What is the deer experience in Val di Susa?

It’s an evening wildlife excursion guided by Total Team Susa where you listen for the roar of male deer (known locally as ‘il bramito’) in the forests above Sauze d’Oulx. Guides explain the landscape, wildlife and traditions as you walk quietly at dusk.

When is the best time to go?

The deer rut takes place in early autumn, typically September to October. Exact dates can vary each year with weather and conditions, so check with Total Team Susa for current timings.

Will I definitely see deer?

Sightings are not guaranteed because the experience prioritises ethical wildlife watching. You will often hear stags calling and may glimpse animals at a distance; the guides choose quiet viewing spots to minimise disturbance.

Is the walk suitable for families and beginners?

Yes, the route is usually gentle and guided at a relaxed pace. Wear sturdy footwear and warm layers, and follow the guide’s instructions to keep noise to a minimum. If you have specific accessibility needs, ask Total Team Susa before booking.

Do the guides speak English?

Yes. Total Team Susa guides can explain the experience in English, making it easy for international visitors to follow along and ask questions.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking shoes or boots with grip, and bring a hat and gloves in cooler months. A small torch or headlamp is useful, but follow the guide’s advice to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Some evenings end with a local dinner, for example at Cantina Alpina, featuring regional dishes and wines. Check the specific excursion details when booking to confirm what’s included.

Are there similar experiences in winter?

Yes. Monsguide shares details of winter excursions such as snowshoeing under the stars, torchlit walks and evening meals on the mountain—ideal add-ons to a ski holiday in Sauze d’Oulx.

Where should I stay for these excursions?

The Hideaway Apartments make a peaceful base in the Val di Susa with easy access to Sauze d’Oulx and local guides. Staying with a car offers flexibility to reach meeting points and explore wider areas.

How do I get there and what’s the nearest airport?

Val di Susa is in Piedmont, northern Italy. The nearest major airport is Turin (TRN). From Turin you can drive to Sauze d’Oulx in around 1.5 hours or take the train to Oulx-Cesana-Claviere and a short taxi up to resort.

🦌 🌿 Discover Authentic Italy: Nature Excursions in Val di Susa with Total Team Susa

Angie Kirwin
Sep 14
4 min read

Piemonte Piedmont wine, barolo, langhe, local Italian wine in Val di Susa and Sauze d'Oulx, authentic, best places in Italy for food and drink. The best Italian wine.

When you picture a holiday in the Italian Alps, you probably think of incredible mountain views, great food & wine with a little bit of history thrown in for good measure.

But you've also heard horror stories of the queues & crowds of the Dolomites, the average pizzas in piazzas in Rome & Milan, and the inauthentic hospitality of the typical tourist traps.

If you're craving an authentic travel experience that combines all the good stuff - history, culture, nature, amazing local cuisine, proper hospitality - and more, then you've come to the right place.

If you're searching for an Italian holiday that's a little bit off the beaten track, or if you're wondering whether there are any places in Italy that are still undiscovered & unspoiled by influencers, travel bloggers & tourists, you're in the right place.

🦌 'Il Bramito' Excursion & Cantina Alpina Dinner

For those of you not fluent in Italian (don't worry, I had no idea either!), il bramito translates to 'the roar of the deer' and Total Team Valsusa have organised an excursion that gets you up close & personal with this unforgettable call of the wild.

Still not sure what that actually involves? Read on.

🦌 Into the Forest

We met Total Team Susa at a secret location in the mountains, about 15 minutes from Sauze d'Oulx and The Hideaway Apartments by car. Our guide, Matteo, began by introducing us to the stag, the king of the forest.

At this time of year the deer are feeling amorous, and with the new set of antlers they've been growing all summer, the stags are ready to roar their warning to other males and attract the ladies!

Matteo handed us a set of antlers as he explained the annual cycle of the animals. As we marvelled at how big & heavy they were, we were interrupted by the roar of a male close by. With excitement building, our group set off into the forest at dusk to try to get a little closer.

Nature, wildlife excursion in italy. Stag with antlers. Val di Susa Il Bramito excursion off the beaten track, hidden gems, undiscovered Italy with Total Team Susa, Monsguide and the hideaway apartments in the forest of Northern Italy.

Our hike circled the deer's favourite location, ensuring we stayed downwind of the animals, the guides stopped often to tell us about the history of the valley, its plants and animals, and the stories of the people who have lived here for centuries.

The light faded, the forest grew still, and then we heard it again: the unmistakable roar of a stag calling into the night.

Matteo handed out hot tea as we waited in silence. Female deer came into view, and we knew the males weren't far behind. We walked on and stood in awe in the forest as three distinct roars came from in front, behind and to the side of us.

Just being there, listening to their calls echoing between the trees, was a reminder of how alive these mountains once you get away from the noise of the town and the ski lifts stop running. We didn't manage to catch a glimpse of the stags, but being so close to them as they roared their warning to one another was more than enough magic.

And there was more to come.

🍷 Dinner at Cantina Alpina

Best food and wine Italy. Italian dinner table, authentic hospitality and local food, eat where the locals eat.

After the walk, the evening turned from wild to wonderfully Italian. In the village of Eclause, Cantina Alpina has secured itself an incredible reputation amongst Italians.

You know the typical travel advice, eat where the locals do?

Well, you can't get much better than a restaurant tucked away halfway up a mountain in a tiny village with a name even Italians struggle to pronounce, that was absolutely packed on a chilly September evening.

We sat down at a long table with our guide and other guests to three courses of local food, flowing wine, and the company of our group.

The restaurant itself is a gem: mountain modern with truly authentic Italian hospitality. The cheese and meat was all from Val di Susa. The digestivo was the restaurants own, and even the grain used for the polenta was an extra special blend.

With exhibitions by local artists in the art galleries hidden in its outbuildings, Cantina Alpina is the kind of place you’d never find unless a local took you there. And that's exactly what makes these excursions so unique.

👣 Why Experiences Like This Matter

This was my second trip with Total Team Susa, and both times they’ve delivered something you simply won’t find in a guidebook. Their excursions are well-organised, the guides are knowledgeable, and they make sure international visitors feel included with clear English explanations.

For us, it’s these kinds of evenings that make Sauze d'Oulx & Val di Susa the perfect place to live, and the perfect place to come for an Italian holiday.

Yes, the skiing is fantastic in winter, but it's these late summer experiences that make this hidden gem in Northern Italy an incredible year round destination.

👉 If you want to experience the authentic Italy, away from the typical tourist traps, book your stay at The Hideaway Apartments and we'll help you organise experiences like this to make your holiday truly memorable.