In the Alps, the traditional breeding system for dairyc attle is based on the alternation between af ree-ranging period on mountain ranges during the summer, and an indoor period in tie-stalls in the winter. Severalwelfare issues mayarise in tiestall housing systems.W ed escribe the situation in 47 farmsi nt hree villages in westernI taly,t rying to identify possible relationships among structural and management characteristics, animal health and behaviour traits. Along duration of the grazing period, associated with frequent manure removal during the housing period, are probably key factorsf or limiting the occurrence of lameness. Te at trauma is more common in narrower stalls.G etting-up behaviour is unnatural in most of the visited farms. Some lack in the farmers' knowledge of animal behaviour was noted. Some structural and management characteristics are strictly related to geographical constraints. However, circumstances permitting,some expedients may be achieved for improving welfare levels.