To the north of Alto Piemonte, in the Alps themselves, Monte Rosa, at 4,634 m, is the second-highest mountain in Europe. It protects the region from cold northern winds and storms. The Sesia River flows down from the Alps and neatly bisects the area. The denominations of Gattinara, Bramaterra, and Lessona lie to the west of the river, while Boca, Ghemme, Sizzano, and Fara lie to the east. The small vineyard area of Valli Ossolane is 90 kilometres north of Gattinara.