Pontechianale occupies the highest part of the Valle Varaita, which borders France. The municipality is made up of a number of hamlets and many built-up areas, arranged upstream and downstream of the artificial lake. Originally the domain of the Bishops of Turin, in the twelfth century it was a fief of the Lords of Pont. In 1343, with Bellino and Casteldelfino it became part of the “Republic of the Escartons”, then passing under the control of the House of Savoy in 1713.

As a high mountain tourist resort, it offers sports lovers a wide choice of outdoor activities. The ski resort consists of a chairlift and four ski lifts that connect 15 km of slopes for alpine skiing. Numerous ski mountaineering itineraries and snowshoe trails leave from the hamlet of Chianale. Climbing enthusiasts can try their hand at climbing on ice falls.

In summer, the list of activities on offer is just as rich and varied. These range from numerous hiking, cycling, mountain biking and horseback riding routes, to water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and canoeing, not to mention recreational fishing, of course, thanks to the presence of the large artificial lake. Cyclists cannot miss the magnificent and demanding climb up to 2,744 meters on Colle dell'Agnello, travelled repeatedly by cycling champions in the stages of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Instead, Castello and Villaretto are two perfect departure points for excursions to the Alevè wood and its lakes.

In the hamlet of Chianale, included in the circuit of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy", the Chiesetta di Sant’Antonio, of Romanesque-Gothic origin, features a splendid bell gable and a cycle of frescoes dating back to the first half of the fifteenth century, while a beautiful polychrome wooden altar decorates the apse of the Parrocchiale di San Lorenzo.

Here, the local men, women and children dress up in traditional costume during the festivals of the village saints. The Museo del Costume e dell’Artigianato Tessile dell’alta Valle Varaita, set up in the premises of the ancient Missione Cappuccina di Chianale, houses a rich collection of these garments.