Complex geosites represent important georesources as components of the geoheritage of a region. Regardless, their management in terms of promotion and geoconservation may be challenging. Among others, gravity-related landforms can be considered complex geomorphological features and are often neglected in the geosite inventories, even if their dynamic and related educational exemplarity, multiscalarity and aesthetic value are relevant and make them potentially complex geosites. The aim of this research is to discuss the possible approaches to a potential complex geosite in the Western Italian Alps. The area is characterised by an articulated and geodiverse set of landforms that concur to define a multifaceted geological and geomorphological setting due to the presence of one of the most significant gravity-related geofeatures of the Italian Alps: the Pointe Leysser deep-seated gravitational slope deformation. The entire context, as well as each single geological/geomorphological feature, will be presented and described enhancing and quantifying their geoheritage values (i.e. scientific value, additional value, the potential for use). Finally, proposals for virtual or field approaches will be discussed, considering the limitations and advantages of dealing with a complex geosite. The suggested strategies assume an important role with respect to both the promotion and geoconservation of complex geosites.

Alpine areas, with normally fissured bedrock outcrops, do not typically contain important hydrologic reservoirs, except for small aquifers located in Quaternary sediments. By contrast, mountainous areas affected by deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD), especially if covered by glacial sediments, contain large aquifers and are consequently promising for water exploitation. This last geological setting is observed, for example, in the lower Dora Baltea Valley (near the confluence with the Renanchio Basin) in which the Montellina Spring is located and exhibits a very high discharge. A multidisciplinary approach (detailed geological survey of the bedrock and Quaternary cover, as well as hydrogeological research based on tracer tests, hydrochemical analyses, and water balance studies) was used, allowing for a reconstruction of the geological and hydrogeological setting of the investigated area, also considering its environmental implications. The consequent hydrogeological model derives from the coexistence of some factors. In detail, the thick glacial cover, widespread in the intermediate sector of the slope, represents an important aquifer with a slow groundwater flow to the spring. The buried glacial valley floor, hosting this cover, can convey the groundwater from the high Renanchio Basin zone towards the low sector. The loosened bedrock of the low sector, consequent to DSGSD phenomena, favors the concentration of groundwater along the contact with the underlying normal fissured bedrock outcropping at the base of the slope. Finally, the flow until the spring essentially takes place through N100° trend open fractures and trenches. Part of the Montellina Spring discharge is also fed by the low Renanchio Stream, as highlighted by fluorescein tests, essentially using NE-SW oriented open fractures on the bedrock. The results of the investigation on the Montellina Spring can provide some insight regarding the hydrological potential of other alpine areas with a similar geological setting.