Milan-based architecture studio Peter Pichler Architecture has unveiled plans for new mountain stations and a hut in Ponte di Legno, Lombardy, Italy, connecting Valbione, Corno d’Aola, and Angelo at 2.200 meters.

Called Valbione Mountain Stations And Hut, the mountain stations and an alpine hut along the Valbione–Corno d'Aola–Angelo axis are situated in the Ponte di Legno mountain range in northern Lombardy, Italy. 

The design intervention honors alpine settlement patterns that mirror the evolution of the built environment and mountain transportation throughout the region's history by referencing the long-standing interaction between infrastructure and tourism.

This project transforms two existing ski lifts into a single, sleek gondola system that establishes a clear and striking vertical connection from the valley floor to the Angelo summit (the upper station). 

Rather than viewing infrastructure solely as a functional necessity, this innovative design offers a captivating visual journey, presenting architectural moments that harmoniously blend with the alpine landscape. 

As visitors ascend, each framed view reveals the beautiful interplay between nature and infrastructure, with the gondola serving not just as a mode of transport but as an insightful lens through which to experience the surrounding environment.

The lift stations are crafted as lightweight wooden structures that engage in a meaningful architectural dialogue with local construction traditions. Inspired by regional alpine design, these structures are reinterpreted through a modern lens, showcasing features such as dynamic roof geometries, thoughtful material layering, and a commitment to structural clarity. This emphasis on precision, lightness, and material honesty elevates the overall aesthetic and functional experience.

Each station is meticulously designed to resonate with its unique surroundings, aligning seamlessly with existing buildings and the topography. 

At the summit, the alpine hut stands as a powerful architectural centerpiece: a welcoming place of arrival, shelter, and communal gathering that reinforces the bond between elevation, landscape, and human presence. 

This project redefines infrastructure, positioning it not as a mere isolated object but as an essential and integral component of the broader cultural and territorial mosaic.

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The construction of the project hasn't started yet. Phase 1 will start construction of the stations in May 2026, while Phase 2 will finish building the hut by the end of 2026.

Peter Pichler Architecture recently created a fifth façade with pleated geometry for the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters in Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy. In addition, the firm built a private villa with ribbon-shaped structure that mimics the natural landscape in Termeno, South Tyrol, Italy.

Project facts

Project name: Valbione Mountain Stations And Hut

Year: 2025

Status: In progress

Architecture: Peter Pichler Architecture

Design Team: Peter Pichler, Daniele Colombati, Amir Sajadifar, Ludovico Capestro, Filippo Ogliani

All images & drawings © Peter Pichler Architecture.

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