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The Italian region of Valle d'Aosta is an area not yet well known among the Dutch, but definitely worth exploring. The high mountain peaks are one of the most rugged from the Alps and this means you are surrounded by a piece of stunning nature. Never mind the Italian gastronomy you will have to deal with when you travel to this region. In winter, Valle d'Aosta is a veritable Valhalla for winter sports enthusiasts, and in summer it should be just as beautiful (something we'd love to discover ourselves). Curious about what Valle d'Aosta has to offer in the winter months? Here are our tips!
The Italian region of Valle d'Aosta
In the far northwest of Italy, against the border of France and Switzerland, lies Valle d'Aosta, the country's smallest region. The Aosta Valley is characterized by its rich nature and culture and, because of its high altitude, is one of the most snow-sure winter sports areas in Europe. You expect that this region is therefore very well known among winter sports enthusiasts, but nothing is less true. Pretty crazy, because with its photogenic location at the foot of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, this is a destination to write home about.
When it comes to winter sports in the Aosta Valley, there are two ski resorts we can recommend: Breuil - Cervinia and Espace San Bernardo near La Thuile. And in addition, a visit to the region's capital, Aosta, should not be missed!
Breuil - Cervinia
The highest ski elevators in Europe? You will find them in the Breuil - Cervinia ski area, which consists of no less than 322 kilometers of slopes divided between Italy and Switzerland. The highest point is Plateau Rosa where the mountain station at 3,480 meters marks the border between the two countries. So it's definitely fun to ski to Switzerland from Italy, and perhaps take the elevator (Matterhorn Express) to the top of Klein Matterhorn. Whatever you do on a ski day in Breuil - Cervinia, it is beautiful skiing with the Matterhorn in the background.
Tip: The Breuil - Cervinia ski area consists mainly of blue and red slopes, making it an ideal ski destination for beginners.
Where to stay in Cervinia?
We must honestly admit that the village of Cervinia is not necessarily a gem when it comes to architecture and appearance, but that does not say that there are no good accommodations to be found. For example, during our visit to Valle d'Aosta, we stayed at the five-star Grand Hotel Cervino which is a short 10-minute drive from the village. With an insane location in the valley as well as a view of the Matterhorn, this hotel is a very nice place to stay. The rooms are spacious and cozy with comfortable beds, a modern bathroom and are otherwise fully equipped. After a day on the slopes you can relax in the wellness area, which consists of several saunas and a steam room, as well as a swimming and whirlpool bath.
Grand Hotel Cervino
The incredibly friendly staff, warm hospitality and excellent service go hand in hand with the luxury character that Grand Hotel Cervino conveys. Not surprisingly, the hotel is affiliated with VRetreats, a hotel chain representing luxury hotels in Italy.
Fun tips to do in Cervinia
Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities to do, but there is much more fun to do during the winter months in Valle d'Aosta. How about a challenging hike on snowshoes? Or would you rather opt for a husky ride across the snowy landscape? Both activities are incredibly fun to do in Valle d'Aosta, but our personal favorite is still the husky ride. In fact, this activity seems easier than it is, but with a little balance and a lot of enthusiasm you will brave every hill and curve.
If you want a night out for dinner there is one hot spot to remember, and that is restaurant Alpage. At this cozy and authentically decorated restaurant you dine among the locals, and that really says something about this hot spot.
La Thuile
The Italian village of La Thuile is not much in itself, but you will find a very nice ski area: Espace San Bernardo. The French-Italian ski area consists of about 145 kilometers of slopes with a diversity of blue, red and black runs. Although this ski area is smaller than Breuil - Cervinia, in our opinion it is a lot nicer and more beautiful skiing here. This is undoubtedly due to the rugged landscape and vast slopes. Do you feel like après-skiing? That too is possible in La Thuile. Perhaps not as the avid skier is used to from Austria, but it can be good fun during the vacations and weekends.
On the Italian side of Espace San Bernardo, you will find a fantastic hot spot along slope number 7. Lo Riondet is a typical northern Italian restaurant where you can eat blissfully. Like the locals here, take your time to enjoy.
Tip: ski from La Thuile to La Rosière in France for a touch of French flair during your trip. These are all our tips for winter sports in La Rosière!
Where to stay in La Thuile?
La Thuile is not a bustling village to stay in either, but it is beautifully situated at the foot of Mont Blanc. Wherever you stay in La Thuile, you can't avoid this mountain range. We stayed two nights in Montana Lodge & Spa, a fantastic hotel that we can recommend to everyone.
Montana Lodge & Spa
This insane five-star hotel in the heart of La Thuile is a wonderful place to stay. An accommodation where you will enjoy excellent wellness facilities and exquisite cuisine during your ski vacation. There are various types of rooms, but the standard double room is fully equipped with all amenities such as a comfortable bed, modern rain shower and a balcony.
Aosta
Aosta is the capital of the Valle d'Aosta region and is a joy to stroll through. Not only because of the colorful mansions, but also precisely because of the ancient Roman remains that contrast beautifully with the mountains in the background. The atmosphere is friendly and you will find many streets full of nice stores and restaurants.
A nice time to visit Aosta is for the holidays, when the streets are beautifully decorated, there is an ice skating rink in the main square and, of course, a nice Christmas market to visit.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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