Discover the Smaller Resorts of Italy’s Aosta Valley for Great Value Skiing

Antagnod in Val d’Ayas sits at 1,710m, a small village characterised by its ancient buildings – or rascard – and magnificent views of Monte Rosa. Ideal for family holidays, little ones will love the baby snowpark, while adults can enjoy the more advanced ski slopes. Visit the village’s Museum of Sacred Art, with unique pieces dating back to the 14th century, much of which are wood carvings – an artisanal skill for which the Aosta Valley is famous throughout Italy.

Terrain: 11km of slopes – one black, two red, four blue
Ski lifts: Two chairlifts, two magic carpets

At 1,338m above sea level, among high peaks, thick woods and pastures, Brusson is a small paradise for ski enthusiasts. Its slopes reach the high village of Estoul at 2,000m, with magnificent downhill runs winding through larch forest. Push on to Punta Palasinaz, a collection of mountain lakes and a favourite destination of ski mountaineers. Small children will love the Estoul snow park with its inflatables and snow rafts, while there’s ice skating for bigger kids.

Terrain: 30km crosscountry trails, 8km of ski runs – six red, three blue
Ski lifts: One gondola, two chairlifts, two magic carpets

Chamois, 1,800m above sea level in Valtournenche, is known as one of just 23 ‘Pearls of the Alps’. A car-free village, Chamois is a natural paradise that promotes slow and sustainable tourism. Accessed by cablecar from Buisson, the village perches on a cliff above the valley and is characterised by its ancient wood and stone houses. Peace and quiet is Chamois’ charm.

Terrain: 14km of slopes – six red, two blue
Ski lifts: One cablecar, three chairlifts, two magic carpets

Just 21km from the border with Piedmont sits Champorcher. Wonderfully isolated, it’s a true winter paradise. Ski on slopes with panoramic views, in the company of the Monte Rosa massif, Monte Cervino and the Rosa dei Bianchi glacier. Aside from skiing, Champorcher is ideal for experiencing the Aosta Valley’s ancient traditions and culture: visit the remains of Fort Bard, its crenellated tower and the church of San Nicola; witness the spinning and weaving of hemp canvas and learn about local craftsmanship. During the Christmas period, don’t miss tasting the traditional Christmas bread, enriched with chestnuts, walnuts and raisins.

Terrain: 12km of slopes – three black, 13 red, two blue
Ski lifts: Two gondolas, one cable car, two chair lifts, two magic carpets

At 1,544m above sea level, Cogne is another of the ‘Pearls of the Alps’. Nestled in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, it’s not just perfect for a snowy holiday with ski slopes reaching 2,252m, it’s also the place to discover local traditions, history and flavours. Overlooking one of the largest mountain meadows in Europe, the Sant’Orso meadow, Cogne is an alpine ski area best suited to families. Spot chamois and foxes in the wild, and discover the multitude of ice waterfalls in the area. A ride through the enchanted forest of Sylvenoire in a horse-drawn sleigh will make your holiday even more magical!

Terrain: 9km of slopes – one black, four red, two blue
Ski lifts: One gondola, two chairlifts, one magic carpet

Crévacol overlooks the village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, the last municipality of the Great Saint Bernard Valley, with high-altitude slopes reaching to 2,450m above sea level. South facing, and very sunny for it, Crévacol is ideal for those who love skiing while working on their tan, with plenty of sun-drenched restaurant terraces and refuges at 2,000m. Little known, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels who want to have fun away from the traffic of big resorts.

Terrain: 22km of slopes – one black, eight red, three blue
Ski lifts: Two chairlifts, one magic carpet

Gressoney-Saint-Jean is an elegant mountain resort at 1,385m above sea level, with winning views of the Lyskamm glacier and imposing Monte Rosa massif. You can ski on the legendary slopes of Weissmatten, among centuries-old stone pine trees and frozen lakes, as well as the ‘Internazionale Leonardo David’ black run, which is open for night skiing sessions. 

Terrain: 8km of slopes – two black, five red, four blue
Ski lifts: One gondola, one chairlift, one magic carpet

At around 1,650m above sea level and surrounded by vast forests, La Magdeleine is the smallest town in Valtournenche with just 100 inhabitants. An enchanting village, still pretty much untouched by tourism, La Magdeleine is made up of five small hamlets of wood and stone buildings, simple and charming, where you can still find ancient rascards and grenier grain stores. It is an ideal resort for beginners and children, thanks to the easy going downhill slopes, the magic carpets for going up, and the renovated snow playground. 

Terrain: 5km of slopes – one red, one blue
Ski lifts: One gondola, two magic carpets

Ollomont rises to 1,335m in the Valpelline, in a large wild valley surrounded by mighty peaks. With its 160 inhabitants, it is one of the tiny Italian gems for mountain and ski enthusiasts. Ollomont is the ideal place for those who want to take their first turns on skis, thanks to the great beginner’s area and fun playground, slope-side, with a bobsleigh and inflatables. It is also the starting point for big-name  mountaineering ascents, such as the Grand Combin and Mont Vélan, as well as many ski mountaineering excursions. It’s the natural landscape that gives this village – once a copper mining centre – its charm.

Terrain: 1km of slopes – one blue
Ski lifts: One gondola, one magic carpet

At 1,725m above sea level, and with only 76 inhabitants, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame is the smallest municipality in the Aosta Valley. Immersed nature, on the border with the Gran Paradiso National Park, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame is a magical place, far from the crowds and tourist trail. The Rhêmes valley is home to two ski areas: Chanavey is ideal for expert skiers, while Bruil is great for both adults and children, thanks to its beginner’s area complete with three magic carpets as well as snow bikes, ski foxes, air boards and inflatable boats to play with.

Terrain: 7km of slopes – two black, three red, two blue
Ski lifts: One chairlift, four magic carpets

If you want to experience skiing in a wild setting, then Valgrisenche is for you. Here, thanks to low temperatures and high altitude (up to 2,000m), the dry, powdery snow sticks around long after it falls. Far from anything, surrounded by spectacular glaciers and lush forests, this snowy valley really is nature untouched. The glacier terrain makes this area perfect for snowshoeing excursions as well as ski touring and mountaineering, which can be booked with local mountain guides. Valgrisenche is also well known for traditional weaving, with sheep’s wool worked on ancient wooden looms. 

Terrain: 5km of slopes – two black, one red, one blue
Ski lifts: One chairlift, two magic carpets

For more information on the Magic Skipass, visit Ski Life Valle d’Aosta

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