Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SKIING IN THE VALLE D'AOSTA
The Aosta Valley allows access to three of Europe's most prestigious ski areas - Courmayeur, Breuil-
Cervinia and Monte Rosa - plus numerous smaller runs.
Courmayeur
(
www.courmayeur.com
) is dominated by spectacular Mont Blanc vistas and allows
access to legendary runs such as the Vallée Blanche. Down below, the pretty Alpine town hosts a
chilled, non-glitzy après-ski scene.
Breuil-Cervinia
(
www.cervinia.it
)
, in the shadow of the Matter-
horn, is set at a higher altitude and has more reliable late-season snow. There are good intermediate
runs and kids' facilities here, but the resort is ugly and rather tacky in places. On the brighter side, you
can ski across into Zermatt in Switzerland.
The three valleys to the east are home to the
Monte Rosa ski area
(
www.monterosa-ski.com
)
.
Champoluc anchors the Valle d'Ayas, Gressoney lights up the Val d'Gressoney and Alagna Valsesia is
the focal point in the Valsesia. These valleys have a less manic resort scene and harbour some quiet
Walser villages. The skiing, however, is white-knuckle, with plenty of off-piste and heli-skiing possib-
ilities, particularly in the Valsesia.
The best of the smaller resorts is Pila (
Click here
)
, easily accessible by cable car from Aosta town,
while the pristine
Valle di Cogne
, in Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, is an idyllic place to enjoy
cross-country skiing in relative solitude.
A lift pass covering the entire Valle d'Aosta costs €111/241 for three/seven days; add on access to
Zermatt and you'll be parting with €171/285. For up-to-date prices and pass variations see
Hiking & Mountain Biking
The lower slopes leading down from Pila into the Dora Baltea valley provide picturesque
walks and rides. Mountain bikes can be transported for free on the
Aosta-Pila cable car
(one
way/return €3/5; 8am-12.15pm & 2-5pm or 6pm Jun-Aug)
and mountain bikers can buy a one-
day pass (transport only; €13), allowing unlimited use of the cable car and chairlifts.
Walking clubs can organise treks and provide guides:
Club Alpino Italiano
(CAI;
www.caivda.it
; Corso Battaglione Aosta 81;
HIKING
6.30-8pm Tue, 8-10pm Fri)
West of the city
centre.
Meinardi Sport
(Via E Aubert; 3-7.30pm Mon, 9am-12.30pm & 3-7.30pm Tue-Sat)
A well-stocked sports shop
with walking supplies and maps.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
Wine & Cheese Tasting
