outside,
Elena
Why an Adventure Vision Board?
Every New Year’s Day, I create two vision boards: one personal and one for adventures. These boards help me stay focused on my goals and serve as daily reminders of what I’m working towards. I even set my vision board as my phone and computer screensaver—a simple but effective trick to keep the dreams alive.
Want to create your vision board?
At the end of this post, there is a template for you to download and use it.
A few simple rules to create your adventure vision board:
- Set your goal adventures
- Make sure you are trained enough to achieve your adventure
- If none is coming and it’s safe to go on a solo adventure, just do it.
- Print your vision board and keep it somewhere you can see it every day (computer screensaver, cupboard, whiteboard, etc..)
- Enjoy and go get your dream adventures!
Climbing Monviso, Piedmont
Known as the “King of Stone,” Monviso is a towering 3,841-meter peak in the Cottian Alps of Piedmont. And if you have been following me for some time, you know it is my favourite mountain in all of Italy because I can spot it from my parent’s house in the countryside.
It is considered a challenging climb, and though less famous than some Alpine giants, it is on my bucket list.
A few years back, I also did the Tour of Monviso. You can check the video here.
Route Overview I have started planning:
Day 1: Start at Pian del Re and hike to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (2,640 m), a 3-hour trek through breathtaking alpine terrain. This is a lovely day hike I did few times already. Do it in the morning to be sure to have clear views as you won’t regret it.
Day 2: Begin the ascent to the summit via the South Ridge. Expecting around 5 hours of climbing, including sections with Grade II and III scrambling, before descending back to the refuge and then to Pian del Re.
Reaching the summit promises panoramic views that stretch across the Alps and down to the plains of Piedmont. I will see if I can spot my parents waving at me (haha)
Are you visiting Italy in 2025?
I have prepared the perfect guides for you!
Sunrise Hike to Rocciamelone, Piedmont
Rocciamelone is another symbolic mountain of Piedmont in Val di Susa, which I have climbed already a few times. So this time I am determined to conquer the peak under the stars to admire the sunrise with a hot tea from above. offers an unforgettable experience when climbing under the stars.
At the summit, there is the iconic statue of the Madonna and the highest sanctuary in Europe. From there, the views span across the Val di Susa, Monviso, and Monte Rosa.
A little bit of history: On September 1, 1358, Bonifacio Rotario became the first to climb Monte Rocciamelone. His ascent wasn’t driven by a love for the mountains but by a vow he made to the Virgin Mary while imprisoned by the Turks during the Crusades. He promised that if he returned safely to his home, he would carry an effigy of the Madonna to the highest mountain peak. This act led to the creation of the Sanctuary di Nostra Signoria, the highest sanctuary in Europe. The gift Bonifacio chose was a bronze triptych depicting the Madonna, originally placed in a cave at the summit. Today, it is preserved in the Cathedral of San Giusto in Susa.
Route Details I have started planning:
Starting from Rifugio La Riposa (2,050 m), the 1,488-meter ascent takes about 5-7 hours.
Key points include the Rifugio Ca d’Asti (2,854 m), the Croce di Ferro (3,306 m), and the final rocky stretch to the summit at 3,538 meters.
Reaching Capanna Margherita, Piedmont
Testa del Rutor Glacier Expedition, Aosta Valley
After reaching the peak of Gran Paradiso and setting my first experience on the glacier. The Rutor Glacier and its peak, the Testa del Rutor, is a two-day trek that I have set to conquer in 2025. Despite its relatively low altitude, this glacier is one of the largest in the Aosta Valley and feeds numerous streams, one of which flows down the La Thuile side to create the famous waterfalls, which I have passed by and loved. “Rutor” has become almost like a brand, giving its name to the peak, the glacier, the pass, the stream, and the waterfalls, and it is impressive to watch even from away.
Route Details I have started planning:
Day 1: Start from La Joux and hike past the Rutor waterfalls, one of the most picturesque spots in the region, before reaching Rifugio Deffeyes (2,494 m). Along the way, there are stunning alpine lakes and the imposing Grand Assaly.
Day 2: From the refuge, traverse glacial terrain to reach the summit at 3,486 meters. The route passes through moraines and snowfields, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
This trek looks like a blend between natural beauty and the thrill of glacier hike (which for me is fairly new way to enjoy the mountains)
Are you visiting Italy in 2025?
I have prepared the perfect guides for you!
Exploring Abruzzo
I visited the stunning Cathedral of Monreale, renowned for its intricate mosaics, and wondered around the town, which feels very authentic so i highly suggest to get lost around. before take a drive to go exploring Borgo Parrini, a hidden artistic village in western Sicily reminding of Barcelona, as it’ll feel as if you’re surrounded by the modernism of the Catalan artist Antoni Gaudì.
You can Download your Template Vision Board Here
2025 is shaping up to be a year of exploration, challenge, and discovery.
From the untamed beauty of Abruzzo to the towering peaks of the Alps, these adventures are more than just hikes; they’re journeys into the heart of Italy’s wild landscapes.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
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