Aosta italy ski resort. The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

It is located at an altitude of 585 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pennine Alps, where the turbulent mountain rivers Dora-Baltea and Butir merge.
The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Celtic-Ligurian tribes lived here - salasses. There is a legend that the Salasses are the descendants of Saturn who accompanied Hercules on his travels. In 1158 B.C. the ruler of the Salassians, Cordellius Letielus, founded the city, without hesitation, naming it after himself - Cordelia.
But it so happened that Cordelia stood in the way of the warlike Romans to Gaul. The Salasses did not want to submit to the Romans: they robbed caravans and took fares. And in punishment for the frequent indignations against the Roman Empire in 26 BC. Augustus ordered to take the city and destroy it. 3,000 well-trained Roman soldiers swept the small settlement of the Salassi to the face of the earth.
In honor of Augustus, a triumphal arch was erected, which has been completely preserved to this day, the inscription on it reads:

The Salasses defended their hearths for a long time,
He laid his wreaths on this place.
They Failed: Victorious Rome
Erected in honor of the victory of Octavian Augustus Caesar,
Who utterly smashed the Salasses.

Roman arch. Aosta.

A Roman city was built on the site of Cordelia. Augusta Pretoria Salassorum. It fully complied with the classical Roman canons, the size of the city was 724 x 572 meters, two streets Cardo and Decumanus divided the city into four parts and connected the main fortress gates.

Emperor Octavian August founded these walls,
Built this city in three years
And called him by your name
In the year DCCVII, Roman reckoning.

retained the original layout, the wall around the perimeter and even all the towers, there are many Roman monuments in the city.
famous Praetorian Gate (Porta Praetoria) are the eastern entrance to the Roman city.

Ruins near the gate Roman theater, which looks very picturesque against the background of the mountains. The theater was 45 meters long and 7 meters wide. Intervened 4,000 spectators. The powerful rear wall of the auditorium of the theater has been preserved, with three tiers of arches separated by an intermediate row of rectangular openings, various parts of the stage, and the lower steps of the auditorium. Theater in Aoste was one of the few indoor theaters in the Roman world.

Roman theatre. Aosta.

Close to Arches of Augustus, located ancient roman bridge across the river Butir. Only the river changed direction in the Middle Ages, leaving the bridge without water.

Aosta. Valle d'Aosta

From the monuments of the Middle Ages to Aoste preserved The complex of churches of St. Orso (Sant "Orso), erected in 994 - 1025. A large three-aisled Romanesque church with frescoed walls was built on the site of a Carolingian temple.
Saint Orso - the patron of the city, a wanderer with a bird on his shoulder, was canonized for his kindness to people. He is loved by Valle D "Aoste, under New Year fairs are held in his honor.

Cathedral was built in the 11th century. Of course, it was then repeatedly rebuilt and completed, but some things have survived from those times - for example, frescoes in the central nave.

Next to the cathedral is Cryptoportic part of the Roman Forum. Underground gallery with columns and arches made of tuff. (The entrance is free).

On one of the streets of Aosta in 1541 the Holy Cross was erected.

Modern is blooming and quiet city, the central part of which can be walked around in two hours.

Aosta. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

The streets are filled with shops and cafes, French is often heard here. After all, in Aoste French, along with Italian, is the official language.

Aosta. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

Kitchen Valle d "Aosta.

Speaking of cuisine Valle d'Aosta I immediately want to mention cheeses, of which there are a great many here: these are Fontina (Fontina), fromadzo (fromadzo), toma gressoney, ricotta (salignon), seras soft cheese, goat milk cheeses.

Fontina from Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

As well as various sausages and sausages: ham (Jambon de bosses), bacon (lard d’Arnad), sausage - boudin, sausages, beef motzetta, cow udder - teuteun.
IN Valle D "Aosta beekeeping is well developed, but it is quite difficult to buy real local honey from mountain herbs.
Thanks to the climate Valle D "Aosta, medicinal and aromatic herbs grow here, which are used for the production of liqueurs, tinctures, for cooking and drinks, as well as for medical purposes.
One of the most famous wormwood tinctures (Genepi) used in cooking Valdostan coffee (Caffe alla valdostana), into which grappa is also poured and set on fire in a special wooden bowl, called the bowl of friendship. Everyone drinks this coffee from the same cup in a circle.

Caffe alla valdostana. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

Wine Aosta special - elegant and acidic. This region has some of the highest altitude vineyards in Europe.

Italy is seriously fighting for Russian tourist- according to forecasts, in terms of the number of vacationers in this country, popular mainly in summer, Italy seriously intends to compete with Switzerland and even France. Historically, the Dolomites resorts were the first to develop on the Russian market, although the Aosta Valley was also not overlooked. Today, the situation is such that the resorts of Val d'Aosta - both the famous Courmayeur, Cervinia, and the slightly less popular La Thuile, Pila, Gressoney, Champoluc, receive a significant number of Russian tourists. The reasons for such popularity of Italy in general and this valley in particular are simple: various accommodation options, from the most economical to very comfortable, cuisine familiar and interesting to Russians, great opportunities for skiing, not too expensive ski passes.

And if earlier Italy occupied the place of a “stepdaughter” among the Alpine countries, and they went there only after having rolled enough in Austria-France-Switzerland, today this country quite seriously claims an honorable place in the top three most visited. A special role was played, perhaps, by the fact that in 2005 the Italian Bormio hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships, and the 2006 Winter Olympics were also held in Italy - in Turin. And two events of such significance can hardly take place in one country by accident.

Val d'Aosta is the highest region in northwestern Italy: Mont Blanc (4807 m) and Monte Rosa (4624 m) are located here. Resorts that are completely different in character and ski area, such as Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Pila, Monte Rosa are located relatively close to each other - the distance between them can be covered in an hour or more. A single ski pass combines the slopes of all resorts, which is very convenient, and the ability to ski in other countries (France and Switzerland) makes this area even more attractive for all categories of tourists.

The most fashionable modern leisure trends are to pay less and ride in big good regions- found their embodiment in Val d'Aosta. So, you can live in Pre-Saint Didier and ski in Courmayeur, or choose accommodation in Chatillon and St. Vincent, and explore the slopes of Cervinia and Monte Rosa. Fans of hectic city life will not be offended either: Aosta (by the way, a city with a population of 150 thousand) will offer both its own “home” ski area (Pila), and a full range of apres-ski entertainment combined with excellent shopping. There is even something to see here: an arch from the times of ancient Rome, a complex of Renaissance buildings on central square and the Cathedral of the 11th century ... Every year at the end of February, traditional carnivals are held in Aosta, Verres and Gresosney: jousting, processions in ancient costumes, tasting local cheeses and wines - all this can be seen at this time.

One of the most popular and famous ski areas (and at the same time the highest Italian resort) is Cervinia. This area borders on Switzerland and is united with the skiing region of Zermatt, with its most “photogenic” peak Matterhorn. Skiing in Cervinia is more suitable for intermediate skiers, professionals and experts will be more interested in the Swiss side of the Maaterhorn. Some disadvantage of Cervinia is the length of the ascent to the Swiss territory and the abundance of all kinds of stairs that skiers have to climb. For beginners and intermediate skiers, this resort is more suitable than for experts. The beauty of Cervinia is that the blue and red slopes (and there are more than 200 km of slopes in total) are located in different parts of the region, which allows you to diversify skiing as much as possible. Cervinia is also famous for its off-piste skiing - there is really a lot of virgin land here. A ski pass for adults costs 170 euros for Cervinia, 206 euros for Cervinia and Switzerland (hereinafter, the prices of season tickets for adults for 6 days are given).

Hotel base Italy in general and Val d'Aosta in particular cannot boast of luxurious hotels of the level of elite French and Swiss resorts. Although the local “fours” as a whole correspond to their level, the rooms and the hotels themselves may seem quite modest to spoiled tourists.

From good hotels Cervinia can be noted Сhalet Valdotain and Punta Maguignaz, which compete for the right to be called hotels with the best cuisine, Europa and the recently renovated "Excelsior Planet" (all hotels - 4 *).

No less famous in the Aosta Valley and Courmayeur - a resort popular since the 18th century, now considered one of the most fashionable and aristocratic in Italy. Thanks to the proximity to the highest peak Western Europe– Mont Blanc, stunning views and very interesting skiing Courmayeur rightfully considers one of the most attractive resorts Italy. Unlike other places in the Aosta Valley, it has a reputation as an aristocratic resort - here there are more luxurious hotels, excellent cuisine, many fashionable shops and gastronomic restaurants.

The ski area in Courmayeur includes 100 km of pistes, and this resort is more likely to be recommended. experienced tourists: for beginners and just getting up on skis it will be difficult. After the snowfalls in Courmayeur, there are excellent conditions for freeriding, and most of all, red runs are located here. In general, despite the limited length of slopes by Alpine standards, skiing in Courmayeur is varied and interesting. A combined ski pass for the entire valley costs about 170 euros for 6 days and provides the opportunity to ski in Chamonix and La Thuile. As with any resort that claims to be fashionable, it is not too difficult to find decent accommodation here. When choosing accommodation options, pay the attention of tourists to exactly where the hotels are located: some of the good “four” Courmayeur are located at a significant distance from the ski lifts, and you need to get to them by ski bus.

Somewhat less known to our tourists is La Thuile - a cozy town located in close proximity to France and Mont Blanc. The ski area includes 140 km of slopes, among which the blue and red ones are the most. For experts, it will be interesting to ride on difficult black slopes from Le Suchet to Diretta and Tre. Neighboring French resort La Rosier is connected to La Thuile by a single network of lifts and a shared ski pass (140/150 euros for 6 days). Some disadvantage of this area is the obsolete system of lifts: many of them are chairlifts and rather slow. The hotel base of the resort cannot boast of luxury, although Planibel (hotel and residence) can be safely called the best hotel complex La Thuile, quite appropriate for its category.

Another vast area of the Aosta Valley - Monte Rosa - unites five villages at once with a single network: Antagnon, Chamolyuk, Bluesson, Gressoney-la-Trinite and Gressoney-Saint John. The skiing area (130 km of slopes) provides ample opportunities for both experienced skiers and beginners. For the less experienced, it is better to choose Champoluc and Graysoney-St. John: most of the gentle pistes are located here. Just above Gressoney-la-Trinite is more suitable for intermediate skiers, while Champoluc has a sufficient number of interesting and long red runs.

Extreme and thrill-seekers are better off choosing other resorts, although Gressoney-St. John has several interesting slopes. A six-day ski pass for Monte Rosa lifts costs about 160 euros for 6 days (including the entire ski area). Among the best hotels worth noting in this area are the Relais des Glaciers (in Champoluc) and the recently rebuilt Residenza del Sole (near Gressoney St. John), most of the other hotels are more modest.

Don't forget one more thing interesting option Val d'Aosta is skiing in the Pila resort, which is connected to the city of Aosta by a lift. Although this ski area is quite small (70 km of slopes), it is quite interesting for all categories of skiers. Pila is the most "Italian" of all the resorts in the valley, while it is quite young and modern, with a well-developed infrastructure.

Accommodation in Pyla or Aosta is worth recommending to those who appreciate skiing as much nightlife, shopping and does not think to himself quality rest no city life. In any case, all tourists traveling to the Aosta Valley should visit the city itself: it is pleasant to walk here not only for shopping, but the monuments left from Roman times certainly deserve attention.

The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

Aosta is the central city of the Valle d'Aosta region, the largest in this area. Unlike other, even large, ski resorts, there are Train Station which is very convenient.

Aosta is distinguished by a high level of well-being, a developed industry, the presence of many cultural centers, shops and restaurants.

Attractions Aosta

The colony of Aosta was founded by the Roman Augustus Praetoria in 25 AD. Even then, the settlement had a cruel orthogonal urban planning - this can be seen from the historical architectural monuments of that time, which are:

All ancient buildings are well preserved and are still recognizable in the panorama of the modern metropolis.

TheaterAostaDopo- from the outside, it was subjected to only delicate restoration, but even this small intervention made it possible to show residents and tourists all the greatness of this building, the height of the southern facade of which is at least 22 meters. But the rectangular auditorium of the theater was restored more than once and, due to various partitions built at a later time, it significantly decreased in size, however, it has been proven that at first it accommodated more than 3 thousand spectators.

Monastery of Sant'Orso- is called the most romantic holy place in the world because the monastery courtyard and the building itself have been transformed many times over many centuries, and sculptures and stucco moldings of the late Gothic, Baroque, neoclassical styles have been added to the original appearance.

Arc de Triomphe of Augustus- all people traveling in Italy consider it their duty to be photographed against its background.

The best ski resorts in Italy, Val dʹ Aosta

Now the arch is decorated with a cross, but this was not always the case, and in pre-Christian times, the ancient Roman god Saturn flaunted in place of the cross.

In addition to the above attractions, in Aosta you can visit the houses of viscounts, castles of ancient families, etc.

In winter, Aosta attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its beautiful ski slopes, but also with the Christmas market, which, in last years, located near the Roman theater. This colorful New Year's Fair starts in early November and lasts right up to the end of January, and the tents work all day from 10.00 am to 20.00 pm.

Note. The city of Aosta offers its guests so many sophisticated entertainments that for many, visiting it becomes the highlight of their lives.

Aosta.

The province of Valle d'Aosta is considered the most popular among lovers of winter active rest on skiing Ah, not only in Italy. So tirelessly restless city dwellers come here from all over Europe and beyond. Excursions and entertainment in any city in the world

The capital of this mountainous area is old City Aosta, which can be reached both by public and private or rented transport. In the first case, options with train and bus prevail, which depart in this direction from Milan and Turin. Level.travel Booking tours

What to see.

The city of Aosta itself is interesting in addition to its resort component. There really is something to see here. And all because the capital of the region was founded by the Romans in 25 BC. It is this time that the oldest relic of the city, the arch in honor of Emperor Augustus, dates back.

And although it has undergone a number of changes in the course of its history, its main part has survived to this day in its original form. Tripinsurance.ru - travel insurance that really works

The Praetorian Gate, through which the entrance to Aosta was carried out from Rome, also looks good today. They also served as a gateway to Gaul, since the valley was the most direct route to this Roman province.

Also, the fortress walls and the ancient Roman theater date back to the first century, in which performances are staged in our days. summer period. It is located on Via Baillage and is known for its well-preserved facade, 22 meters high. Here you can see the prices in hotels.

Even from that era, the Roman bridge Pont de Pierre remained in the city. Its name translates as stone bridge. It is a single-arch structure 17 meters long and 6 meters high.

It was erected in a place where the Butkhye River narrowed due to two rocks on opposite banks. But over time the river found itself more affordable way fusion of their waters, according to the law of universal gravitation, and under the bridge, as a result, a dry stone channel was formed.

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The last attraction of Aosta of the ancient Roman period is Criptoportico. This underground structure still causes controversy among scientists about its purpose. The foundation of Criptoportico is equated with the time of the construction of Aosta itself.

The structure is an underground gallery in the form of a horseshoe, which was originally used for religious purposes. But we can only say for sure about it that in the Middle Ages there were warehouses here. Nevertheless, the place is very impressive in its scope. Busfor — Bus tickets in Russia, CIS and Europe

The Middle Ages in Aosta is represented mainly by its center. It is here that houses and streets that are more than one century old are located. But as always, its religious buildings stand out in architectural terms. So the cathedral, located on Piazza Giovanni XXIII, dates back to the 12th century of construction and is made in the Gothic style.

And on Piazza Ronkas, it will be interesting to visit archaeological museum. Also of interest are the surroundings of Aosta, in which there are several well-preserved castles. There are also thermal baths in Sainte Didier and mineral springs Cormaggiore and San Vincenzo.

Winter holidays.

Among other things, Aosta is the most a budget option winter holiday in this place. True, in this case, you will have to spend money on the road to the actual ski slopes.

But even in this case, the benefit will be obvious, because during the season, the difference in prices in Aosta hotels and in the resorts themselves differs by about two times, not in favor of the latter. True, there is less comfort, because the most modern hotels with all the consequences are involved in the resorts. Travelata - hypermarket of tours

By the way, there is a general ski pass in the valley, thanks to which you can get access to ski slopes 720 kilometers long and 180 lifts. But still, the main ski resort of Aosta is Pila.

This is probably the most modern resort province of Valle d'Aosta. It is here that the Italian ski team trains. It is clear that the resort is very serious in its steepness (meaning the tracks). In any case, 70 percent of them are "red".

However, for beginner skiers, there is a place where to ride. After all, as they say: the shorter and flatter the track, the fewer places to fall. Pila is 70 kilometers away ski slopes with a height difference of 952 m. 12 lifts help skiers to climb to the starting point.

In addition, Pila has a snow park with a half-pipe area and snowboarding trails. Around the resort there are 29 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiers.

And in the summer I saw beautiful place For hiking. And most importantly, Aosta and Pila are connected by a gondola cable car.

Valle d'Aosta region and its resorts

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Hotels.

The best hotels in Aosta are: Le Charaban, HB Aosta Hotel, Hostellerie du Cheval Blanc, Hotel Diana, Hotel Milleluci. And in Pila: Meublé Della Nouva, Hotel Chacaril, Etoile De Neige, Chaletbethere. Below is a selection of the most popular 3-star hotels. Here you can find cheap flights and book a hotel.

How to get there.

If you are planning to spend the most active time in the mountains and the chosen hotel, then the best way to get to Aosta or Pila, you will order a transfer to / from the airport. In addition, this service is becoming quite everyday for most hotels. intui.travel - transfers

If you want to escape to Milan, Venice, Turin and other cities of Italy on some day, then it will be most convenient to rent a car directly at the airport of arrival. If you are used to slow budget vacation, then from Milan and Turin to Aosta can also be reached by train.

True, in Chivasso you will have to make a transplant. From Turin the total travel time by train will be 2 hours 10 minutes, and from Milan 3 hours. Unitiki.com - service for buying bus tickets

On weekends, shuttle buses run to Aosta from the airports of the last two cities, as well as Bergamo and Lugano (Switzerland). True, the service requires a preliminary order at least two days before your arrival. You can also get to Aosta by bus from the Torino-Porta Susa train station in Turin and the bus station at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 131.

Bus service also functions well in the Aosta Valley itself. Moreover, the schedule of their movement is connected with the arrival of trains at the railway station. Everything you need to travel around Europe can be found here.

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What to see, where to visit

Aosta in Italy is a treasure trove architectural monuments different eras. According to the existing legend, the city was founded by Cordelo - a descendant of the god Saturn - in 1158 BC. and named Cordelia. Here lived the Celtic-Ligurian tribes - the Salassi. The city was later taken over by the Romans. In honor of the victory of Octavian Augustus Caesar in 25 BC. was erected Triumphal Arch, and today tourists can see it almost in its original form. A fortress wall with 20 towers stretches along the perimeter of the city, the southern and eastern gates of which are also perfectly preserved.

One of the most interesting places Aosta - ruins Roman theater, which was one of the few indoor theaters in ancient Rome. Until now, one of its walls with three tiers of arches, some openings and parts of the stage have been preserved. The theater was 45 meters long and seated 4,000 spectators.

The most important religious site is Cathedral, originally built in the 4th century and remodeled in the 11th century. The frescoes in the central nave have been preserved here since those times. Of the monuments of the Middle Ages in Aosta is the Complex of Churches of St. Orso. He was the city's patron, a wanderer with a bird on his shoulder, canonized for his kindness to people. Saint Orso is still loved in Valle D "Aosta, fairs are held in his honor on New Year's Eve.

Aosta is famous in Italy for its famous craft fairs of local artisans, the tradition of which has been going on since 1000 AD! IN historical center local craftsmen proudly present their creations - sculptures in wood, stone, wrought iron and leather. Music, dances, songs sound in the city, performances are held, wine tastings and gastronomic feast. A visit to the Sant'Orso Fair will leave you unforgettable experience, many people come here not only to buy some necessary thing in everyday life or a souvenir, but mainly in order to “breathe” the unique holiday atmosphere that prevails here.

Trails, slopes, lifts

Aosta is located in the Pila ski region. Directly from the city, a gondola lift will take you to the slopes in 20 minutes. From here you can admire incredible views of the highest mountain ranges Alps - Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Monte Rosa! The ski area is located quite high, so there is always enough snow here. 70 km of excellent slopes, among which there are long, wide, and quite steep, will satisfy the needs of both beginners and pros.

If desired, from Aosta you can easily get to neighboring ski resorts -

Valle d'Aosta is an autonomous region of Italy and its smallest province. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and borders Switzerland in the north and France in the west. Due to the fact that the territory of the region is surrounded by the highest of mountain peaks Europe - Mont Blanc, and the Matterhorn, there are many excellent ones, international skiing competitions often take place.

The province has two official languages- Italian and French. In some parts of it, the inhabitants use one of the German dialects - Mountain Alemannic. In total, a little more than 125 thousand people live in Valle d’Aosta, of which a third of them live in administrative center province, the city of Aosta.

In addition to tourism, the energy sector is well developed in the region - there are many rivers in the mountains - and ferrous metallurgy. The area is also famous for its wines.

Climate and weather

The Aosta Valley has a peculiar climate. The boundaries of the seasons seem to be shifted: summer comes earlier than usual, already in May; winter also usually comes in November. Spring and autumn fly by instantly, summer is usually long, dry and warm, but there is no particular heat here: average temperature July +21º C. The local summer is characterized by short but heavy rains with thunderstorms. In winter, a lot of snow falls, frosts are not uncommon, but even in the coldest month, January, the average temperature is still above zero, 1-2º C.

How to get there

In the region there are many mountain passes; despite this, the transport network is very well developed, the province has many roads and railways. Between settlements buses ply, they run on numerous routes at intervals of half an hour, so getting from one town to another is not difficult. Nearest Big City– . You can get there in 2 hours.

It is at Turin Airport that those who are going to rest in Valle d'Aosta usually arrive. The distance between cities is 100 km. You can fly to Milan (), but it is twice as far, 190 km. If you have a Schengen visa, you can consider another option - Geneva, from which Aosta is 150 km away. Aosta itself also has an airport, you can fly here by local flights from Rome, but the planes that carry them are very small, so you need to plan such a trip in advance. It's easier to take the train or bus. With timetable bus routes can be found here: www.savda.it . Website on Italian but it's easy to use. Train tickets: www.trenitalia.com

Aosta

The main city of the autonomous region is Aosta. It was founded before our era; several architectural monuments have been preserved since those times: a triumphal arch, fortress walls with gates, an amphitheater. The arch (Arco di Augusto) has been standing in the city since 25 BC. It has a somewhat strange appearance for such structures - there is no typical attic superstructure; instead, the arch is crowned with a roof built at the beginning of the 18th century.

Not far from the arch are the gates of Pretoria (Porta Praetoria), through which it was possible to enter the city from the east. The gates are double, each row consists of a central arch 7 m high - for carts, and two smaller side arches for the passage of people. The whole structure looks very impressive.

The fortress walls are also well preserved. They form a rectangle with sides 727 m long and 574 m long.

Another monument from the time of the ancient Romans is the villa (Villa Romana), or rather, its ruins, on which you can get an idea of the size of the rich houses of that period, the location of the rooms and utility rooms.

ancient collegiate church Saints Peter and Ursus (Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso) is a building that is impossible to pass by. It was built at the turn of the X-XI centuries; architectural style is Romanesque. As a foundation, the builders used the remains of older buildings. The inner courtyard of the church, as well as the fortress walls surrounding the city, is made of dark gray stone blocks and gives the impression of a very ancient one, although it was built at the beginning of the 12th century.

Locks

In the vicinity of Aosta there are many medieval castles and fortresses - about seven dozen. Not all of them are in perfect condition, some of them are left with only ruins, but there are also well-preserved ones. One of them - Fenis Castle (Castello di Fenis), built at the beginning of the XIII century.

Isson Castle (Castello di Issogne) is located at a distance from Aosta, 40 km. There are suggestions that it was built long before the middle of the XII century, when it was first mentioned in official documents: perhaps the castle was rebuilt from an ancient Roman villa.

Finally, Verre Castle (Castello di Verrès) is another monumental building that has come down to us from the Middle Ages. His appearance purely utilitarian - a huge stone cube with rare small windows, and a complete lack of decor.

Ski resorts

The unique location of Valle d'Aosta attracts tourists and skiers from all over the world. Arriving here, they can ride the slopes in a few days at once three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland.

Cervinia

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One of the oldest ski resorts in Italy - (Cervinia). The ski slopes of Cervinia run along the slopes of the Matterhorn; its height is 4478 m. Especially desperate skiers can climb the very high point and carry out a dizzying descent from three and a half thousand meters. There are no resorts located higher than Cervinia in Italy.

The peak of the season in Cervinia falls on December, in January there is a relative calm, and in February and March the slopes in the vicinity of the resort are again full of bright ski suits.

However, the higher the mountains, the longer the season - in the highlands, snow lies all year round. There are also very difficult routes, and less extreme routes of great length, allowing you to enjoy not an adrenaline rush, but admiring the surrounding nature. Nevertheless, most routes, such as the Bontadini slope, are designed for advanced skiers. For beginners, it is better to pay attention to the "blue" slopes of Plan Maison (Plan Maison).

The great advantage of the resort over others is in the carefully thought-out layout of the slopes and their diversity. So, for example, there are "blue" trails for beginners on almost all slopes. This means that even those who have just started skiing have the opportunity to look around, and not ski in the same place for two weeks.

There are buses from Turin and Milan to Cervinia, you can look for a hotel with a transfer. As for accommodation, there are options for every taste, from expensive hotels(Saint Hubertus Resort) to small economical chalets (L'Ancien Paquier Chambre D'Hotes). The main thing is to book rooms in advance.

Courmayeur

One of the most expensive Italian ski resorts is considered (Courmayeur). The peculiarity of the resort is that it is surrounded on all sides by almost a dozen mountain peaks over 4000 meters high. At the same time, the tracks here are mostly of medium difficulty, with the exception of some really extreme ones. The total length of the tracks is more than 100 km.

Everything is done here so that tourists can fully enjoy their stay at the resort: there are a lot of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues around, and many tracks allow you to ride around the clock.

The resort is very conveniently located - it is easily accessible from Aosta, there are buses from Milan and Turin (travel time is about 3.5-4 hours). Therefore, on weekends it can become especially crowded here - Italians like to come to Courmayeur for one or two days. For the same reason, when planning a holiday in Courmayeur, it is better to take care not only about the hotel, but also about where you will have dinner every day. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of time trying to find a free table; and some restaurants cannot be entered at all without an appointment.

The "black" slopes are concentrated in the Val Veny area. For beginners, Chetif or Prato are more suitable. Well, the main area for skiing is Checrouit. There are also routes in Courmayeur that run outside the equipped tracks - they are primarily intended for freeride lovers, both skiing and boarding. Most of them are on Mount Cross d'Arp (Cresta D'Arp).

For accommodation, you can recommend the four-star Auberge De La Maison or the more modest Hotel Crampon.

La Thuile

Small La Thuile is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Recall - this is the highest mountain in Europe (except for the Caucasian peaks); its height is 4810 m. La Thuile is good because there are not as many vacationers here as in other resorts of the province so you don't have to queue for the lift. There are no noisy amusements here, life at the resort is more like a village, measured and unhurried. There is always a lot of snow in La Thuile, and the tracks are designed for well-trained athletes.

La Thuile is part of the San Bernardo ski area. You can get here by bus from Courmayeur or from the city of Pré-Saint-Didier, and to Pre-Saint-Didier, in turn, by train from Turin or Milan.

Recommended hotels: the fashionable Niro Montana and the economical Hotel Du Glacier.

Saw

Ski resort for beginners – Pila. From here you can see all three of the highest peaks of the Alps at the same time: the aforementioned Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, as well as Monte Rosa. This resort is not as famous as the rest, which makes it even more attractive in terms of silence and less expensive services provided. The slopes of Pyla should first of all be paid attention to by those who have just started mastering alpine skiing - there are many gentle wide slopes, for example, in the Grimod area, and you can ski from early December to April.

There are not many hotels in Pila itself, most of them are three-star hotels. But this resort is located not far from Aosta, so you can stay in the center of the province, and get to Pyla by lift - it will take no more than 20 minutes. If you still want to live near the mountain slopes, book a room at the Bellevue Pila aparthotel or.

Monte Rosa

Unlike Cervinia, the resort (Monte Rosa) began to accept skiers relatively recently. There are about 130 km of slopes, and most of them are suitable for intermediate or beginner skiers.

It will not be boring in Monte Rosa, the resort is developing quite actively, and can already boast big amount bars and restaurants, but it's worth remembering that life here is not in full swing, as in the older resorts of the valley, and is more suitable for those who prefer a relaxing holiday.

Here you can rent a hotel room located right at the foot of the mountain slope, for example, in, or a little further away, overlooking the mountains (Residence Lo Peyo).

Things to do

The ski resorts of Valle d'Aosta have all the conditions for a comfortable stay. Even if you have never skied or snowboarded, experienced instructors will teach you the basics of skiing in a few days. Many of them have special skills in teaching people with handicapped; there are many children's schools in the province where your child will learn the basics skiing under the constant supervision of experienced teachers. If you come with a family in which not everyone is delighted with the prospect of skiing all day, do not hesitate - anyone will find something to their liking.

Spa towns come to life not only in the evenings, when the bars and restaurants fill with crowds of people. During the day, you can visit the pools or spa complexes, do yoga or fitness, play bowling. In Cervinia there is an ice karting track with two tracks. In the quiet Monte Rosa, dog sledding is organized; you can take riding lessons. In big sports complex, located near the resort of Courmayeur, you can play tennis, golf, ice-skate or go rock climbing. Many people go to the city of Pre-Saint-Didier in order to use the services of the thermal complex.

Those who prefer thrills, but for one reason or another cannot experience them during high-speed descents from the surrounding peaks, can discover paragliding or flying on hot-air balloon. Well, the neighborhood immediately with the three highest peaks of the Alps opens up almost unlimited opportunities for climbers.

Winemaking

Valle d'Aosta is one of major centers winemaking in Italy. The area is famous primarily for white wines, the material for which matures in the country's highest mountain vineyards - up to 1.2 km to sea level, although they account for only 10% of the wines produced.

Since 1971, the wine region of the province has been called DOC Valle d'Aosta. About 2.5 million bottles of wine are produced here annually.

The total area of vineyards is small, but it is striking in the number of cultivated varieties: there are more than twenty of them. The most common varieties are petit rouge, which occupies 16% of the area of all vineyards, and nebbiolo (almost 10%). The most popular white variety is prié blanc: more than 6% of all plantings.

Amazing Fact: finding local wines in other provinces of Italy is quite difficult; the number of foreign tourists and Italians coming to the resorts of the region is so great that almost all the wine produced is drunk here, without leaving the province.

Valle d'Aosta is the smallest region of Italy, located in the northeast of the country, on the border with France, with which it is connected by a tunnel under Mont Blanc and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, and Switzerland, into which the tunnel under the Gran San Bernardo leads.

In contact with

The territory of the region is completely covered with mountains and surrounded by the most high peaks Italy and Europe: Mont Blanc (4810 m), Matterhorn (4478 m), Monte Rosa (4637 m) and Gran Paradiso (4061 m). People live mainly along the valleys formed by mountain rivers and glaciers. Due to global warming, glaciers in our time have survived only on the highest peaks.

Mount Monte Rosa / Shutterstock.com

The main border passes are called Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo and Colle del Gran San Bernardo. A through tunnel was dug under the latter.

In the south of Aosta is national park Gran Paradiso, founded in 1922 to protect rare alpine animals and plants (moufflons, sulfurs, marmots and ermines live here), as well as Natural Park mountains of Mont Avic.

Since the area is mountainous, the average temperature depends on the height above sea level. In the highlands, the climate is harsh, summers are short, and winters are long and cold; In the valleys, a typical continental climate is observed: in winter the temperature drops below 0, and in summer it can exceed 30 ° C, which, due to the lack of wind, leads to stuffiness. Precipitation falls in the form of snow all year round wherever the altitude exceeds 2400 m above sea level.

Night Aosta / Shutterstock.com

Tourism

The smallest region in Italy, surrounded by the most high mountains, offers its guests a huge wealth of choice. Virgin nature, traditional architecture, sports, culture, health tourism, haute cuisine: these are the elements that have made Aosta resort place already in the days of ancient Rome.
For skiing, you can go to famous resorts, but you can stay in smaller towns, where there are much fewer people. In addition to downhill skiing, here you can go cross-country skiing, freeride, heliskiing, snowkiting, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

A single ski pass Valle d'Aosta (www.skivallee.it) allows you to use any ski lifts in the region, and even those that are outside of it (the resort of Alagna Valsesia in Piedmont and La Rosiere in French Savoie).

Castle of Baron Camba in Châtillon / Shutterstock.com

Aosta also has significant cultural heritage. From the era of Ancient Rome, the Gallic road remained, passing along the lower reaches of the Aosta Valley and bifurcating in the direction of the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass (France) and the Gran San Bernardo Pass (Switzerland). The system of roads and trails forms what was once the second most popular pilgrimage route in Europe, the road of the Franks. On it they moved from central Europe to Rome and back. Many churches, temples, chapels and crosses were built along it.
The special pride of Aosta is the Valdostan castles, a legacy of the feudal period. There are over a hundred of them! They rise at key heights, occupying a strategic position on the ground. Often they were built on the site of former Roman fortifications.

Wine and food

Friendship Cup / Shutterstock.com

Valle d'Aosta is a region known not only for the beauty and richness of its artistic and cultural heritage, but also for its enogastronomic achievements: traditional products widely known not only among the local population, recognizing their status as a symbol of their identity, but also among tourists who come to this region every year for vacation. These delicacies express the close cultural connection that unites people with their land. They have all the best that this land gives to the Valdostans, and all the wisdom and skill with which they cultivate it from time immemorial.
There are really a lot of traditional products in the region. Let's talk about some of them that you should definitely try if you want to get to know the spirit of this enchanting northern Italian region, enjoy its aromas and tastes.
Cheeses. The fresh and aged cheeses of Valle d'Aosta are appreciated by many experts and are known internationally. First of all, we are talking about Fontina cheese, which has been made here since the 15th century, and Formazo, a product with a protected designation of origin (DOP).
Meat delicacies. The famous Jambon de Bosses DOP ham, an integral part of the Valdostan meat plate, is produced at an altitude of 1600 m, in the homonymous village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, in the Valle del Gran San Bernardo valley. Salo Lardo d'Arnad DOP is a complex alchemy of water, salt, fragrant herbs and spices that are added to the product. It tastes good and is reminiscent of those herbs that go into brine: each slice is white, there may be a small layer of meat, and the core is slightly pinkish. It is stored in special containers made of chestnut, oak or larch. The first inventory of Arnad Castle in 1763 contains a record of four such containers stored in the kitchen. Let's not forget the prosciutto Saint-Oyen: this ham is made from the leg of a pig grown in Italy (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Valle d'Aosta), flavored, roasted in an oven, and then lightly roasted over coals. Or about La Motsetta - dried meat from cow, sheep or goat muscles; in the old days it was made so that the meat was stored longer, and it was enough for the whole family for the winter. Salt, garlic, juniper branches and fragrant herbs are added to it; and keep it from a month to a year. Serve sliced into thin slices with rye bread or croutons.
Honey. locals it has been produced for a long time according to ancient technologies, keeping its organoleptic properties unchanged.

Fruits. In sun-drenched orchards region grow mountain apples and pears with a rich taste and aroma and juicy pulp.

Black bread ("Panner"). It has been made in Valle d'Aosta for a long time, so it has recently received the status of a traditional agricultural product.

Genepie liqueur has ancient history, pleasant taste, digestive and balsamic properties.

Guilt. The Alps protect Valle d'Aosta from the north from cold winds, and from the west from wet ones, so the climate of the region is perfect for viticulture. Numerous testimonies confirm that this art was practiced here in the era ancient rome. Over the centuries of the region's history, the industry has experienced both good times and serious crises - for example, during the period of barbarian invasions.
After the Second World War, having received the status of an autonomous region, Valle d'Aosta managed to attract significant financial resources for the development of this area, which now lives extremely dynamically: local wines receive important awards, both Italian and international.
The main wines produced in the region are Blanc de Morgex et La Salle DOC from Prié Blanc grapes, Enfer d'Arvier DOC from Petit Rouge grapes and Chambave Muscat DOC from White Muscat grapes.

Grappa. If we talk about quality, then Valdostana grappa is definitely not worse than local wine, but in terms of production, grappa, of course, is inferior. This drink is a true friend of the mountain dwellers, an ideal digestif after rich meals made up of local specialties. The importance of this production for local traditions and special regional regulations even allow - within certain limits, of course - the distillation of grape pomace for family consumption. The distillation apparatus and other necessary tools begin to operate in late autumn (November and December), when local families, having gathered relatives and friends, begin this ritual of producing transparent nectar with a delicate aroma and dry taste. In addition to family production, there is, of course, industrial production; it allowed to expand the range of products, although it is still based on traditional technologies that give the drink a unique taste and naturalness.

How to get there

By plane
The nearest airport to Valle d'Aosta is in Turin. You can also use the airport of Milan, Bergamo and Geneva.
The main cities of Aosta can be reached from these airports by bus.

By car
The A5 motorway leads from Turin to Pont Saint Martin, the eastern gateway to the region. The distance is only 55 km. The distance to the capital of the region, Aosta, is already 98 km, and to Courmayeur - 136 km.
If you drive from Milan (164 km), then, moving along the A4 motorway, you need to turn onto Aosta at the interchange in Santia. To get to Aosta from Geneva, you need to drive 226 km.
You can also get to Aosta through France or Switzerland, through the tunnels of Mont Blanc and Gran San Bernardo along highways No. 26 and No. 27, respectively. In summer (June-October) you can also drive through the Piccolo and Gran San Bernardo passes.

By train
Going to Valle d'Aosta by train is a great alternative to traveling by car, as it avoids the traffic jams and fogs that are common here in the winter months, and also contributes to the fight against pollution. Aosta train station is located near the lower station of the funicular, which lifts to the ski resort of Pila. Railway connects Aosta with Turin (porta Nuova and Porta Susa), trains run quite often.
On average, the journey from Turin takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a change in Chivasso (or Ivrea). Intermediate stations (Pont-Saint-Martin, Verrès and Châtillon/Saint-Vincent) are connected to the transverse valleys by buses, the schedule of which is tied to the arrival and departure of trains.

From Aosta, you can drive to the picturesque Pre-Saint-Didier train station at the foot of Mont Blanc. This is the end station. The journey from Milan will take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with a change in Chivasso.

Official tourism website of the Valle d'Aosta region: www.lovevda.it

Aosta italy ski resort. The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

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The best ski resorts in Italy, Val dʹ Aosta

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Valle d'Aosta region and its resorts

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