Join an off-grid mountain community in Valle Cannobina, northern Italy, where volunteers help care for the land, restore buildings and contribute to everyday community life.
Alpe Bognago is a remote mountain village in Piemonte, Italy, surrounded by forests and accessible only on foot.
The project is run by a small international group that is gradually bringing new life to a previously abandoned settlement. Volunteers join the community from spring to autumn and help with practical work, shared responsibilities and the ongoing restoration and care of the village.
About Alpe Bognago
Bognago is located in the heart of Valle Cannobina. The village has gone through several phases of community life since the 1970s and, after another period of abandonment, began a new chapter in 2023.
Today, a small group lives there permanently and is joined for much of the year by volunteers from different countries. During the busiest summer periods, the community can grow to around 20 people.
The current project aims to preserve and revive Bognago as a place for community, learning, creativity and connection with nature.
Volunteer activities
Bognago relies strongly on volunteer work. Activities vary according to the season, the needs of the village and the skills of each volunteer.
Current areas of work described by the project include:
- groundskeeping and land maintenance;
- cutting grass and preparing firewood;
- maintaining paths and outdoor fences;
- gardening and general outdoor work;
- DIY, repairs and restoration;
- woodworking and carpentry;
- painting and plastering;
- upcycling materials and furniture;
- kitchen support;
- housekeeping and preparing rooms and common spaces;
- photography, video and social media.
Some outdoor activities can involve physically demanding work and tools such as chainsaws or other power tools. Volunteers should be open about their experience and only undertake tasks they can perform safely.
Working hours, food and accommodation
The volunteer roles described by Bognago generally involve approximately 25 hours of help per week, organised as around 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
In exchange, volunteers receive room and board.
The exact accommodation, schedule and responsibilities can depend on the role and the time of year, so prospective volunteers should confirm these details directly with the community before travelling.
Some kitchen roles with greater responsibility may be paid or include a stipend during especially busy periods. These positions are separate from the ordinary volunteer exchange.
Living off-grid
Bognago is genuinely off-grid.
Electricity is generated through solar panels and water comes from a mountain spring. The village also has its own waste system and is not connected to the conventional utility grid.
The community tries to reuse and upcycle materials, reduce waste and gradually increase the amount of food produced locally.
Meals are mainly plant-based, usually vegan and always vegetarian. The project also keeps chickens for eggs and makes use of locally available and foraged ingredients.
Community life
Daily life at Bognago involves shared work, communal meals and living closely with residents, guests and other volunteers.
The project places importance on cooperation, responsibility, practical learning and respect for the surrounding environment.
This opportunity may particularly appeal to people who enjoy nature, practical work, community living and spending time in a quiet mountain setting away from conventional urban life.
Getting to Bognago
One of the most important practical aspects of this project is its remote location.
Bognago cannot be reached by car.
The village is accessible only via a hiking path from Orasso. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes.
The project recommends following the red and white hiking signs towards Bognago, which may sometimes be written as Bugnago. It also advises visitors not to rely on ordinary Google Maps driving directions for the final part of the journey.
Volunteers should keep the hike in mind when deciding what luggage to bring and should arrange their arrival with the community beforehand.
Before travelling
Before making travel arrangements, prospective volunteers should confirm directly with Alpe Bognago:
- their proposed dates and expected length of stay;
- the activities they will be helping with;
- working hours and days off;
- the accommodation available;
- meals and dietary arrangements;
- what clothing, footwear or equipment they should bring;
- safety arrangements for practical and manual work;
- arrival arrangements and the walk from Orasso.
Volunteer roles and practical arrangements can vary during the season, so current details should always be confirmed directly with the project.
Contact details 🔍📧
People interested in volunteering at Alpe Bognago should first visit the project’s official volunteering page, where they can learn more about the community, the different areas of work and the current application procedure.
When applying, it is helpful to introduce yourself clearly and mention your availability, relevant experience, practical skills and the kind of activities you would be interested in helping with.
Application email: [vianakocher@gmail.com](mailto:vianakocher@gmail.com)
More information and apply on the official Alpe Bognago website →
Sources and further information