Amphitheatre of the Alps

Skiing the amphitheatre is all about the mix of culture with snow. Out in the wilds of the mountains by day and in a civilised urban environment by night. The resorts are typically Italian, with style and great food. The roads are good and the distances not so great that it is not possible to explore a little.

From Aosta the first gondola of the day does not leave from a small old village, or a new purpose built one, but from the centre of the city, filled with all the history, art, culture and life that you might expect from an old Roman town. 18 minutes in a gondola from the centre of town and you are on the slopes of Pila.

Located throughout the beautiful Aosta Valley this area is home to some of the most exceptional medium sized ski resorts in the Alps. From the glamorous high altitude of Cervinia through to the freeride rustic centre of Alagna and the bustling town of Courmayeur there is something for everyone.

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Pila

The defining feature of Pila is the treeline, only a handful of slopes are above it, the resort faces north and holds its snow well. There is ample nice accommodation on the slopes. This is a great beginners and intermediate resort.

Courmayeur

Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is the ultimate keen skier’s resort. The town itself is based 30 minutes west of Aosta, and the Valley lift pass covers both Courmayeur and the nearby town of La Thuile. The town itself has a lively and family friendly atmosphere and is set high in a classic alpine valley.

Aosta

The main city of the area is not a ski resort but almost is as it contains a gondola up to Pila. The advantage of staying in Aosta is the price point, the quality and variety of the restaurants and accommodation off the mountain.

Champoluc

Champoluc is the liveliest town of the Montarosa ski area. It is a highly rated place to ski and ideal for families.

Cervinia and Valtourneche

Cervinia is the Italian side of the Matterhorn. This resort is high and snow sure. It is the glitziest of the Aosta valley resorts. Great for beginners and intermediates but the Zermatt link opens this resort up to some amazing expert territory.

Gressoney and Alagna

Gressoney is ideal for those looking for somewhere peaceful and serene. It sits in the middle of the 3 valleys of the Montarosa ski resort. This area is famed for its off piste.

La Thuile

La Thuile is a great resort with access to both the French La Rossier on skis and stylish Courmayeur by bus.

What makes Amphitheatre of the Alps Unique?

History, ruins, churches, castles

The Aosta Valley, a pivotal route in history, is adorned with a myriad of churches, castles, and ancient ruins, showcasing the rich tapestry of its past. For history enthusiasts, this abundance of Roman remains and grand structures offers a captivating journey through time. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, the valley provides a captivating and enriching travel experience.

Center of the slow food movement

Aosta is a city at the crossroads between different cultures, but obviously now the Italian dominates. Nevertheless the local food owes something to the neighbours. This is still a winter cuisine but not as heavy as the traditional French and Swiss mountain dishes. Expect to enjoy hearty ragus of game alongside fine cheeses, pasta dishes and of course Pizza. A truly great place to enjoy creamy Gnocchi and risotto dishes.

Cervinia, height and lift linked to Zermatt

Cervinia gives this region one of the most snow sure resorts in Europe. A truly excellent place to enjoy early and late season skiing, safe in the knowledge there will be plenty to do. The resort is good for intermediates and beginners but the true experts need not worry as there is a link to ski Zermatt.

Apartments

Located across the cluster, apartments give you the flexibility to choose where you would like to be based; from the centre of town to somewhere more remote. Our hand-picked apartments are a great solution for individuals or groups.

 

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Chalets

Often associated with the Alpine region, traditional chalets are recognised for their sloping roofs and wide, overhanging eaves. More spacious than a hotel, a chalet provides great accommodation for small groups looking for a scenic hideaway. With in-depth local knowledge, our team can help you choose your perfect chalet for your next adventure.

 

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Residences

Flexible and convenient, Ski Residences are typically located close to ski resorts making them ideal option for ski enthusiats. From ski-in/ski-out access to easy access to pistes and lifts, our team can help you choose the perfect residence for your next trip.

 

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Hotels

From simple stays to luxury accommodation, hotels provide a diverse range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for bed and breakfast or all-inclusive, we can find you the perfect hotel for your break.

 

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Clusters

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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.

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Defining features

  • Extensive off piste area
  • 1326 vertical metre Chamois Black Run

Non-skiing activities

  • Grimentz natural ice rink
  • Grimentz public swimming pool
  • Snow shoes walk under the Zinal Glacier
  • Paragliding above Zinal

Accommodation

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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

  • Trecuit black run

Non-skiing activities

  • 35km Snowshoe and winter hiking trails
  • Sledging
  • Natural ice rink
  • Winter garden

Accommodation

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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.

 

 

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Defining features

  • 35 Km marked ski touring trail
  • Many treeline runs for poor visibility days

Non-skiing activities

  • Excellent spa at Hotel Bella Tola
  • Sledging and snowhoeing
  • Observatory and museum
  • Hangliding and paragliding

Accommodation

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