Guide to the Monterosa Ski Resort

This mountainous area at the extreme north west of Italy is perfect for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors during the summer months. But as the nights drawn in, and the temperatures start to drop, this area becomes a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts.

The largest resort, Monterosa Ski, lies literally beneath Europe's second highest mountain. It spans three valleys and is relatively unknown outside Italy and consequently its long, wide pistes are free of crowds.

The main villages in the area are:

Alagna - in the Valsesia Valley, has pristine slopes, ‘walser’ style houses and old water mills. The more advanced skier can find affordable heli-skiing here.

Champoluc - in the Ayas Valley, boasts one of the best Monterosa Ski itineraries, with a range of slopes offering changing landscapes and stunning scenery.

Gressoney-La-Trinité - the highest village in the Lys Valley, at the foot of Monte Rosa and a combination of an old mountain village and typical walser buildings with a modern tourist centre. Meanwhile nearby Gressoney-Saint-Jean has a different feel with 19th century villas, a Savoy castle and Alpine Garden.

Top ten reasons to choose the Monterosa Ski resort:

1. 200 km of prepared slopes serviced by over 30 ski lifts and linked ski passes.
2. The sunny south-facing slopes of Champoluc.
3. The cult destination of Alagna for more advanced skiers.
4. Off-piste skiing with many uncontaminated slopes and extreme descents.
5. Many quiet slopes for all levels of skiers and children.
6. Kike Mini Club for children up to 12 years of age.
7. Fantastic views over the Alps, including the Matterhorn and Monterosa.
8. Good access from Turin airport where hiring a car is really the best option.
9. Cross-country skiing on a 25 kilometre long trail.
10. The slopes drop from the 3550 m at Punta Indren down to the 1186 m at Alagna.

Local Events

January

Sant'Orso Fair, a colourful celebration of the town's beloved saint, where artists and craftsmen from the Aosta Valley exhibit their work, bringing thousands of visitors to Aosta from nearby France and Switzerland as well as various regions of Italy and many others parts of Europe.

Carnaval des Montagnes, a parade particularly enjoyed by the locals who wear beautiful masks.

Food and Drink
In the Valle d’Aosta the typical local dishes include Zuppa Valdostana (Cabbage and Cheese Soup), Costoletta alla Valdostana (Veal Chop with Fontina) and Capriolo alla Valdostana (Venison stewed in red wine with vegetables, herbs, grappa and cream).
The valley's vines have been cultivated since Roman times at least. Today the region is home to some of Italy's newest DOC appellations, Blanc de Morgex, Donnas, Enfer d’Arvier, Nus Rouge, Nus Malvoisie and Torrette.

How to Get There

By Car
From Milan: Autostrada A4 direction Turin. At Santhià follow directions for Aosta-Mont Blanc and exit at Pont-Saint-Martin
From Turin: Autostrada A5 Turin-Aosta, exit at Pont-Saint-Martin

By Plane
The most convenient airports to the Valle d’Aosta are Milan and Turin. The Milan airport of Milano-Malpensa is about two hours, whilst the Aeroporto di Torino (Turin) is about 75 minutes. Both are well served by major airlines and budget ones such as Easyjet and Ryanair. Alternatively Airvallée flies to the heart of the Valle d’Aosta's Corrado Gex Airport at Aosta.

By Train
From Turin or Milan to Aosta via Chivasso, bus to Gressoney, Monterosa Ski

By Bus
From Milan - Garibaldi Station to Gressoney, Monterosa Ski - daily connections. There are also regular Autostrada coach services from Turin to Aosta and Milan to Aosta.