ByGabriella Le Breton
Published January 14, 2024
• 8 min read
Tucked into the northwestern tip of Italy and surrounded by towering peaks such as Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, the autonomous Aosta Valley region packs a serious Alpine punch. Despite being the smallest and least populous of Italy’s regions, the area is a haven for lovers of winter sports. The regional capital, Aosta, is a well-connected hub that’s the perfect base from which to explore a total of 19 ski resorts in the surrounding area.
However, a winter visit to Aosta isn’t just about snowsports. The region also enjoys a fascinating culture and history, thanks in part to its borders with France to the west and Switzerland to the north. Prized for its strategic mountain passes, the valley was conquered by the Romans in 25 BCE and in following centuries passed hands between the Byzantines, Lombards and Franks, until control was given to the House of Savoy in 1031. Excluding brief periods of French occupation, it remained Savoyard territory until its integration into the kingdom of Italy in 1861.
This storied history is immediately evident upon arrival in Aosta, where castles crown mountain ridges and fortified towns ring with the sounds of Italian, French and Valdôtain, the local dialect. It’s the ideal backdrop for a wonderful winter getaway that combines epic snowsports, seasonal cuisine and a varied calendar of events.
Where to ski in the Aosta Valley
The 19 ski resorts of the Aosta Valley range from sprawling, cross-border icons to rustic, homespun locales. Make the capital city of Aosta your winter base to easily explore them — once you drag yourself away from the many shops, cafes and Roman ruins.
For families: Pila
The quick Aosta-Pila gondola sweeps skiers directly from the city’s cobbled lanes to the resort of Pila, a medium-sized ski area (40 miles of pistes) with high, north-facing slopes and sweeping views of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. With impressive snow reliability and wide, often uncrowded, slopes, Pila is a popular choice with families and skiers looking to improve their skills.
For intermediate skiers: Courmayeur
More advanced skiers and snowboarders should consider heading to the refined resort of Courmayeur, just 40 minutes’ drive west from Aosta, at the foot of Mont Blanc. Here you’ll find some 60 miles of intermediate-friendly slopes and stellar mountain restaurants (the convivial Rifugio Maison Vieille is a must). It’s also home to legendary off-piste skiing on the flanks of Mont Blanc — easily accessible on the Skyway Monte Bianco gondola.
For powder-seekers: La Thuile
Ten miles south of Courmayeur, you’ll find fellow cross-border ski resort La Thuile, known locally as ‘little Siberia’ for its often-bountiful snow conditions. Together with neighbouring La Rosière, low-key La Thuile offers 94 miles of intermediate-friendly pistes and low-angle, accessible off-piste terrain that’s ideal for budding freeriders.
For budget-conscious travellers: Breuil-Cervinia
Travel one hour northeast of Aosta and you’ll reach Breuil-Cervinia, a high-altitude area sat just below the iconic Matterhorn. Sharing its ski area with Zermatt to give a whopping 224 miles of pistes, Cervinia boasts a winter season stretching from October to May, blending authentic Aostan hospitality with snow-sure skiing in full view of one of the world’s most recognisable peaks (and avoiding the Swiss price tag).
For advanced skiers: Monterosa
Unadulterated Aosta Valley mountain charm awaits in Monterosa, where a trio of mountain towns — Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna — offer homely cuisine, welcoming hotels and 112 miles of diverse pistes, as well as some of Italy’s most challenging freeride terrain.
What to do off the slopes
Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, the Aosta Valley offers visitors plenty beyond exceptional skiing. From Aosta’s preserved Roman theatres and fortifications to the imposing Fort Bard, now the interactive Museum of the Alps, there’s a wealth of history to absorb. Even the local spa culture comes with historical credentials: the supposed curative qualities of the mineral-rich springs of Terme di Saint-Vincent were first recognised in 1770, while the natural springs of Pré Saint Didier, near Courmayeur and La Thuile, have welcomed travellers to their thermal waters since 1800.
When not skiing or soaking in thermal springs, Aosta locals are likely to be found around the table. Food here is rustic mountain fare with standout regional specialities, several with PDO (protected designation of origin) status. Don’t miss fontina, a sweet, melty, buttery cheese that’s been produced from local cow’s milk since the Middle Ages. Try it in seupa à la Vapelenentse, crusty wholewheat bread baked in rich broth and smothered in bubbling fontina, ideally accompanied by Cornalin, a local red wine. Then, be sure to sample jambon de bosses, raw mountain ham aged for up to 30 months on a bed of hay, sliced wafer thin and served with fresh rye bread and a glass of crisp white Prié Blanc.
When to visit
With a number of high-altitude slopes, the Aosta Valley’s resorts deliver reliable snow conditions throughout the winter, as well as a packed calendar of exciting events. Kick off the season in Breuil-Cervinia where the world’s fastest skiers often launch onto the downhill ski world cup circuit in November. In December, you can observe fearless ice climbers tackle the Cogne Ice Opening in Lillaz, while early February sees the return of the Marcia Gran Paradiso, one of the world’s most challenging cross-country ski competitions. Taking place in the spectacular Gran Paradiso National Park in Cogne, the race runs over two days and offers two distance options: the Classic, at 40km, and a shorter iteration, at 25km.
If you’re aiming to time your visit to enjoy the best of the local culture, visit Aosta in late January to pick up artisanal handicrafts at the 1000-year-old Fiera di Sant’Orso fair. Or for the best taste of the area’s gastronomy, travel to La Thuile in March 2024 on Skiworld’s ‘Taste of Italy’ trip for a week combining skiing, culture and food.
Plan your trip
Fly from a number of UK airports to Turin, which is a 90-minute drive from the city of Aosta. Car hire is readily available for those keen to explore various resorts and there are plenty of public transport and private transfer options between the different areas, too. Alternatively, visitors can book through a company such as Ski Solutions, who curate trips to a number of Aosta resorts. For further information, visit aosta-valley.co.uk
This paid content article was created for Aosta Valley Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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