Olaf’s Aosta Ski Safari

Our client’s recent ski trip through the Aosta Valley was nothing short of spectacular—a whirlwind of snow, slopes, and unforgettable moments shared among six  friends seeking the ultimate alpine experience. Led by one seasoned traveler familiar with the region’s charms, they set out to explore every corner of this picturesque valley, and what a journey it was!

Saturday: Arrival and Aosta

As the group arrived amidst a fresh blanket of snow, anticipation crackled in the air. Their first stop was the charming town of Aosta, where they wasted no time immersing themselves in this lovely historic city. Despite a day spent mostly in transit, they indulged in some well-deserved drinks and savored the anticipation of the adventures to come.

Sunday: Pila

Eager to hit the slopes, the group kicked off their skiing extravaganza with a leisurely day at Pila. A short gondola ride from the town square transported them to a winter wonderland of wide-open spaces and pristine off-piste terrain. Despite some initial queues, the slopes soon opened up, allowing them to carve through the powder with glee. And let’s not forget the indulgent treat of thick, velvety hot chocolate—a regional specialty that warmed both body and soul.

Monday: La Thuile

With spirits high, our group ventured further afield to La Thuile, a gem nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty. The longer drive was well worth it, as they discovered uncrowded slopes and exhilaratingly long runs that quickly became everyone’s favorite. Run 18, in particular, left the guys awestruck with its stunning vistas and thrilling descents.

Tuesday: Cervinia 

The exploration continued with a trip to the Cervinia area, where they savored the relaxed atmosphere and wide, uncrowded slopes of Valtournenche. The apres was well catered for with lots of lovely bars and a really congenial atmosphere.

Wednesday: Courmayeur

The journey reached its crescendo in Courmayeur, a place of glitz, glamour, and undeniable beauty. Tree-lined runs beckoned us to explore, while the evening brought the liveliest apres-ski scene of the trip. Streets pulsated with the rhythms of live bands, and the air was thick with the aroma of delicious food and drink.

Thursday: Zermatt 

Thursday saw the guys drawn to the more technical challenges of the Zermatt end of Cervinia, where the iconic silhouette of the Matterhorn provided a backdrop of unparalleled beauty.  Incredibly picturesque, as well as demanding on the legs, this was the perfect way to round off their trip. 

Conclusion: A Varied and Exhilarating Trip

In conclusion, the extra travel required to traverse the entirety of the Aosta Valley proved to be the ultimate payoff. Each destination offered its own unique charm and thrills, from the wide-open spaces of Pila to the glamorous allure of Courmayeur. Together, they formed a tapestry of experiences that left the team breathless, grateful, and already planning our next adventure in these magnificent mountains. If you’re seeking something special in your next ski trip, look no further than the Aosta Valley—it’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

Ayer

About

Half way between the main ski resorts Grimentz and St Luc the small sleepy rustic town of Ayer offers a great base for those with an eye to explore.

Armed with a car you can visit a different resort every day.

We have a catered chalet, available as a whole or by the room and two self cater chalets, one for up to 10 and the other for up to four.

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation

St Luc - Chandolin

About

St Luc and Chandolin are a pair of small resorts located high above the Val d’Anniviers floor, the small windy road opens up these quality high altitude gems offering beautiful views and seriously good skiing. We have some very stylish hotels in these villages. 

Together they are the sunniest resorts in Val d’Anniviers. The villages are at altitude and combine the rickety rural charm of the area with a grand Victorian vibe, from the early grand tour hotels built here. The views from the top are breathtaking and there is plenty of skiing here. The best slopes are accessible only by surface lifts. Of particular note is the long red from Bella Tola at 3026 down to the fabulous bar Le Prilet, a fine way to end the day.

 

 

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation

Grimentz - Zinal

About

Picturesque and charming mountain villages, uncrowded slopes and oodles of local charm make this ‘end of the road’ cluster a true hidden gem.

The Jewels centre around the Val D’Anniviers valley, which culminates in Zinal where 3 glaciers meet in spectacular fashion, beyond this lie the views and the mountains that make up the crown. The skiing in this area is excellent, varied and at altitude snow sure. The resorts remain small and slightly disjointed due to the natural geography of the area. This in turn keeps the crowds away and so the villages have kept their charm, the slopes are less skied out and you are in a perfect place for whatever holiday you are after.

Those in the know rate the snow quality in these resorts as second to none in Switzerland. These are the true hidden gems of Swiss skiing.

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation