It's true to say that you don't know how much you missed somewhere until you go back. That's true of the Aosta Valley. I had not been there for several seasons whilst concentrating on other countries and regions but having been there twice in 2025, I realised just how much I loved it and just knew I needed to go back again this season (2026).
There is a rawness and diversity, coupled with style, culture and cuisine that exists here and in very few other mountainous areas.
On this visit we skied Crevacol, Cervinia and Monterosa. All very different, but each an exceptional experience. We stayed in two locations. The sensational Maison Farinet near Crevacol, and in the sublimely atmospheric village of Bard at the quirky B&B Vecchio Torchio di Bard.
In a group of five, to say we enjoyed our experience in the Valle d'Aosta is an understatement. The drives to and from each of the ski areas are genuine travel highlights without even putting a ski on. Across the border in the Grand St Bernard tunnel, skiing Crevacol (including on the roof of the motorway) and descending into Aosta is awesome. Driving east one passes the castle at Fenis, providing a little insight into what is expected in this valley. Driving up the narrow 'main' street (only street) in Bard is an experience like no other. Heading up to Gressoney & Stafal with the Monterosa massif emerging in front of you is jaw dropping, let alone passing the 2000 yr old Roman bridge at the start of the Lys valley. And then the first glimpse of the Matterhorn traveling toward Cervinia is one of those memorable giddy moments. Picking up the dropped jaws of my fellow travellers visiting the region for the first time makes one truly appreciate the splendour of the Aosta Valley.
And the skiing? Well diversity is the key. The divinely quiet groomers & larch glades of Crevacol are topped off with the unique motorway roof exit from the backside. The grandeur of skiing Cervinia’s superb pistes, glaciers & off-piste under the watchful gaze of the Matterhorn. And then Monterosa with its 3 valleys, long quiet runs, incredible freeride & ski-touring options plus excellence in mountain restaurants. We were going to go to Pila too to check out its new gondolas but ran out of time. Next season for sure.
See our thoughts on the region’s pros & cons via the Aosta Valley overview page.