Winter weekend breaks in the Aosta Valley

It might be the smallest region in Italy but the Aosta Valley packs a punch with its high mountains, world-class ski resorts (as well as its charming local ski hills), spectacular scenery, fantastic food and a rich history dating back to Roman times.

In this northwest corner of Italy, bordered by both France and Switzerland, are some of Europe’s highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and, queen of them all, Mont Blanc.

With 19 ski resorts, over 800 kilometres of slopes and eight snow parks all accessible on a single ski pass, the Aosta Valley offers endless skiing possibilities. Cross-border ski resorts include Breuil-Cervinia, linking to Zermatt in Switzerland, and La Thuile, connected to La Rosière, France. Challenging skiing can be found in Courmayeur, Champoluc and Gressoney, with family-favourite Pila accessible by gondola right from Aosta city.

There’s plenty going on, off the pistes, too…

After the slopes close and the sun sets is a pretty magical time to be on the mountain. Accessed by cable car, snowmobile or snowcat, there are a handful of restaurants and rifugios, away from the lively resort centres, that are open for evening meals. Check out the options and book in here.

Non-skiers and those looking to take it down a notch should try snowshoeing – the perfect way to explore the mountains at a more relaxed pace. Follow quiet trails through the snowy landscape, discover local alpine wildlife and enjoy the silence and serenity of the lower mountains. It’s an activity for all ages and fitness levels. Find out more.

Drive a team of sled dogs through unspoilt Aosta countryside from Cervinia and Courmayeur for great views and a hit of adrenaline. Children from four years old can drive up front with the guide, and kids from eight can have a go at driving the sled themselves. Find out more.

Better known for its ski resorts in winter, the Aosta Valley is also home to a number of modern spas, situated in beautiful locations. But wellness tourism isn’t new to Aosta. Rich in thermal springs, wellness tourism to the region took off in the 1800s, though the discovery of the region’s healing waters dates back to Roman times.

Take a look at a few of the most popular wellness spots for unwinding in the Aosta Valley:

1. Pré Saint Didier

Built in 1800, the Pré Saint Didier spa was once a palace and has breath-taking views of the Mont Blanc massif. Just a few kilometres from the ski resorts of Courmayeur and La Thuile, it’s a perfect spot for time out away from the slopes, with wooden saunas, invigorating waterfalls and whirlpools with thermal water from the depths of the Orrido river with healing properties (expect softer skin and better blood circulation). Thanks to the presence of iron, this water is a tonic for tired muscles, and is perfect for ski recovery.

2. Terme di Saint-Vincent

The Terme di Saint-Vincent came to be thanks to the mineral-rich thermal spring in Saint-Vincent, discovered in 1770. The therapeutic qualities of its thermal water earned it its moniker, Fons Salutis – the ‘spring of health’. Open year-round, the modern facility is the result of a major redevelopment programme that began in 2007. As well as its trademark treatments – hydrotherapy, massotherapy , inhalation therapy – the spa’s major selling point is its huge picture windows framing big alpine views.

3. Monterosa SPA

A family-friendly spa, the Champoluc centre offers wellbeing and fun for the whole gang with a swimming pool, shallow splash pool and plenty of water toys to entertain. There’s also a crèche that parents can take advantage of if they want to take some time out in the spa area, or slip off to the slopes of Champoluc for a few hours.

With Turin, Milan and Geneva airports within easy reach, the Aosta resorts are among the easiest to get to from the UK, making the region ideal for a weekend or short break.

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