Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val d’Ala was an important mountain holiday resort which accompanied the development and consolidation of Italian mountaineering. On those very same mountain, between the municipalities of Ala di Stura and Balme, there is a small and well equipped ski district which comprises facilities for downhill skiing in Ala and Nordic skiing circuits in both municipalities. Particularly pretty is the cross-country circuit which leads from the municipality of Balme to the Ciriè Refuge at Pian della Mussa, where different tracks are beaten every year. Overall, the course measures 35 km and is located in a setting dominated by the impressive Uja di Ciamarella and by the Bessanese. Ala di Stura offers an ice rink and a cross-country skiing circuit, which stretches into the plateau which hosts the hamlet of Villar. The Nordic ski run, which is 7.5 km long, can be travelled using the alternating step or skating techniques. Three lift systems offer access to 12 km of downhill ski runs which are equipped with artificial snow systems.