By identifying the potential of the site and such critical issues as sun paths we designed a solution that provides effective protection against extreme weather conditions whilst exploiting the environmental resources to support its operation Our analysis of solar radiation at the site showed that it was shaded by the southern slope of the valley Optimisation of the form therefore suggested a solution in which the presence of the new buildings only minimally affects the amount of sunlight falling on the surrounding buildings The high daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations guided us to design volumetric shapes that maximize compactness and are very well thermally insulated The integrated design of the enclosures and building services will ensure that the buildings have low energy consumption while simultaneously utilizing renewable sources You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Bernard of Aosta – a mountainous region of northern Italy – devoted his life to proclaiming peace It was these three traits that Pope Francis highlighted on Monday in an address to delegations from the Diocese of Aosta and the Canons Regular of Great St The meeting with the Pope marked the conclusion of a Jubilee Year commemorating the 900th anniversary of St Bernard’s canonisation as well as the 1000th anniversary of his birth You can read the full text of the Pope's address here.  to dissuade Emperor Henry IV from waging war against Pope Gregory VII and the saint paid for this effort with his life “Promoting peace without becoming discouraged is a virtue we need now more than ever,” the Pope said Bernard’s reputation as a preacher "who could touch even the most hardened of hearts" The saint "dedicated himself tirelessly" to spreading the Gospel Bernard’s care for travellers crossing the challenging Alpine passes near Mont Blanc earned him widespread admiration with travellers facing the risk of getting lost Bernard established two hospices staffed by canons under the motto Hic Christus adoratur et pascitur ("Here Christ is worshipped and nourished") Pope Francis pointed to this hospitality as “a model for the present day: welcoming and caring for anyone who asks for help Pope Francis invoked “two symbols of the mountains” to illustrate key aspects of St Bernard’s life: the ice axe and the rope team with which he could “chip away at even the coldest and hardest hearts.” The rope team "helping others along dangerous paths to reach their goals” Pope Francis concluded by expressing his hope that his listeners might “follow beautiful paths like St Bernard's Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here the Aosta MegaMuseum will host the exhibition Aosta and Pompeii Reflections of Augustan Concord at the Origins of the Empire curated by Patrizia Fortini and Cristiano Benedetto De Vita The event is part of the 2050th anniversary of the founding of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum This anniversary provides an opportunity to rediscover the city as an emblematic example of the Roman ability to adapt cultural social and urban models to specific geographical contexts.The exhibition aims to compare two seemingly distant cities but both fundamental to the Augustan project of creating a shared civilization from the variety of the Empire Aosta emerges as an urban planning model and instrument of territorial control a symbol of political and organizational integration with its rich material and symbolic heritage reflects convinced adherence to the ideals of Augustus well represented by the statue of the goddess Concordia Augusta a symbol of social harmony and cohesion among peoples works of art and objects of daily life from both cities the exhibition aims to reconstruct a fresco of the origins of the Empire showing how the unification project promoted by Augustus was able to weave politics culture and religion into a collective narrative capable of spanning the centuries One of the exhibition’s central elements is the highlighting of Aosta’s role within the Roman Empire Located along a key artery between Italy and northern Europe the city is presented as a virtuous example of urban planning in an area of high strategic importance the second protagonist of the exhibition itinerary highlights how Augustus’ imperial vision represented the ideological glue of the Empire: a process of harmonization of local identities aimed at building a single cultural and political entity the inhabitants of Augusta Praetoria and Pompeii Both cities underwent important transformations during the early empire period both from an urban and social point of view The exhibition’s itinerary therefore aims to investigate the relations between two coeval realities united by the figure and reforming action of the emperor Augustus everyday utensils and ritual objects from the Pompeian and Augustan contexts These are joined by loans from other major Italian institutions including the Archaeological Park of Pompeii the National Archaeological Museum of Naples the National Archaeological Museum of Ancona the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia and the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia The symbolic work of the exhibition is the statue of Concordia Augusta from the portico of Eumachia near the Forum of Pompeii and kindly on loan from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples strongly linked to the concepts of Concordia and Pax Romana recalls the figure of Octavian Augustus as a guarantor of military and civic pacification The exhibition also devotes ample space to unpublished materials found during recent excavation campaigns in and around Aosta that offer new perspectives on the role of the Roman colony such as those at Col Fetita and Col Citrin are particularly significant: among the finds are frombola bullets fragments of military footwear and shields which tell the story of the phases of the Roman conquest and the strategic importance of the region at a crucial time in the transformation of the Roman world and Europe unprecedented exhibition,” says Councillor Jean Pierre Guichardaz “made possible thanks to loans from major Italian institutions is presented in a museum site that is unique in Europe in terms of interest and extension The Aosta MegaMuseum represents an expanding cultural reality of great importance for our region We hope that culture will increasingly become the engine of our growth and that the celebrations for the 2050th anniversary of the Roman city which see a synergic work between our Regional Department and the Municipality of Aosta can be appreciated by the Valdostani but also by tourists and a large and international audience.” The following scientific committee contributed to the realization of the exhibition: Patrizia Fortini which can be visited Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m is accompanied by a bilingual Italian-French catalog published by Franco Cosimo Panini Editore By 2024-09-19T11:00:00+01:00 ITALY: The first of six Flirt electric multiple-units ordered as part of the electrification of the Aosta line has been unveiled at Stadler’s factory at Siedlce in Poland The Valle d’Aosta region ordered an initial five electro-diesel Flirts in 2015 and they entered in service from 2019 using 3 kV DC power from Torino to Chivasso and Ivrea (60 km) and diesel on to Aosta (66 km) followed by one more in February 2023 and two in July 2024 the EMUs are similar to the bi-mode units but have four rather than three passenger vehicles and no diesel powerpack Trains between Ivrea and Aosta are current replaced by buses to enable the electrification which is scheduled for completion by December 2025 The work which is being undertaken by a consortium of Impresa Luigi Notari Costruzioni Linee Ferroviarie and Rete Costruzioni Ferroviarie under a 2023 design and build contract The scope includes three substations at Donnas gauge enhancement of 21 tunnels and modernisation of the stations at Montanaro The €79m project is being financed through the Italy’s share of the EU Recovery & Resilience Plan The region also hopes to reopen the 31 km from Aosta to Pré-Saint-Didier ITALY: Infrastructure manager RFI has awarded a design and build contract for electrification of the 66 km Ivrea – Aosta line The work is to be undertaken by a consortium of Impresa Luigi Notari Costruzioni Linee Ferroviarie and Rete Costruzioni Ferroviarie Site powered by Webvision Cloud 2024•3 min read.css-1ht3mas{margin-block:40px;}.css-1abu0ph{text-align:right;font-size:12px;font-weight:var(--chakra-font-weights-bold);margin-top:0.5em;}Locator map of Aosta Valley in northern Italy Locator map of Aosta Valley in northern Italy, made with Planet satellite image data. The Aosta Valley is characterized by its extreme geography, making it both a suitable and challenging area for remote sensing. Spanning 19,350 hectares of glaciers, it is home to all the "4,000" peaks of the western Alps, with over 40 mountain peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. The region also features numerous impervious and inaccessible areas and serves as an EGMS validation site for landslide issues. "We are the smallest region in Italy, located in the northwestern corner, a very mountainous region with the highest peaks in the Alps, including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. We are very prone to landslides and geohazards, which threaten human lives and obstruct access to important tourist resort towns like Courmayeur. Our job is not only to react but also to prevent these geohazards as much as possible,” shares Davide Bertolo, Chief Geologist of the Aosta Valley region. The Regional Geological Survey is dedicated to tackling land stability issues through comprehensive field inspections and geophysical analyses. Their risk mitigation strategies are multifaceted, incorporating topographic surveys using total stations, GNSS, UAS, and scanning stations, along with 24/7 monitoring of large landslides exceeding 1 million cubic meters. Planet’s PlanetScope and SkySat data has markedly enhanced the Geological Service’s analysis capabilities. The decision-making system, primarily based on Planet satellite images, provides swift and effective information crucial for managing riverbed maintenance and flood prevention. Before and after comparison of a landslide which occurred in Oyace, a region of Aosta Valley, Italy. Left: PlanetScope image taken August 11, 2023 (before landslide). Right: PlanetScope image taken August 20, 2023 (after landslide). With our PlanetScope data, this team has been able to run NDVI analyses, and when combined with cosmic ray data and field inspections, this has supplied essential information for aqueduct repair. Furthermore, RGB analysis of our PlanetScope data has enabled their identification of precursor elements, significantly enhancing the understanding of the triggering dynamics behind the Challand-Saint-Anselme landslide. "We have been working with Planet since 2017 and were immediately aware of its potential due to its daily revisit frequency and multispectral bands. These features enable us to assess the evolution of landslides and detect early warning signs like water infiltration in the ground, which usually triggers landslides. With Planet’s capabilities, we can deploy our field teams to the right places promptly, saving time, human lives, and preventing damage to infrastructures,” says Bertolo. Looking ahead, the Geological Service aims to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence, deepen their understanding of landslide precursor events, and integrate multisource information. They also plan to extend their aqueduct analysis across the entire Aosta Valley region, enhancing their proactive disaster management capabilities. Watch the accompanying video to hear more from Davide Bertolo on how this partnership is transforming disaster management in one of Italy’s most challenging regions. Connect with a member of our Sales team. We'll help you find the right products and pricing for your needs is a claimant to the defunct throne of Italy and a scion of European royalty – as he rubs shoulders with King Charles and Queen Camilla The culturati descended upon Highgrove House on Friday, as King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the likes of David and Victoria Beckham and Dame Helen Mirren for a dinner celebrating Italian culture ahead of the royal couple’s 20th-anniversary trip to Rome It was a true slice of La Dolce Vita – think Stanley Tucci making martinis with His Majesty and Scottish crab panzanella cooked by Calabrian chef Francesco Mazzei Aimone of Savoy-Aosta and his wife, Princess Olga, arrive at the Duomo cathedral in Turin for to the funeral ceremony of late Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy – son of the last king of Italy who competed with the 5th Duke of Aosta for the head of the House of Savoy The Aga Khan IV, who died last week at the age of 88, was considered one of the wealthiest (and one of the best-connected) royals in the world. Now his son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, has acceded to the title – here's everything we know about the Aga Khan V Born in 1967 in Florence to Prince Amedeo of Savoy, the 5th Duke of Aosta, and Princess Claude of Orléans (herself the daughter of Henri, Count of Paris the Orléanist claimant to the French throne) Aimone was raised in the complex web of defunct European monarchies The Italian monarchy was dissolved by public vote in 1945 after many Italians charged the royal family with supporting Mussolini’s Fascist regime. The nation’s last king, Umberto II, reigned for 27 days before he was exiled to the Portuguese Riviera. In the years since, there have been two competing claimants over the head of the House of Savoy (and thus the claim to the Italian throne). A new Greek princess, a dazzling tiara, and a right royal guest list: Everything you need to know about Prince Nikolaos and Chrysí Vardinogiánni's weddingBy Ben JureidiniRead MoreThe royalist association Council of Senators of the Kingdom named Prince Amedeo their true heir, and the feud between the two men came to a climax in 2004 – in a truly operatic fashion At the wedding of Spain’s future King Felipe Emanuele punched Prince Amedeo twice in the face and Princess Claude Marie Agnes Catherine d'Orléans in 1964 Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Claude of Orlèans in the 60s Both men have since passed away, with their sons now shouldering the burden of competing claims to the House of Savoy. Emanuele’s heir is Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice – perhaps best known for competing in the Italian iteration of Dancing With The Stars It does not seem as if ancient grudge has broken to new mutiny with Prince Amedeo’s son Aimone attending the funeral of his father's rival in February 2024 Facial harmony restored: In Tatler's 2025 Beauty and Cosmetic Surgery Guide, Amanda Harlech discovers precision eyelid surgery can result in an undetectable freshening of the visage Aimone announced his engagement to Princess Olga of Greece the daughter of the late Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark and his wife Marina Karella (recently seen at the wedding of Prince Nikolaos) The pair can both trace their lineage back to Prince Jean Duke of Guise (pretender to the throne of France) and George I of Greece Aimone of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Olga attend the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2023 Prince Michel of Greece and Princess Olga of Greece in 1995 Theirs is a family tree that extends over much of Europe: the Duke of Aosta, like King Charles, is a descendant of Queen Victoria and Christian IX of Denmark; his grandmother, Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark, was a cousin of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, as was Aimone’s father-in-law, Prince Michael. Greece's Crown Prince Pavlos and Aimone di Savoia Aosta arrive for the funeral of Prince Michael of Greece on 1 August, 2024 In this feature from June 2020, Tatler met Julie Montagu, the American aristocrat who will soon be named the Countess of Sandwich following the death of her father-in-law, John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich After a series of apparent delays, the Duke and Princess Olga finally wed on 16 September 2008, at the Italian embassy in Moscow They have three children: Prince Umberto of Savoy-Aosta the 15-year-old heir apparent to the Dukedom of Aosta; Prince Amedeo Michele born on 24 May 2011; and Princess Isabella Vita Marina who was named in honour of her great-grandmother Inheritance disputes, interwoven royal roots, and now Zuppa Inglese with King Charles III Next time the great and the gilded gather at Highgrove It just takes a touch of Magic to discover a different side of the Aosta Valley ski resorts One of the unsung heroes of Italian skiing the Aosta Valley is pretty much the perfect ski destination Surrounded by the highest mountains in Europe Popular with everyone from pro skiers to families the variety of ski terrain on offer draws visitors year after year offering everything from challenging freeride and black pistes to wonderful ski schools and easy slopes for beginners One of the other elements that makes the Aosta Valley so interesting as a ski destination is its rich history - from the spectacular Roman ruins beautiful churches and fascinating archaeological sites of Aosta town Home to some of the Alps' household names such as Cervinia, Courmayeur and Pila, there is also a world beyond the bigger resorts, the world of the Aosta Valley's smaller resorts, ideal for Aosta Valley family skiing holidays. And now discovering the magic of skiing in these smaller ski resorts in the Aosta Valley has never been easier, thanks to the newly enhanced Magic Skipass which offers families the chance to enjoy their passion for snow at an unbeatable price The smallest region of Italy located in the Northwest of the country; the Aosta Valley region boasts spectacular scenery food of the highest quality and a history stretching back to Roman times At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland Aosta Valley is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino which at 15,781 feet is the highest mountain in Europe Milan and Geneva airports all within easy reach the Aosta Valley resorts are among the easiest to get to from the UK making it an ideal destination for a weekend or short break The Aosta Valley is an important crossroads in the Western Alps, linked to France by the Mont-Blanc tunnel and the pass du Petit-Saint-Bernard and to Switzerland via the Grand-Saint-Bernard pass and tunnel. Aosta has something for every kind of skier, from beginners to thrill-seekers The Magic Skipass is a promotion created by the Aosta Valley Region to encourage visitors to explore some of the smaller follow more out-of-the-ordinary itineraries and discover a different way of experiencing winter in this beautiful region 6 days of skiing in participating resorts for only €100 for adults free for children up to 8 years old (at purchase of an adult skipass) and €80 for children under 14 years old The ski pass can be used for a maximum of three days of skiing in the same small area One hour of ski or snowboard lessons at participating Ski Schools The ski lesson must be booked directly at the ski school of the ski resort One free night in a hotel for 1 or two children up to 18 years old Some visitors, especially those with young families, or who are beginners, can be intimidated by skiing at larger resorts. The obvious benefit to skiing in a smaller resort is that you get a totally different vibe, usually with fewer crowds, and queues. There are also often options to try different kinds of winter sports and other non-ski activities gaining a different insight into the landscapes And if you're not a fan of skiing every day in the same ski resort with the Aosta Valley Magic Skipass there are 11 to try Experience the other side of skiing in the Aosta Valley. The Magic Skipass promotion will be valid for the entire season without limitations including weekends and holidays in 11 small districts: Antagnod is a small village known for its traditional architecture and great views of Monte Rosa the little ones will like it for its baby snowpark and experienced skiers will appreciate its technical slopes You can also visit the Museum of Sacred Art with unique wood-carvings dating back to the 14th century The location is also ideal for ski mountaineering sunny paradise for ski enthusiasts: it has access to 8km of slopes reaching up to Estoul where there are magnificent downhill slopes that Children will love the Estoul baby snowpark with its inflatables and rafts or try ice skating Brusson is also ideal for ski mountaineering and Nordic skiing Château de Graines and Haut Val d'Ayas Cheese Factory is one of 23 Alpine locations awarded the 'Pearl of the Alps' label Chamois is an advocate for gentle and sustainable tourism characterised by its ancient wood and stone houses its colours and an idea of unconventional travel there are chances to try ski mountaineering Champorcher is the first ski resort in the Aosta Valley that visitors will come to from Turin Framed by unspoilt nature and with stunning high peak views it's a resort that blends beautiful nature skiing and the ancient culture and traditions You can visit the remains of the castle of the Lords of Bard its crenellated tower and the church of San Nicola Mont Avic Natural Park and Ecomusée du Hemp Nestled in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park it's the perfect destination for fun in the snow Overlooking one of the largest mountain meadows in Europe the Sant'Orso meadow is an area for alpine skiing While skiing you might spot chamois and foxes in the wild and discover some of the more than 150 ice waterfalls A ride in the enchanted forest of Sylvenoire on a horse-drawn sleigh will make your holiday even more magical Crevacol is a little-known snow paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels who want to have fun away from the traffic of the big resorts It has a children's play area and high-altitude solarium situated in a beautiful setting with a view over the Lyskamm glacier and the impressive Monte Rosa massif You can ski on the legendary slopes of Weissmatten among centuries-old Swiss pines and frozen lakes or try the black slope 'Internazionale Leonardo David' which during the night openings allows enthusiasts to skiing under the stars Magical for all winter sports lovers and for discovering the land and history of the Walser people Walser village and the ice rink on a frozen lake with wooden and stone buildings where it is still possible to find ancient rural constructions such as rascards for the hay storage and greniers to store cereals It's a resort ideal for beginners and children magic carpet and a renovated snow playground sitting in a sunny position in a strikingly beautiful landscape It's ideal for first-timers or anyone aiming to get their ski legs away from the crowds The baby snowpark features a bobsleigh and inflatable structures It is also the starting point for mountaineering ascents such as at the Grand Combin and Mont Vélan and ski mountaineering excursions Rhêmes is the smallest municipality in the Aosta Valley Surrounded by majestic mountains in an authentic natural oasis on the border with the Gran Paradiso National Park it's far from the most crowded tourist spots The Rhêmes valley hosts two ski areas: Chanavey which entertains adults and children thanks to its snow playground complete with three magic carpets and equipment such as snow bikes If you want to experience the magic of skiing immersed in unspoilt nature the snow remains incredibly powdery for a long time surrounded by spectacular glaciers and lush forests This small area is well suited to advanced intermediate and expert skiers though children will appreciate the fun snow park This area is also perfect for snowshoe excursions and ski mountaineering For more information and to buy your Magic Skipass, go to skilife.ski Call 0203 993 4781 (open seven days a week) or go to igluski.com to book your ski trip to Aosta Valley Iglu Ski was established in 1998 by ski fanatic Richard Downs Iglu is the UK’s largest ski travel agency offering over 280 ski resorts across 18 countries and three continents Iglu offers unbiased advice to find the right winter sports holiday for every guest and their website also provides handy snow reports and snow forecasts In their history Iglu has provided holidays for more than 400,000 skiers and boarders Crowned Online Travel Agency of the Year 2023 in the prestigious Agent Achievement Awards Iglu is an ABTA-bonded travel agent selling ski accommodation and ATOL-bonded flight packages and was awarded the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo in 2023 with a 4.7/5 score from customers and a rating of ‘Excellent’ from Trustpilot reviews The rooms on the 2nd floor of the Pitti Palace open to the publicThe Duchess's Apartment at Pitti Palace is open to the public every Sunday from the first Sunday in April 2025 at the following hours: The meeting point for groups is in the Galleria delle Muse Via lift: the first room after arriving on the second floor; via stairs: the second room on the right once you have reached the second floor) Three groups are allowed in for each turn and each group (max 20) is accompanied for approximately 45 minutes The luxurious Duchess's Apartment was built in the Medicean age when Cosimo I de' Medici and Eleonora di Toledo purchased the palace to turn it into a Grand Ducal residence and was later intended for Maria de' Medici future queen of France and niece of Cosimo these rooms became the residence of Ferdinando II de'Medici and Vittoria della Rovere Then they hosted the extraordinary collection of manuscripts mathematical instruments and works of art of Cardinal Leopoldo who met here with the members of the Accademia del Cimento With the passage to the Habsburg-Lorraine family it took the name of "Winter Quarter": in this period under the rule of Grand Duke Ferdinand III the Apartment underwent the most important architectural interventions which gave it the modern look that it still retains today The arrival of the Savoys determined the end of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the entire Quarter became the residence of the Kings of Italy (1865-1911) It was called "Apartment of His Majesty the King" The Savoys changed the furnishings and tapestries giving the rooms the look with which they are currently on view The ambiance that can still be glimpsed was due to the flair of Anne of France the last person to live in this apartment and the reason why it bears her name "Apartment of the Duchess of Aosta" Entrance included in Pitti Palace ticket designed by Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) is a transformative project that repurposes the former Testafochi Barracks in Aosta The campus accommodates approximately 2,000 students providing spaces for teaching and shared activities across various faculties The design preserves and rehabilitates the main existing structures while introducing two new buildings This approach respects the original layout and revitalizes the area by opening it up to the city creating a contemporary landmark for Aosta Sustainability is a core aspect of the project The buildings feature compact volumes with high thermal insulation to address the region’s significant temperature variations The integrated design of the building envelope and systems reduces energy consumption and incorporates renewable energy sources aiming for nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) standards The campus design enhances cultural activities by expanding green spaces and integrating them into a system that traverses the city fostering a connection between the university and the urban environment the new buildings draw inspiration from glacial forms creating a “technological glacier” that serves as a manifesto of environmental sustainability and nods to organic architecture the Valle d’Aosta University Campus exemplifies how architecture can honor historical contexts while embracing innovation and sustainability establishing a new cultural and educational hub for the city of Aosta Project: Valle d’Aosta University CampusArchitects: Mario Cucinella ArchitectsLead Architect: Mario Cucinella and Michele OlivieriDesign Team: Fabrizio Bonatti and Yuri CostantiniStructural Engineers: Sintecna Srl.Photographers: Duccio Malagamba Input your search keywords and press Enter You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/ who says injured pet was ‘between life and death’ An Italian doctor has been placed under investigation after giving his cat a Cat scan at a hospital in Aosta before performing a life-saving operation on the feline to Umberto Parini hospital in the northern Italian region where he is a manager of the radiology unit “She was between life and death,” Fanelli said “I knew I could only save her with a quick intervention.” Athena underwent a brief Cat scan before Fanelli performed pneumothoracic surgery on her in the unit’s angiography suite but the local health authority undertook an internal inquiry into the incident and referred the case to prosecutors in Aosta who said Fanelli could face charges of wasting public money and depriving patients of essential services Fanelli said he used the hospital equipment after hours when all the X-rays scheduled for the day had been completed and no other patients were booked in for urgent tests who plunged six floors from the roof of the building where the family live was one of five stray cats Fanelli said he had “rescued from the street and saved from extreme conditions” “I’m sorry if all of this led to a violation of the rules,” he said adding that he was ready to reimburse the hospital if his actions proved costly “Being a doctor means carrying out a mission The driving force is precisely the life that flows in the eyes of those who entrust themselves to your care I would never have been able to forgive myself especially because my children adore her.” Free newsletterA digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day here are some of the top high-adrenalin experiences to enjoy in Italy's Aosta Valley ski resorts The Aosta Valley is pretty much the perfect ski destination But it's also a hugely versatile winter destination with a range of other sporting activities to enjoy such as ski mountaineering or an Aosta Valley freeride adventure The smallest region of Italy located in the north west corner of the country; the Aosta Valley region boasts spectacular scenery The Aosta Valley promises fun and winter sports, across five large ski areas and numerous resorts suitable for the whole family, with terrain to suit every level. As well as the household names like Cervinia, La Thuile, Courmayeur and Monterosa, there are many smaller resorts tucked away from the main tourist areas which have unspoilt expert terrain to explore and activities to try such as ski mountaineering and ice climbing There's plenty of opportunity to find some of that famous Italian off piste skiing in the Aosta Valley to get off the beaten track with ski touring to rack up the miles with some cross country skiing Want to rest your ski legs or travelling with non-skiers head to a viewing platform to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains have some family fun with tobogganing or ice skating or explore the charming local towns and villages there are few greater thrills in skiing than to be whisked to the highest points of a remote peak for descents on untracked powder snow The availability of wonderful off-piste itineraries along with the thrill of flying make heli-skiing in the Aosta Valley an unmissable excursion for expert skiers (accompanied The Aosta Valley is one of the few places in Europe where you can actually go heliskiing – and at very competitive prices too making it one of the best destinations for the sport there are several heliski excursions across the valley allowing you to reach the parts normal ski lifts can't reach Heliskiing is also available from Gressoney for those wanting to explore the Monterosa on another level with superb off-piste opportunities and an incredible heliski area available La Thuile also offers reasonably-priced heliskiing with heli-lifts available across the Aosta region This bewitching cross between snowboarding and flying a kite is another adrenaline-fuelled experience available in Aosta - the snow-clad version of kitesurfing The home base for this activity is La Thuile where a wide area dedicated to the sport lies at 2,188m at the Little-Saint-Bernard pass and in Vetan a small town at an altitude of 1,700m in the municipality of Saint-Pierre the kite flies and enables the snowboarder or skier to surf on the snow and have fun with jumps and evolutions By exploiting the wind’s power you can both ascend and descend slopes The activity is suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders there are instructors available and it can be practiced with ski The ultimate extension of off-piste disciplines such as ski touring or freeriding ski mountaineering is the one that calls for the most experience It involves climbing a mountain to then descend on your skis - so a combination of backcountry skiing and mountaineering Aosta offers various ski mountaineering itineraries that can be practiced at all levels based on individual athletic and skiing ability ranging from climbs of a couple of hours on open slopes to more days on the glaciers It's also an activity you can explore in some of Aosta's smaller resorts such as Brusson For those ski mountaineers with a good ski level the only 4,000m mountain located entirely in Italy The region is also the scene of major competitions such as the Tour du Rutor or the legendary Mezzalama Trophy on the epic route from Breuil-Cervinia to Gressoney-La-Trinité freeriding is the ultimate expression of the freedom of skiing and snowboarding - and in Aosta Valley kilometres of unmarked paths and powder slopes transform the terrain and if the snow conditions are right make it possible for you to experience the snow in a completely different way The snow parks in the region are also an ideal place for freestylers The Monterosa Ski Area is an ideal domain for off-piste skiing from the tracks of the Champoluc woods to those of the Salati Pass and the 3,275m of the Indren glacier which can be easily reached with the Funifor Passo dei Salati-Indren cable car service The Monterosa handily indicates the freeride areas on its piste map In Pila there is a specific freeride track that consists of a magic carpet lift with a plexiglass cover that leaves from Couis 1 station and allows you to come down from the Platta de Grevon The landing of this slope is left untouched for a few days after a snowfall The cable cars at Youla and Arp access superb slopes with pure snow Cresta Youla and Dolonne have powdery snow well into the season and you'll usually find great untouched areas The Skyway Monte Bianco takes you to two exciting off-piste slopes: the scenic Vallée Blanche and the Toula glacier also gives freeride and snowboarding enthusiasts fun off piste slopes For an altogether different winter experience in the Aosta Valley you can hire a guide and climb some of the area's frozen waterfalls are typically the first to freeze over each winter as they’re in a shady spot at an altitude of 2,180m explore some of the 150 or so falls around Cogne such as the 250m-long Patrì in Valnontey village or tackle the ice waterfalls around Rhêmes-Notre-Dame Aosta Valley has some spectacular skiing on offer But what if you don't want to play on the slopes all day But for visitors looking for a more rounded winter holiday experience Aosta's non-ski activities are a great draw for families non-skiers and anyone who just fancies a day off from the downhill located in Italy’s Northwest area consists of a central valley crisscrossed by the Dora Baltea The Aosta Valley has always been an important crossroads in the Western Alps linked to France by the Mont-Blanc tunnel and the pass du Petit-Saint-Bernard and to Switzerland via the Grand-Saint-Bernard pass and tunnel the Aosta Valley is a superb winter sports destination A popular holiday destination with everyone from pro skiers to families Aosta is an autonomous and bilingual region (Italian-French) which entrances visitors as much by its art of living One of the elements that makes the Aosta Valley so interesting as a ski destination is the rich history of it's high altitude resorts- from spectacular Roman ruins But it also has a satisfying range of off-ski options for those who prefer to enjoy snow and the alpine scenery in a different way: snowshoeing high altitude dinner & spa within spectacular alpine setting are all popular activities with skiers and non-skiers alike You can also head to a viewing platform to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains or just enjoy family fun tobogganing or ice skating So what are the best activities for non-skiers in the Aosta Valley There are many resorts in the Aosta Valley offering their guests unique settings for a special dinner to fully enjoy the absolute charm of mountains in winter Several restaurants and huts are reachable by cable car snowmobile or snowcat and are open in the evening (by reservation only) each carrying up to 20 people can safely take diners at altitude to have dinner surrounded by an unforgettable landscape At La Thuile you can travel by snowmobile or snowcat up the ski runs or in areas magically carpeted with snow and dine in traditional restaurants that combine a unique mountain atmosphere in the moonlight with the pleasures of good food And at Courmayeur the cable-car is open until midnight so you can get to Plan Chécrouit to sample an aperitif or dinner at 2000m altitude For non-skiers or those looking to explore a different side of the snowy landscapes snowshoeing is a great way to experience the mountains at a relaxed pace even stop and just enjoy the peace and serenity in parts of the mountains that skiers and snowboarders can't reach Connect with nature and try and spot some of the shy alpine wildlife which call this place home Snowshoeing is a wonderful way for all ages to explore this winter wonderland and soak in the tranquility of the mountains Experience the thrill of exploring unspoilt nature with a team of sled dogs This activity is available in Cervinia and Courmayeur where specialist guides will take you on an unforgettable journey with the help of their furry companions After a short introduction you will actually get to drive a sled pulled by 3-4 huskies and experience the unique bonding experience of this sport Time spent with the dogs varies from an hour to 90 minutes and is dependent on weather conditions Children between 4 and 7 ride in the sled with a guide From the age of 8 upwards they can drive alone just as their parents do The region is well-known for its magnificent spa facilities having been at the heart of its early tourist industry as far back as the early 1800s while the curative properties of its natural thermal springs were known back in Roman times Top picks for popular wellness spots to clear your head and unwind include: The natural springs of Pré Saint Didier: In business since 1800 this majestic spa located at the foot of Mont Blanc features the elegance of the 19th-century palace Just a few kilometres from the ski resorts of Courmayeur and La Thuile this is an ideal place to sample invigorating waterfalls whirlpools with thermal water from the depths of the Orrido river and wood chalet-saunas combining all the scents of the mountain Monterosa Spa: An ideal choice for families Located in the heart of the Aosta Valley in Champoluc Younger children have a dedicated shallow pool as well as aquatic toys to play with there is also a dedicated facility that will look after your kids while parents either enjoy the wellness of the spa area or can even go skiing this modern spa is the result of a major redevelopment programme that begun in 2007 Aside from its trademark treatments such as hydrotherapy bonuses include huge picture windows and a panoramic terraced pool area which let you make the most of the jaw-dropping views and help to keep you a relaxed state of mind The town of Aosta is nothing short of a cultural delight and is just a 20-minute gondola ride from the exciting ski resort of Pila As you meander through the old streets of the historical centre with a wealth of Roman and medieval monuments It's also a buzzing Italian town full of interesting bars Five centuries of Roman civilisation have left their mark in the Aosta Valley from the ‘Via delle Gallie’ consular road to the Pondel aqueduct-bridge; and above all the imperial town of Aosta itself the Roman Theatre and the Cryptoporticus - a semi-subterranean gallery supported by strong arches From frescoes of dragons to statues of the Virgin Mary Aosta’s churches are beautiful and fascinating in equal measure while its museums provide a great way to discover and absorb the history and culture of the region Venture further into the valley and you'll find even more hidden gems and attractions to visit the former summer residence of Queen Margherita which looks like it has jumped straight out of the pages of a fairytale Skyway Monte Bianco is much more than a cableway to reach 3,466m It’s an idea: drawing man closer to nature suspended between the mountain and the sky Monte Bianco - Mont Blanc - is the highest in Europe and the views from the skyway are stunning The cable cars rotate a full 360 degrees along the route affording a full view of the surrounding peaks The system was opened in 2015 and today includes 3 stations: Courmayeur/The Valley (1,300m) Pavillon/The Mountain (2,173m) and Punta Helbronner/The Sky (3,466m) the main attraction is a circular scenic terrace 14 metres in diameter with a unique panoramic view over most of the highest peaks of the Western Alps: Mont Blanc Cross-country skiing is a brilliant way to explore some of the Aosta Valley's lesser-known resorts where you can really appreciate the authentic Italian atmosphere and welcome The Aosta Valley offers hundreds of kilometres of trails that are always perfectly prepared both for skating and classical skiing Trails often pass through the wilderness at the foot of majestic mountains where it is not unheard of to see wild animals too Several stations feature a "Foyer de fond" with ski waxing rooms At some places - such as Cogne or the Val Ferret - you will even find marked out walking tracks Why this stylish Italian ski resort should be on your list of destinations this winter La Thuile may not be one of the best known resorts in Europe, but you can make a strong case for it being one of the best. Located in a quiet side of the Aosta Valley area of northwest Italy, it shares a lift-linked ski area with the French resort of La Rosière on the opposite side of the Petit Saint Bernard pass The town is a mixture of charming, traditional Italian mountain architecture and convenient modern apartments, with a wide range of facilities that make it perfect for family ski holidays who specialise in holidays to the Aosta Valley to bring you this guide to one of Europe's most underrated ski areas La Thuile sits in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy about two hours' drive northwest from Turin It's the town at the bottom of an ancient mountain pass which crosses the Alps into France—known as the Col du Petit Saint Bernard in French or the Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo in Italian which connects Italy and Switzerland (and gives its name to the famous rescue dogs) the Petit Saint Bernard is named after the Catholic priest Bernard of Menthon who was canonised after his death and became the patron saint of mountaineers A statue of him sits near the top of the pass Start your day in Italy with a strong coffee and a cornetto ski over to France for a traditional Tarentaise tartiflette at lunch and finish the day with a plate of polenta and piping hot venison stew—an Aosta Valley specialty One of the best things about a ski holiday in La Thuile is the opportunity to ski in two different countries soaking up their quite distinct skiing culture as the joint ski area between La Thuile and La Rosière is called there's more than enough to keep you occupied for a week The ski area is particularly good for intermediates and families because it's not as famous as other lift-linked ski areas like the Paradiski or Portes du Soleil But the best thing about two ski resorts for the price of one liftpass is you can pick and choose where you want to go This unique location also lends itself very well to corporate ski trips with enviable features such as plentiful ski in/ski out accommodation unique attractions and the opportunity to tailor itineraries to your needs Whether you want to plan an overseas conference go on a team-building trip or simply organise a holiday for your staff unforgettable things to do such as relaxing at the QC Therme experiencing the teetering Monte Bianco Skyway and loads more make La Thuile and the wider Aosta Valley the perfect destination While it offers access to the large expanse of the Espace San Bernardo on one side La Thuile is also a great jumping off point for exploring the wider Aosta Valley region It's just a 20-minute drive to Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco the Aosta Valley is full of castles and other historic sites to visit The region is unique in Italy for being bilingual with French being spoken as often as Italian And has a distinct history and culture all of its own The Espace San Bernardo is one of the most family-friendly lift-linked ski areas in Europe cruisey blue and red runs that'll suit groups of different ability levels Cosy mountain rifugios and chalets serving hot chocolate are dotted all around the mountain for any time you need to warm the young ones up If your kids are a little older and ready to head off by themselves La Thuile is a great place to take them because while there's plenty to ski the resort isn't so big that they're likely to get lost there's plenty for kids too—from the ice skating rink The village is easily navigable and relatively quiet at night making it the ideal place for a wintery mountain getaway en famille a traditional wood-and-stone styled chalet hotel that's right next to the main ski lift in resort the Aosta Valley boasts spectacular scenery and a history stretching back to Roman times Take a look at our guide and discover some of the best summer holidays in Italy Well known and loved by skiers who flock to the region's five ski areas every winter an Aosta Valley summer holiday provides alternative ways to explore the Italian alps Aosta is blessed with beautiful natural sites beginning with spectacular views of the Alps When summer comes to Aosta the melting snow reveals a network of hiking trails alongside cycle routes and a varied landscape that is home to a host of other outdoor activities Overlooked by the four iconic 4,000m peaks of the Alps this is a region studded with picturesque mountain villages It's also home to Italy's first National Park established in 1922 and which is home to 59 glaciers Now it's a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature-based and sustainable tourism experiences The area's astonishingly rich natural and cultural heritage is complemented by delectable local cuisine featuring cheeses Aosta Valley is located in the north west corner of the country and is bordered by France and Switzerland It's also overlooked by some of Europe's highest peaks: the Matterhorn (known in Italy as Cervino) cultural heritage dating back to Roman times there's an impressive range of outdoor activities to enjoy the Aosta Valley offers a wide range of activities and outdoor sports Here's our guide to the best things to do in the Aosta Valley in summer From leisurely strolls to high-mountain challenges the Aosta Valley is home to a network of more than 2,000 walking trails including some of the best walking holidays in Italy With trails surrounded by 4,000m summits featuring beautiful chapels alpine nature and spectacular mountain vistas the options for outdoor enthusiasts are plentiful You can choose one-day excursions or multi-day treks such as the Alte Vie trails or the international tours around the highest peaks of the Alps You can also discover the five stages of the Via Francigena in the Aosta Valley is a multi-day trekking route through incomparable mountain scenery across the foothills of some of the highest peaks in Europe such as Monte Rosa the route through the mountains to the left of the River Dora Baltea with stop-offs for all needs: camping sites it crosses medium and high altitude mountain areas passing through wildflower meadows and pasturelands The route also offers superb examples of rural architecture such as the traditional Walser buildings in the Gressoney Valley and the upper reaches of the Ayas Valley Alta Via Trail 1 can be walked by anyone since it follows well-marked and fully signposted footpaths Experienced mountain walkers will be able to walk its whole length while less-experienced or casual hikers may prefer to walk the short • An alternative route - Alta Via Trail 2 - known as 'the Nature Trail' is a 14-day trek on the right bank of the Dora Baltea passing mostly through the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Mont Avic Regional Park wild areas of magnificent landscapes where numerous examples of alpine flora and fauna are to be found A circular hiking trail of just under 220 miles that crosses the entire Aosta Valley there are a total of 23 stages from 4–6 hours each with almost the entire route located in medium mountains ranging from 500m and 1,900m in altitude therefore making the route accessible throughout the year While it's a glorious immersion in nature - lakes nature reserves and wooded areas - the Cammino Balteo is so much more than a nature hike Explore the architecture of the villages and discover vibrant local traditions Hiking the Via Francigena means taking a journey through ancient villages and past historic castles impressive churches and important reminders of the Roman era You will also find vineyards creating prestigious wines and areas renowned for local produce such as prosciutto di Bosses and lardo di Arnad The route is divided into five stages starting at the Swiss side of the Great Saint-Bernard pass proceeding down along the Great Saint-Bernard valley towards Aosta the region’s capital and a city steeped in Roman history before moving on along the central valley to Pont-Saint-Martin where you leave the Aosta Valley to enter the Piedmont region 1 is best attempted in summer when snow is likely to be absent at the pass but the central valley stages are suitable for every season with routes of all type that are among the best cycle routes in Italy the Aosta Valley has many fun and scenic routes from the most accessible - along the the valley floor or among vineyards and castles - to the most challenging that will lead you up to the great alpine passes The Aosta Valley is often used as a leg of the Giro d’Italia and offers 21 routes on inland roads providing many scenic and panoramic rides amidst spectacular scenery The region is also home to a wide selection of MTB routes to discover mule tracks and farm roads form a network of more than 1,000 kilometres of dirt trails many of which are suitable for mountain biking Attention is recommended since these routes are also frequented by hikers a corner of unspoiled nature in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park is the perfect destination for MTB tours for every skill level some of which wind through the Gran Paradiso National Park while the Monterosa area offers a plethora of routes at the base of Monte Rosa There are plenty of routes to explore in other resorts including Cervinia For lovers of thrilling downhill and freeride descents unleash your desire for speed in downhill adrenalin-fuelled and fun technical trails of the bike parks Breuil-Cervinia and other stations for a gravity bike in the Aosta Valley offer itineraries for all bikers is definitely a hard climb by bike but with views that more than repay the effort Starting from Aosta the route takes riders through several villages including Gignod which features a picturesque church with a Gothic entrance a small village with traditional Val d’Aosta style houses stands the famous hospice where they bred St Bernard dogs the road climbs into a high mountain environment and is less busy You can find refreshment at the pass and along the route with various fountains A chance to discover the beautiful Val de Cogne part of the protected area of the Gran Paradiso National Park The start at Aymavilles is at the entrance to the valley and is famed for its vine-growing which is considered the capital of the Gran Paradiso Cogne used to be an important mining centre and can boast a rich past in terms of history The old mining village is home to the National Park Visitors’ Centre and finishes in the hamlet of Lillaz where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls with its three cascades descending over 150m A partly circular 31km route to discover the Val d'Ayas which starts and ends in Brusson and culminates at 1,670m above sea level in Saint-Jacques Among the resorts ticked off will be names familiar to many winter visitors to the Monterosa ski area The height difference here is a mere 500m but with plenty of gentle descending as well as some steady climbing Explore the landscape around Breuil-Cervinia on this 18km technical route you go uphill along a dirt road enjoying a sequence of steep but always do-able ascents which bring you close to the artificial lake of Goillet before arriving at Cime Bianche Laghi You can also take the cable car for this stretch instead Continue up the dirt road towards the Cime Bianche hill you can look out over the Rollin basin and the Gran Lago the long descent to the mountain station of the Salette Du Col cable car begins which includes an uphill section where you carry your bike before the final descent towards the former bobsleigh slope in Cervinia A fairly easy 12km out and back route with stunning views of the Gran Paradiso You start from Cogne and head steadily uphill Shortly after the village you pass three tiny hamlets to reach the high point at the Vermiana mountain pasture (1,731 m) You're advised to cycle at walking pace along the trails Orso meadows and on the Cogne-Champong lower footpath as these routes are used by families with pushchairs The jewel in Cogne Valley’s crown for MTB lovers This 33km route out and back from Lillaz is both physically and technically difficult just after the crossroads for Invergneux pass is especially tough: more experienced bikers will be able to pedal for certain sections everyone else will be carrying their bikes the trail includes two options towards the village of Gimillan: the first one is easier the second one from the pass to the Pila mountain pasture is more technically difficult and is only recommended for advanced bikers with suitable gear Aosta Valley comes alive with its vibrant Alpine torrents offering a host of water-based activities such as canoeing giving watersports enthusiasts adrenalin experiences among fast-flowing water and natural slides Expert guides cater to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts providing specialised programs categorised by difficulty and duration there are designated trails tailored specifically for children ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrill of navigating these fiery waters the Aosta Valley is definitely the place to be This unique blend of water sports and mountaineering techniques offers an exhilarating experience of navigating otherwise inaccessible mountain streams nestled between steep rock walls participants negotiate various obstacles such as small waterfalls It's a great way to cool off while exploring pristine environments Via ferrata is Italian for ‘route with irons’ and the ferrate are mountain routes pre-equipped with fixed cables allowing walkers and climbers to access terrain without needing to use their own ropes and belays – and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling There are around 20 via ferrate of various difficulty including one in Gressoney-Saint- Jean which is called the Via ferrate dei Bambini (Children's Via Ferrata) but which is actually not suitable for children as they generally cannot reach far enough to secure fastenings On the other hand the Via Ferrata Harry Potter in Gressoney La Trinité is ideal for children as it's essentially a rock school with a reinforced practice iron wall A more classic Via Ferrata route is the Borelli bivouac trail from Courmayer which takes you up to Aiguille Noire de Peuterey one of the symbols of mountain climbing in the region Aosta Valley is a treasure trove for history buffs bearing the marks of five centuries of Roman presence including remnants of the road to the Gauls You can also find prehistoric megalithic monuments and over 100 medieval castles these buildings have undergone multiple transformations the capital of the Aosta Valley and gateway to the Alps was founded by the Romans in 25 BC and maintains a distinctly Roman urban layout evident within its walls and key structures One other must-see building is the Fort of Bard Preserved almost entirely since its reconstruction the fort is one of the finest examples of a 19th-century dam fortress and was one of the most important military establishments in Aosta Valley and a museum of prisons and fortifications For more information about visiting the spectacular Aosta Valley, go to aosta-valley.co.uk, and to book your stay in Aosta Valley go to bookingvalledaosta.it Photography is a Personal Matter curated by Brigitte Blüml Kaindl an exhibition project produced by Suazes with the collaboration of Fotohof and Magnum Photos.The Saint-Bénin Center hosts a major exhibition dedicated to Inge Morath the first photographer to be named a member of the famous Magnum Photos agency a reality this one founded in 1947 in New York by Robert Capa A new exhibition project that will make it possible to interface with the work and sensibility of this author new parts of her work never exhibited before Through more than 150 images and original documents the exhibition traces Morath’s human and professional journey from her beginnings alongside Ernst Haas and Henri Cartier-Bresson to her collaboration with prestigious magazines such as Picture Post The chosen title Photography is a Personal Matter is taken from a statement by the author and is intended to highlight the close correlation between her human and professional journey her images know how to capture the deepest intimacies of her subjects Her photographs reflect her human sensibility even before the professional one but at the same time they can be likened to real pages of her life diary “Photography is essentially a personal matter the search for an inner truth.” Her work also succeeds in immortalizing the soul of places traditions and culture of each country where she went the famous American playwright Arthur Miller Curator Daria Jorioz writes in the catalog “I was struck to learn that Inge Morath spoke seven languages but basically I believe that this was her way of being in the world: studying knowing and placing the human being at the center of her investigation according to the philosophy shared by the members of the Magnum agency and with an approach that unites her with other humanist photographers of the 20th century.” created specifically for the Saint-Bénin Center develops through fourteen thematic sections that trace Inge Morath’s main professional experiences: it starts with her early photographs taken in Venice in 1955 where her passion and relationship with photography were born An additional section will be devoted to the Mask series the result of a collaboration with illustrator Saul Steinberg The path within these sections will be enriched by many color photographs that will dialogue with the black and white production of this author the exhibition will be enriched with two new sections never before exhibited in Italy with color snapshots taken from the reportages that the photojournalist made in 1959 in Tunisia and the one the following year at the Gaza Strip Visitors will thus be able to delve into Inge Morath’s work through a selection of works that will activate a dialogue between her black-and-white and color production that will be analyzed within the exhibition itinerary with the use of period documentation and publications thus allowing visitors to grasp the importance of color in her work first director of the Inge Morath Foundation and author of one of the texts in the catalog “Despite an apparent preference for black and white evidence of the importance of her work in color for Morath herself is supported both by the high concentration of color images she selected for inclusion in the Magnum Photos database and by the extensive collection of color material she kept in her personal archive.” produced by Suazes with the collaboration of Fotohof and Magnum Photos is accompanied by a bilingual (Italian-French) catalog published by Dario Cimorelli Editore with reproductions of the works and critical texts by John P Kurt Kaindl and Brigitte Blüml-Kaindl The catalog will be available for purchase at the exhibition for 30 euros She studied languages at the universities of Berlin and Bucharest and worked as an interpreter for the U.S In 1953 she joined the famous Magnum Photos Agency for photographers Ernst Haas and Henri Cartier-Bresson In 1955 he published his first collection of photographs; by the end of his career there were 30 monographs she married celebrated writer Arthur Miller who had previously been married to actress Marilyn Monroe Rebecca (who would become a celebrated film director and screenwriter) and Daniel His photographs have the power to delve into the intimacy of the people portrayed and are always the fruit of a journey of knowledge and closeness He died at the age of 78 in 2002 in New York City the Inge Morath Foundation was established in the United States of America and her archives were preserved at Yale University For all information, you can click here which is the second section of the Pila-Couis route will replace the historic two-seater chairlift from the late 1980s The gondola lift is part of the Pila-Couis project a state-of-the-art lift system that will reach 2,700 metres in just 15 minutes and whose arrival station features a magnificent star-shaped design Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of iconic alpine peaks such as Mont Blanc Grivola and Gran Paradiso from the “Stella del Couis” panoramic hut it will be possible to reach this scenic spot in just 30 minutes It is more than just a ski lift: the project will be a game-changer for skiing and mountain biking enthusiasts offering an enhanced sporting experience for all levels and ages It will also be accessible to those who simply want to admire one of the most spectacular views in the Alps designed by the De Carlo – Gualla architectural studio stands out for its integrated approach to the environment The new ski lifts and stations represent a blend of avant-garde architecture and engineering characterised by the use of innovative materials and technologies as well as a futuristic design conceived specifically for high altitudes The complete system includes a 10-seater gondola lift with detachable handholds in two sections connecting the arrival station of the existing Aosta-Pila gondola lift with the Platta de Grevon (Couis 1) area located at the watershed between the Pila basin and the Cogne valley with a unique star-shaped design facing the main peaks of the Aosta valley will house a panoramic bar-restaurant and public services it takes three lifts and about 60 minutes to reach Couis 1 from Pila on skis it will be possible to reach this panoramic point in just 30 minutes starting directly from the centre of Aosta with a difference in altitude of 2,200 metres According to information provided by the communication studio Sec and Partners thePila ski resort is about to take a major step in its modernisation with the near completion of the new 10-seater Couis 1 gondola lift This modern system will replace the old two-seater chairlift from the 1980s offering greater capacity and comfort for skiers The new gondola lift will be operational for the 2024/2025 ski season marking the start of an ambitious renovation and expansion project that includes the construction of additional facilities and a direct connection from the outskirts of Aosta to the highest point in the area Pila has the distinction of being one of the few ski resorts directly connected to a major communication route three sections of cable car provide skiers with access from the capital to the heart of the ski area The Pila-Couis project plans to extend the route of this gondola lift at the watershed between the Pila valley and the Cogne valley The departure and arrival stations will open in December 2025 This new system will create a modern “backbone” for the area allowing travel in maximum comfort and shelter from the elements in both winter and summer the facilities will be available for transporting hikers and cyclists promoting sustainable tourism and access to nature “The realisation of this new project is particularly significant as it will revitalise and complete the tourist offer of one of the most outstanding and busy ski areas of the Aosta Valley,” said Valeria Ghezzi president of ANEF to Sec and Partners Communication Studio “Pila will be directly connected to the city of Aosta by cable cars which is a perfect example of sustainable mobility This safe and environmentally friendly means of transport not only allows everyone to comfortably enjoy the breathtaking scenery between Pila and Cogne but also reduces vehicle traffic in the region” The new Couis 1 gondola lift will be complemented by a futuristic star-shaped design shelter which will include a panoramic terrace offering spectacular views of the Aosta Valley the new facilities will optimise the use of the ski slopes allowing access from Couis 1 to all the slopes of Couis 2 slopes 7 and 8 will be renovated and extended offering greater variety and safety for skiers This ambitious project not only improves the existing infrastructure but also reinforces Pila’s commitment to sustainability and high quality tourism development Pila positions itself as one of the most advanced and accessible ski resorts in the Aosta Valley is one of the most fascinating valleys in the Aosta Valley Surrounded by towering peaks and unique landscapes it is the ideal place for those seeking a deep connection with nature without sacrificing the discovery of local traditions and culture picturesque villages and opportunities for sports in both summer and winter Val Ferret offers a complete experience for every visitor.Indeed we are talking about a destination that harmoniously combines the wild beauty of the Alps with the charm of traditional villages and the facilities of a modern resort that offers possibilities for all types of travelers every visit to this valley is a journey between scenic views or simply looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate Val Ferret offers an unforgettable experience Get ready to discover all that this enchanted corner of the Aosta Valley has to offer: here is a selection of the 10 must-see places in Val Ferret to experience this paradise at its best Mont Blanc majestically dominates the entire landscape of Val Ferret The valley offers one of the best vantage points for admiring the Italian side of this legendary mountain a small village at the beginning of the valley when the peaks are tinged with pinkish hues various viewpoints provide different perspectives of the massif is the culmination of this visual experience one can see the majesty of Mont Blanc surrounded by the Triolet and Pré de Bar glaciers The view from the hut is a must for any hiker or photographer visiting Val Ferret where the wild and unspoiled essence of the Alps can be felt Not to be missed in Val Ferret is an ascent to high altitude with the Skyway Mont Blanc cable car technology that starts in Courmayeur up to a terrace at 2,173 meters with a view of all of Mont Blanc and then starts again to the second and final stop with three stations: Courmayeur (The Valley) Pavillon (The Mountain) and Punta Helbronner (The Sky) with a duration of four minutes between the first and second stations and seven minutes between the second and third stations At the Punta Helbronner/The Sky station you can try the Sky Vertigo an all-glass terrace that offers the sensation of walking through the void in the middle of the mountains and the Kartell Bistrot Panoramic to enjoy lunch at more than three thousand meters above sea level is one of the most popular resorts in the Alps This elegant town in Valle d’Aosta combines the charm of a traditional alpine village with top-notch tourist offerings which attract fans from all over the world with trails winding through the landscapes of Val Ferret and nearby Val Veny Courmayeur’s historic center retains its authentic character which retains its 11th-12th century Romanesque bell tower (the church as well as the castle ruins and the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden thanks to the nearby Pré-Saint-Didier Spa Its strategic location makes it a natural gateway to Mont Blanc The Walter Bonatti Refuge is a real gem in Val Ferret Named after legendary mountaineer Walter Bonatti the refuge is a popular destination for hikers and mountain lovers from where you take a scenic route through larch forests flower-filled meadows and crystal-clear streams which populate these heights in large numbers with the Grandes Jorasses massif in the foreground The strategic location of the Bonatti Refuge also makes it a key stop on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc hikers can rest and refresh themselves with traditional Valdostan dishes before continuing on to new adventures It is advisable to stay overnight to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Alpine evenings when the sky is filled with stars and the silence of the mountains envelops everything The church of Notre-Dame de la Guérison is a place of great spiritual and cultural significance for the local community and for pilgrims who come here from all over This picturesque chapel stands at the foot of Mont Blanc in a location that conveys a profound sense of peace and closeness to the divine The church witnesses a strong cult of Our Lady venerated for the many miraculous healings attributed to her intercession The chapel’s history dates back to the 19th century when it was built and then consecrated in 1868 The church’s simple but striking interior is enriched by votive offerings and offerings left by the faithful over the years The Val Ferret Balcony is one of the most spectacular scenic trails in the valley offering aerial views of the entire valley floor and the Mont Blanc range allows you to admire some of the most beautiful scenery in Val Ferret The Balcony is suitable for intermediate hikers you may encounter several species of alpine flora as well as numerous lookout points for local wildlife This route is also an opportunity to discover the old alpine pastures and stone huts scattered along the way witnesses to a past when the local economy was linked to livestock farming and dairy production The trail offers numerous rest stops where you can relax and enjoy the views making it an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Val Ferret Entreves is a quaint little village located at the beginning of Val Ferret a place that looks like something out of a postcard This village is a perfect example of traditional Aosta Valley architecture with stone and wooden houses facing narrow cobblestone streets you can breathe in the authentic atmosphere of the Alps Entrevès is also an ideal starting point for hikes and outdoor activities such as trekking to Rifugio Torino or the nearby Toula glacier including restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local specialties Prominent among the village’s attractions is the Passerin d’Entrèves fortress an ancient medieval house dating back to the 14th century picturesque village nestled in coniferous forests a few kilometers from Courmayeur with the imposing peaks of Mont Blanc as a backdrop Planpincieux is famous for its tranquility and the authenticity of its wood and stone buildings The village is an ideal starting point for many hikes but it is also perfect for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature Its proximity to Courmayeur makes it easily accessible while maintaining an atmosphere of peace and isolation Located at the entrance to Val Ferret, the Golf Club Courmayeur et Grandes Jorasses is one of the most scenic golf courses in Europe due to the effect of double starts) is set in an extraordinary natural environment with the Mont Blanc peaks providing the backdrop for every shot not only because of the quality of the course but also because of the beauty of the surrounding landscape The course was designed to blend seamlessly with the alpine environment using local materials and respecting the natural lay of the land with narrow fairways and well-defended greens but it is the view of the mountains that makes the experience truly unforgettable which offers fine dining with traditional Aosta Valley dishes The Courmayeur et Grandes Jorasses Golf Club is open from June to October and is an unmissable opportunity to combine sport with discovering one of the most beautiful corners of the Aosta Valley Pré-Saint-Didier is not far from the valley Pré-Saint-Didier is a charming municipality in the Aosta Valley best known for its historic thermal baths and the beauty of the surrounding landscape this small village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and nature are fed by natural springs that flow at a constant temperature of 37°C are prized for their relaxing and rejuvenating properties The spa offers indoor and outdoor pools with mountain views Turkish baths and a wide range of wellness treatments making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and regeneration The 19th-century spa establishment and the church of San Lorenzo with its 11th-century bell tower are worth seeing also known as the Pré-Saint-Didier Gorge one of the most spectacular overhanging waterfalls in the Aosta Valley In the far northwestern corner of Italy, the small city of Aosta is situated in a stunning Alpine setting the city has long been a stopping point on the Via Francigena the ancient Roman road and pilgrimage route between Canterbury As the first resting place after the arduous journey over the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass from Switzerland the citizens of Aosta aimed to give visitors and returning Roman legionaries a magnificent first impression of Italy and a city wall with many ceremonial gates Most prominent, however, was the city's Roman theatre, built at the beginning of the first century. Aosta's Teatro Romano towered over the city at a height of 72 feet (22 meters) and could accommodate over 3,000 spectators The southern facade of the theatre still stands today The function of the ruins was unknown until 1837 when the first archeological study took place the ruins were restored to their current glory the theatre remains in use for performances and other events This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition An ancient aqueduct tells the story of Sardinia's ancient Roman past One of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters is also one of the most unusual; it's made of black volcanic rock Ancient Phoenician and Roman tombs carved into the rock overlook the Moroccan coastline This beautifully situated lakeside Roman settlement was likely built during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian this fast-food restaurant fed the hungry hordes of ancient Rome This ancient city was home to one of the greatest schools of Greek philosophy The largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans once held over 20,000 people but managed to lay hidden for hundreds of years (ANS – Rome) – As one might guess the presence of the Salesians in the area now entrusted to the ICP (excluding Lithuania) dates back to the time of Don Bosco and the founding of the Salesian Congregation the actual history of the Special Circumscription “Mary Help of Christians” of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta (ICP) began about 33 years ago when three Salesian Provinces in Piedmont were merged into one “Special Statute Circumscription” (Constitutions the Rector Major of the Salesian Society of St approved the restructuring of the Salesian Provinces in Piedmont into a single “Special Statute Circumscription – Mary Help of Christians” the Salesian houses in Kenya and Nigeria became independent becoming part of the newly created African Provinces the vast majority of them continue today to serve as the primary mission space for the Salesians in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta the Rector Major asked the ICP to take responsibility for the Lithuanian territory entrusting it with the two communities of Vilnius and Kaunas (now moved to Telsiai) which had previously belonged to the Lombard-Emilian Province decided that the original Salesian sites (especially Colle Don Bosco and Valdocco) should receive special attention from the Central Headquarters Guidelines for these "Salesian Sites" were established and are regularly updated to clarify the responsibilities shared between the Central Headquarters and the ICP regarding these locations the “Mary Help of Christians” community at Colle Don Bosco was placed directly under the Central Headquarters the Ivrea house “Cardinal Cagliero” became the first ICP Salesian House to be entrusted to lay collaborators to manage ICP currently manages 38 presences: 31 canonical communities and 2 non-canonical ones (total of 33) with an additional 5 works under lay leadership The Salesian Mother House in Valdocco alone hosts 4 communities The ICP operates in a wide range of educational and pastoral environments: The ICP is home to many groups that share and carry forward Don Bosco’s mission ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007 This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements A visit to the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn reveals a region full of surprises Less than an hour’s drive north of Turin airport the Aosta Valley seems to swallow the road The steep sides of the mountains encroach so quickly it’s almost a shock despite the Alps being within touching distance of Turin itself towering over the valley like an ancient sentinel Given its position at the entrance to a mountain paradise one would assume it was built to guard the door “It was built for protection against enemies Its main historical use is intrinsically linked to Aosta’s historical significance: as far back as the Roman Empire the valley has been a major gateway to routes over the Alps into France and Switzerland Today it offers a genuinely impressive array of cultural installations from an extensive alpine museum to concerts in the courtyard and art and photography exhibitions—including one by the celebrated British photographer Martin Parr It also offers a stunning viewpoint further into the valley clearly showing its flat-bottomed ‘U-shaped’ profile The city of Aosta itself was founded by the Romans (the name derives from Augusta) at the meeting of three major roads: east to Rome Aosta is often referred to as ‘little Rome’ due to the extensive archaeological remnants in evidence here from the columns and cryptoporticus of the Forum to the remains of the city walls The highlight is arguably the Porta Praetoria the largely intact gate that greeted travellers arriving from the east and from Rome Modern Aosta could be the mountain-lovers' idea of a perfect city; you can ski directly from the town centre by taking the cable car up to Pila you’re surrounded by mountain resorts and notable climbs With only 35,000 residents and with fancy resort destinations all around it might easily be quite dull but there’s an energy and a disproportionate level of great bars the Ad Forum bar was absolutely packed with hip young folk – possibly students from the city’s university It seems the Aosta Valley is very low key about its cultural and historical significance (“Oh yes St Anselm was born here....” Claudia drops into conversation casually claiming a former Archbishop of Canterbury and one of history’s most significant religious philosophers) But they’re the same about their mountain culture Ask anyone which country the Matterhorn is in and 90% will say Switzerland Two of the world’s most iconic mountains sit right on the border Also close to the border is the unspoilt village of La Thuile; a ski resort in winter but a far cry from the luxury of neighbouring areas Known as the “wild side of Mont Blanc” La Thuile is largely inhabited by adventure lovers and outside of winter that means an influx of mountain bikers My guide Dan told me “I have an Australian friend I met in 2014 and he has returned every single year since to ride in La Thuile.” Dan describes the unique offering as alpine terrain in a ‘bike park,’ in the sense it is lift accessed but with entirely natural features the one with the shortest vertical drop is a massive 600 metres Even the softer side of La Thuile is dramatic with a two-hour hike through an ancient forest of white and red cedar to Rutor waterfalls a particular highlight The falls originate from the Rutor glacier high above La Thuile and cascade in three sections – the lowest and most accessible of which is 110 metres high.Staying at the Chalet Eden feels particularly apt as even within a huge mountainous region La Thuile seems like an untouched paradise The hotel is an eden within an eden with lush lawned gardens next to the river and an outdoor bar that catches the late afternoon sun And it’s only a few hundred metres from the chairlifts At the head of the valley and in the shadow of Monte Bianco is Courmayeur With its long-standing pull for mountaineers sprinkled with touches of opulence But an easy hike into the Val Ferret leaves the weight of history and luxury behind and gives a very accessible reminder of the vastness of this landscape The Grand Jorasses towers above and it feels like the perfect alpine zone; you’re in the upper reaches of the tree line with glaciers and peaks high above It may be Monte Bianco in Italian but Aosta embraces its past as part of the Savoie But Italy has as much history with this mountain as Chamonix on the other side The mountain guides office in Courmayeur is the oldest in the world but in recent years accessibility to the higher reaches has increased exponentially with the construction of the Skyway Monte Bianco: a revolving glass cable car that takes visitors from 1300 metres to 3466 metres in a matter of minutes At the Punta Helbronner the proximity to the glacier and the Dent du Geants and even the Mont Blanc summit if the clouds clear is literally breathtaking and while mountain purists may bristle it’s entirely right that this accessibility should be afforded to as many people as possible And it’s so much more than just a cable car; at the mid station there is an alpine garden which claims to have specimens of all the alpine species and a wine cellar where the sparkle is added to a local bubbly by immersing the bottles in the snow walls and floor all become video screens showing an immersive nature film the purists may say ‘why watch a film when you could just go outside?’ But imagine you’re a tourist on a once in a lifetime trip – if the weather outside is cloudy then at least you can see something of the view So much travel writing talks about undiscovered gems but you compare the Aosta Valley to its more famous neighbours - the Chamonix valley Zermatt and the Matterhorn – you find a wide-ranging and fascinating history a culture that looks to itself as much as to outside visitors and as much world-class mountain adventuring as anywhere in Europe But as I’ve always said: everything is better in Italy Daniel flew from Manchester to Turin with KLM Accommodation in Courmayeur was provided by Hotel Maison Saint Jean Lunch was at Chalet Val Ferret and dinner at Restaurant Cadran Solaire In La Thuile accommodation was at Hotel Chalet Eden, and we ate at Lo Riondet The hotel in Aosta was Duca D’Aosta and dinner was at Bataclan Daniel’s final lunch was a local cheese and meat tasting at Erbavoglio For further information on the region visit aosta-valley.co.uk The 21° edition of the initiative promoting the creation of new innovative start-ups in Piedmont and Aosta Valley offers a prize pool worth over €65,000 Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta 2025 the Business Plan Competition that promotes the birth of innovative start-ups in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley territories Now in its 21st edition and promoted by the incubators I3P Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino Business Incubator of the University of Turin the competition is held as part of the Italian National Innovation Award (PNI) Italy's most important event for knowledge-intensive start-ups Funded by the Piedmont Region with the resources of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and organized within the framework of the PNI promoted by PNICube the Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta is structured in two stages The Stage I is the Ideas Competition which rewards the best business ideas in free support services provided by business incubators aimed at the drafting of the Business Plan as well as guidance and consulting services on Smart Mobility issues in Turin provided as part of the City of Turin's ToMove project It will also be possible to benefit from the free guidance and accompaniment services provided by experts from Invitalia Official Partner of the Italian National Innovation Award for the submission of applications for subsidies on incentives dedicated to business creation There is time to participate in Stage I until June 3, 2025, by filling out the application on the official competition website www.startcup-piemonte-vda.it Teams that submit the best business ideas and pass the selection phase will be contacted directly by the Incubators to initiate consulting services Stage II, the actual Business Plan Competition, will kick off on June 4 and end on July 28, 2025, giving access to the final selection and prizes provided in cash and services. To participate, a Business Plan describing an entrepreneurial project must be submitted, also in this case through the website www.startcup-piemonte-vda.it One can participate in only one or both stages, free of charge by submitting a business idea or business project that is the work of an individual or a group of individuals and aimed at creating an innovative start-up All aspiring entrepreneurs over the age of 18 from universities and research centers (undergraduate structured professors) and owners of newly started businesses as specified on the Competition Rules are eligible, individually or in groups proposers will have to identify a reference incubator choosing it from the business incubators of the Promoting Entities (I3P - Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino 2i3T - Business Incubator of the University of Turin or Pépinières d'Entreprises of Aosta or Pont-Saint-Martin in case of application for the Valle d'Aosta Prize) business ideas and projects have to refer to the competition categories: vice-president and councillor for Training and Labor of the Piedmont Region said: “Each project presented at the Start Cup is a concrete step toward the future: the Piedmont Region is focusing on innovation and youth talent as levers for a dynamic and competitive economy The Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta is a unique opportunity to promote technological progress with projects that reflect the importance of investing in knowledge and collaboration between universities Supporting this design means stopping the brain drain creating development and skilled employment and strengthening the link between research invest in talents and broaden the range of opportunities to create value: this is what the economic system is asking of politics.” Councillor for productive activities of the Piedmont Region commented: “With the Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta we invest in the talents and ideas that can really make a difference for the future of our territory Supporting the birth of new businesses with a high innovation content means creating development skilled employment and added value for the entire Piedmont economic ecosystem Thanks to the resources of the European Social Fund Plus we accompany young entrepreneurs along a path that starts from the idea and reaches the market The Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta organizing committee stated: “Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta is now an established reference point for regional innovation the initiative offers an updated snapshot of local entrepreneurial ferment highlighting emerging trends and sectors on which it is strategic to focus resources It is also a valuable moment to activate new connections between universities fostering an ecosystem that is increasingly integrated inclusive and capable of generating impact The added value of the initiative lies precisely in its ability to stimulate innovation from below researchers and territorial realities in a shared growth process The network of incubators and partners continues to expand testifying to a system that strongly believes in the culture of innovation as an engine for the economic and social development of the territory.” By November, the best start-up projects participating in the Business Plan Competition (Stage II) will be chosen and awarded prizes and special mentions with the support of a Jury composed of entrepreneurs Thanks to the endowment made available by the promoting entities and supporters of the 2025 edition, the total prize pool amounts to over €65,000 and will be disbursed in cash and services offered by various partners The three overall winners will receive cash prizes The first place winner will receive a prize of €7,500 the second of €5,000 and the third of €2,500 The top six projects will also be awarded a prize of €1,000 each for entry into the 2025 edition of PNI the “champions cup” among the winning business projects of the regional Start Cups which this year will be held in Ferrara at Ferrara Expo on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5 The event will be jointly organized by PNICube and the University of Ferrara as part of ECOSISTER - Territorial Ecosystem of Innovation of Emilia-Romagna Thanks to the many sponsors and partners interested in contributing concretely to the development of innovation Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta also includes a series of special prizes: Five special mentions will also be awarded: announced its participation in the VaginaVerso project the Incubator of Politecnico di Torino and a group of supported young companies will be present at We Make Future 2025 in Bologna CA Auto Bank has selected two innovative start-ups with digital security projects as candidates for the open innovation platform launched with I3P Europe's largest start-up and tech event will take place from 11 to 14 June in Paris offers a path for the development of skills tools and networking opportunities to the young companies which will be selected The innovative young company has developed LexHero an AI-based all-in-one solution for secure and efficient management of legal documents Four companies grown in I3P will tell their stories in an event dedicated to the entrepreneurial potential of gaming in collaboration with the Italian association IIDEA New record of innovative companies supported by the Incubator of Politecnico di Torino selected by Forbes Italy in its annual list If you’re looking for a ski destination where the new ski season is already in full swing, look no further than Italy’s amazing Aosta Valley with the snowsure centre of Breuil-Cervinia the first to open and with easy access via Turin Milan or Geneva airports you could be on the slopes tomorrow But it’s just the first of no less than 19 ski areas in the Aosta Valley. Altogether they offer 800 kilometres (500 miles) of slopes as well as eight snow parks and everything can be accessed on one easy-to-use international electronic ski pass. the Aosta Valley may be Italy’s smallest region but it thinks big Aosta Valley is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Europe including Mt Cervino (a.k.a The Matterhorn) which at 4.809m (15,781 feet) is the highest mountain in Western Europe The Aosta Valley’s ski areas offer something for everyone and come in all shapes and sizes from major international destinations that are world-famous to skiers intimate and authentic villages where you can really soak up the local culture which offers skiing and snowboarding for an incredible 11 months per year thanks to its access to Europe’s glaciated highest lift-accessed slopes La Thuile and Pila later in November and then Monterosa in December The Aosta Valley’s winter season will then continue for more than six months The ski areas of the Aosta Valley offer a vast range of experiences from the international resorts of Breuil-Cervinia which lies on the Swiss border offering ski or foot-passenger access over to Zermatt; or La Thuile from where you can ski over into France for the day if you’d like; to the challenging resorts of Courmayeur and Monterosa (Champoluc and Gressoney); all the way through to the family-friendly resort of Pila and more than a dozen smaller villages with their very welcoming personal ski areas all included on the amazing Aosta Valley lift pass too Breuil-Cervinia is a modern resort on the Matterhorn and one of Europe’s highest the lifts still manage to climb far higher still right up to 3,480m Whilst many ski areas around the world are now stating how much of their terrain lies above 2,000m for snow certainty in Breuil-Cervinia’s case it’s all of it!  The ski area is linked to nearby Valtournenche (5km below) and seamlessly across the border to Zermatt in Switzerland There’s terrain for everyone with an abundance of great cruising runs that are particularly good for beginners and intermediates but there’s plenty to challenge expert skiers including a heli-ski option and a superb snow park for freestylers Courmayeur is one of the world’s most iconic destinations combining a rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere with phenomenal ski terrain below Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco as Western Europe’s highest peak is known in Italy!) Courmayeur is renowned for its gastronomic scene and boutique shopping The 100km+ of slopes served by 18 lifts can be accessed via the Courmayeur cable car or the Val Veny cable car (Entrèves) Besides great views of the Mont Blanc massif the area is also ideal for freeriding with many of the most beautiful trails in the whole of the Aosta located here Some can be reached via the spectacular Skyway Monte Bianco cable car Located at a snow-sure 1,440m close to Mont Blanc La Thuile’s ski area is known for being among the quieter of the big-name resorts in the Alps relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space for you on the slopes It’s a big ski area with 160km (100 miles) of runs which stretch over the border into France and contains a great selection of terrain from brilliant to long intermediate cruisers and then the steep expert slopes The latter include one the most famous and challenging World Cup Alpine skI downhill courses in the Alps as well as some fabulous freeride terrain with fresh powder usually lasting longer than elsewhere here and the option of some great tree skiing too The Monterosa ski area brings together several interconnected resorts on the Monterosa massif, the three valleys of Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia with 180 km of piste This creates one of the world’s largest ski circuits in an area of stunning natural beauty and opens up a vast skiable vertical from 3,275m down to 1,212m the largest resort in Monterosa and Gressoney in the central valley which is actually two villages: Gressoney-La-Trinité and Gressoney-Saint-Jean a favourite among those who already know it thanks to its prime position for easy access to all parts of Monterosa as well as its uncrowded slopes is surrounded by pretty wooded terrain and boasts spectacular views of dramatic glaciers It’s also famed for its fabulous off-piste terrain perfectly placed at the centre of Monterosa’s ‘three valleys’ offers an unspoilt those staying in Gressoney-Saint-Jean also have their own separate ski area to enjoy.    located at a snowsure altitude high above the town of Aosta as well as great modern-day dining and shopping to discover The two are connected by a 20-minute gondola ride and now the big vertical above Pila is getting a stunning new gondola which will reduce the ascent time dramatically and open up magnificent vistas of some of the Alps’ most famous peaks small resort but with a reputation for lively après-ski too For current lift pass rates please visit this page There’s lots happening in the Aosta Valley this winter with new lifts exciting events and increased savings on lift passes One of the biggest upgrades is happening at Pila where a brilliant new 10-seater gondola The new lift is the second section of the full Pila-Couis route a transformative project which will whisk visitors up to a stunning new viewing area at 2700m in just 15 minutes It replaces an old double chairlift that dated back to the late 1980s At the top users will be stunned by the breathtaking views of the most iconic peaks of the Alps thanks to the ‘Stella del Couis’ panoramic refuge This winter there’s also a fabulous new ski slope connecting Couis 1 to Couis 2 This will allow access to all the slopes on the Couis 2 side from the arrival of the new Couis 1 gondola several existing slopes have been improved They include an expanded and improved red slope number 7 – Plan de L’Eyvie; improvements to black piste number 8 – Tsa Creusa and the opening of a new alternative descent on the line of red slope number 9 – Couis 1 with a brand new high-speed detachable six-seater chairlift going into service in the Goillet area It also replaces an older fixed chairlift that has been operating for more than 40 years The long-planned upgrade provides a fast link over to Valtournenche with the new 1500m long lift making the connection which runs between 2,692 metres and 3,093 metres altitudes in only five minutes (it used to be 11) whilst increasing hourly capacity from 1,600 to 2,400 passengers The lift also uses the revolutionary EcoDrive system more efficient and more sustainable as it automatically adjusts its speed imperceptibly depending on the number of skiers using it Each of the 69 chairs on the line features heated backrests individual footrests and pull-down transparent canopies for colder days There’s always lots happening all season long in the Aosta Valley Wherever you’re staying in the valley it’s worth making a trip to the magical “Marché Vert Noël” Christmas Market in Aosta itself Located in the central Piazza Chanoux you can enjoy delicious local specialties Nordic inspirations and many more affordable little luxuries as the market conjures up the convivial flavour of the festive season Or if you visit a little later in the season the Sant’Orso fair from 30 – 31 January 2025 This sees artists and artisans from across the Aosta Valley proudly display the fruits of their ingenuity and creativity along the streets of central Aosta The fair dates right back to the Middle Ages when it was staged in the “Borgo di Aosta” the area surrounding the Collegiate Church which bears the name of Sant’Orso it all began right in front of the church where the Saint helped the poor by giving out clothes and “sabots” Visitors can still buy these typical wooden clogs at the Fair today.  Now the entire city centre is involved inside and alongside the city’s Roman Walls In several leading ski resorts of the Aosta Valley celebratory evenings when the ski school stages an evening torchlit display is always a great experience.  Besides admiring the incredible skills of the instructors a fireworks display and usually lots of associated apres ski fun in the bars There’s a great New Year’s Eve display in Pila and the event is also staged in Breuil-Cervinia and Courmayeur Courmayeur also has many major events running all winter and into spring many of them focusing on the fabulous dining experiences the resort offers Courmayeur is also a magical place to be for the festive season the children in Courmayeur can experience the traditions that pay homage to Rhémy de Noël a legendary character whose roots lie in the link between the town and Mont Blanc and provide the area with its snow The big day includes children’s workshops special guest appearances with gifts and the lighting of lanterns to direct Rhémy de Noël down from the mountain to Courmayeur the square at the Jardin de l’Ange will be at the heart of Courmayeur’s New Year’s Eve celebration entertainment and a midnight firework display The celebrations will then also continue at venues downtown as they toast the new year Valentine’s Day is also big in Courmayeur as the resort comes alive with festivities with shop windows and boutiques along Via Roma decorated to celebrate the resort’s patron saint Courmayeur’s streets are filled with music and traditional celebrations with a folk group parading through the centre performing traditional dances There’s ski racing excitement in February too After hosting the Women’s Ski World Cup competitions in 2016 and 2020 and the Telemark in 2017 and 2019 the Women’s Ski World Cup is back with a downhill and a super giant slalom to be held on the legendary Franco Berthod slope 3 on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March 2025                 February also sees Courmayeur’s Design Week returning for its fifth year transforming the town into a vibrant hub where designers and design experts gather at the foot of Mont Blanc The gourmet festivities gather pace in Courmayeur in March when the resort continues its partnership with UK-based ski specialist tour operator returns to the resort for its 10-year anniversary from 27th – 30th March 2025 Featuring two internationally renowned Michelin-starred chefs to curate a programme of gastronomic encounters this upscale culinary event promises an exceptional dining experience This year will see the return of Jean-Philippe Blondet the three-star Michelin Executive Chef of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester who with his team will prepare a gastronomic experience like no other He will also prepare an alfresco BBQ in the mountains March is also the month of Courmayeur’, Peak of Taste Attendees can engage with ambassadors of Italian and Aosta Valley flavours and participate in discussions with internationally renowned star chefs Previous editions have included aperitifs at Skyway Monte Bianco a state-of-the-art cableway reaching Italy’s highest point at 3,446 metres and cooking classes with Aosta-Valley Michelin-starred Chefs The ski areas of the Aosta Valley have re-thought their lift pass pricing this winter with an even better offer for children and young people the 30% discount for children aged under 14 years of age will be extended up to those under 16 years of age There’ll also be a new category of users who will receive a 20% discount on the pass price (previously it was a 12% discount for young people up to the age of 18) accompanied children aged under-8 are able to ski for free and there’s a 12% discount for the over-65s as before This is a full regional agreement and covers both the big ski areas like the Cervino Ski Paradise, Courmayeur and Pila to smaller centres such as Torgnon and Chamois. The discount is valid on the entire price list Some centres also offer discounted lift-pass prices when you book your accommodation through them. For example, the Happy Ski Monterosa promotion gives a 35% saving on your ski pass with a discount code when you book accommodation participating in the promotion The Aosta Valley is very easy to reach via Turin Milan or Geneva airports from the UK making it an ideal destination for a weekend or short break road and rail connections from the north are excellent too.  The Aosta Valley is located in Italy’s northwest corner – that’s the closest part to the UK Ski Solutions can organise your Aosta Valley ski holiday Discover the ideal destination for your next getaway with our comprehensive Resort Guide. Explore top vacation spots, find travel tips, and plan your perfect trip effortlessly. Visit Resort Guide for all the essential information you need snow reports and unmissable features direct to your inbox every week with our weekly ski update If you want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter snow reports and unmissable features direct to you inbox with our weekly ski update the charming village of Chamois in the Aosta Valley the only municipality in the Alps (and probably in all of Italy) that cannot be reached by car and where cars do not pass is transformed into a natural theater for the Snow Labyrinth that environmental guide Gian Mario Navillod creates in the snow that whitens the mountains around the village This land art masterpiece is traced on the snow-covered slopes and each year Navillod offers intricate paths through the pristine snow Each year the labyrinth takes shape in a new way paying homage to the marriage of human ingenuity and natural beauty.The design of the labyrinth has often been inspired by the model of the floor of Chartres Cathedral in Chartres a work dating back to the early decades of the 13th century but a single path leading to the center and back to the exit This configuration makes it a symbol of meditation and perseverance an invitation to embark on an inner journey through a path free of detours Navillod often repurposes this or a similar design adapting it to landscape conditions and snow features This labyrinth is about 30 meters in diameter Walking it (the distance one travels to enter is exit the maze is about one kilometer) is an experience that combines contemplation and physical activity made even more special by the setting of the Aosta Valley Alps emerges with geometric precision among the untouched snow giving an unforgettable experience to anyone who tries to walk it the year of its first “edition,” if we want to call it that the Snow Labyrinth has become an expected presence in Chamois appearing at significant moments in the winter One of the most beloved events is on Valentine’s Day with the “Lovers’ Labyrinth,” a tribute to couples and romance a few steps from the cable car that allows you to get to Chamois from Buisson in a location that makes it easily visible even from the village (which remains a little higher up) this labyrinth celebrates love through its shape and the heart drawn in the center Then in March there is the “Women’s Labyrinth”: weather permitting In some years there has also been the Christmas Labyrinth What makes the Chamois maze particularly fascinating is its ephemeral nature. Made entirely of snow, it exists for only a few weeks, destined to disappear with the spring thaw. This transience underscores the deep connection between the work and the landscape, celebrating the balance between man and nature. The ephemerality, however, does not diminish its value: on the contrary, it enhances its appeal, drawing visitors and art enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. The Snow Labyrinth in Chamois is an extraordinary example of how art can enhance the area, creating an experience that blends tradition, creativity and nature. Each year, Navillod’s project reminds residents and visitors of the importance of preserving alpine beauty while rediscovering the deep connection between man and the environment. The Italian northern town of Cogne was cut off and left with no water on Monday after a wave of extreme weather, including torrential rain, flooding and mudslides, hit the country's northern regions over the weekend. The evacuation of tourists from the town continued on Monday after around 500 were airlifted out of the region by helicopter the day before, with the regional highway to the Val d'Aosta town on the slopes of the Gran Paradiso mountain blocked at three points due to mudslides. Local officials said clearing the road could take weeks, and work is also needed to repair the aqueduct to bring water to the town. The wave of extreme weather that killed people in Switzerland and France also struck Piedmont and other parts of the Valle d'Aosta region. These include the popular ski resort of Cervinia, where Deputy Mayor Massimo Chatrian said the damage amounts to "millions and millions" of euros. According to scientists, the climate crisis caused by human greenhouse gas emissions is making extreme weather events such as heat waves, drought, violent storms and flooding more frequent and more intense. A series of recent disasters triggered by extreme weather have shown Italy's high exposure to hydrogeological risks, including flooding, mudslides and landslides. Cumiana, Italy – March 2025 – On Sunday, March 16, the monthly retreat for ADMA Piemonte-Valle d’Aosta and the Salesian Cooperators took place at the Salesian House in Cumiana (Turin). The gathering brought together 130 participants, including families and Salesian Cooperators, and concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Michele Molinar, the Vice Provincial of the Salesians in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta. This year, the ADMA group, led by Fr. Gabriel de Jesús Cruz Trejo, is focusing on the theme of prayer. After previous reflections on prayers such as the Morning and Evening Adoration, Hail Mary, Guardian Angel Prayer, and Eternal Rest, Fr. Roberto Carelli delved into the Act of Faith, emphasizing its foundational role in the Christian life. Unlike a prayer that is simply recited, the Act of Faith is a prayer to be lived, beginning with the profession of belief: “My God, because You are infallible truth, I believe all that You have revealed.” It continues by affirming the core truths of the Creed: “I believe in You, the one true God in three equal and distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The prayer concludes with a plea for deeper faith: “Lord, increase my faith.” Fr. Carelli reminded participants that this final supplication carries a hopeful message: those who pray are already embracing faith and seeking its growth. He encouraged everyone to preserve and nurture their faith, describing it as the seed of the Christian life. “Above all, we must not lose our faith but safeguard it. Lord, increase my faith.” ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007. 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To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information". medieval castles and a fascinating Roman history — yet it remains one of Italy's lesser-known regions Here’s all you need to know to plan the perfect winter visit The Aosta Valley is one of Italy's prime winter destinations with 19 different ski resorts within easy reach of the historic main city of Aosta.Photograph by Enrico RomanziByGabriella Le BretonJanuary 14 2024•8 min readTucked into the northwestern tip of Italy and surrounded by towering peaks such as Mont Blanc the autonomous Aosta Valley region packs a serious Alpine punch Despite being the smallest and least populous of Italy’s regions the area is a haven for lovers of winter sports is a well-connected hub that’s the perfect base from which to explore a total of 19 ski resorts in the surrounding area a winter visit to Aosta isn’t just about snowsports The region also enjoys a fascinating culture and history thanks in part to its borders with France to the west and Switzerland to the north the valley was conquered by the Romans in 25 BCE and in following centuries passed hands between the Byzantines until control was given to the House of Savoy in 1031 Excluding brief periods of French occupation it remained Savoyard territory until its integration into the kingdom of Italy in 1861 This storied history is immediately evident upon arrival in Aosta where castles crown mountain ridges and fortified towns ring with the sounds of Italian It’s the ideal backdrop for a wonderful winter getaway that combines epic snowsports seasonal cuisine and a varied calendar of events The 19 ski resorts of the Aosta Valley range from sprawling Make the capital city of Aosta your winter base to easily explore them — once you drag yourself away from the many shops For families: PilaThe quick Aosta-Pila gondola sweeps skiers directly from the city’s cobbled lanes to the resort of Pila a medium-sized ski area (40 miles of pistes) with high north-facing slopes and sweeping views of Mont Blanc Pila is a popular choice with families and skiers looking to improve their skills For intermediate skiers: CourmayeurMore advanced skiers and snowboarders should consider heading to the refined resort of Courmayeur Here you’ll find some 60 miles of intermediate-friendly slopes and stellar mountain restaurants (the convivial Rifugio Maison Vieille is a must) It's also home to legendary off-piste skiing on the flanks of Mont Blanc — easily accessible on the Skyway Monte Bianco gondola The resort of La Thuile is known for its reliable snow conditions making it a popular destination for freeride skiers and snowboarders. Photograph by La Thuile TourismFor powder-seekers: La ThuileTen miles south of Courmayeur you’ll find fellow cross-border ski resort La Thuile known locally as ‘little Siberia’ for its often-bountiful snow conditions low-key La Thuile offers 94 miles of intermediate-friendly pistes and low-angle accessible off-piste terrain that’s ideal for budding freeriders For budget-conscious travellers: Breuil-CerviniaTravel one hour northeast of Aosta and you’ll reach Breuil-Cervinia a high-altitude area sat just below the iconic Matterhorn Sharing its ski area with Zermatt to give a whopping 224 miles of pistes Cervinia boasts a winter season stretching from October to May blending authentic Aostan hospitality with snow-sure skiing in full view of one of the world’s most recognisable peaks (and avoiding the Swiss price tag) For advanced skiers: MonterosaUnadulterated Aosta Valley mountain charm awaits in Monterosa where a trio of mountain towns — Champoluc Gressoney and Alagna — offer homely cuisine welcoming hotels and 112 miles of diverse pistes as well as some of Italy’s most challenging freeride terrain the resort of Pila is ideal for families and is easily accessed via gondola from Aosta's city centre.Photograph by Aosta TourismWellness traditions date back centuries in the Aosta Valley with Pré Saint Didier a popular spot for spa-seekers. Photograph by Aosta Valley Tourist BoardWhat to do off the slopesThanks to its rich cultural heritage the Aosta Valley offers visitors plenty beyond exceptional skiing From Aosta’s preserved Roman theatres and fortifications to the imposing Fort Bard Even the local spa culture comes with historical credentials: the supposed curative qualities of the mineral-rich springs of Terme di Saint-Vincent were first recognised in 1770 while the natural springs of Pré Saint Didier have welcomed travellers to their thermal waters since 1800 When not skiing or soaking in thermal springs Aosta locals are likely to be found around the table Food here is rustic mountain fare with standout regional specialities several with PDO (protected designation of origin) status buttery cheese that’s been produced from local cow’s milk since the Middle Ages crusty wholewheat bread baked in rich broth and smothered in bubbling fontina raw mountain ham aged for up to 30 months on a bed of hay sliced wafer thin and served with fresh rye bread and a glass of crisp white Prié Blanc The city of Aosta is home to a number of absorbing historic sites from the Roman Theatre to the Aosta Cathedral.Photograph by Enrico RomanziWhen to visitWith a number of high-altitude slopes the Aosta Valley’s resorts deliver reliable snow conditions throughout the winter as well as a packed calendar of exciting events Kick off the season in Breuil-Cervinia where the world’s fastest skiers often launch onto the downhill ski world cup circuit in November you can observe fearless ice climbers tackle the Cogne Ice Opening in Lillaz while early February sees the return of the Marcia Gran Paradiso one of the world’s most challenging cross-country ski competitions Taking place in the spectacular Gran Paradiso National Park in Cogne the race runs over two days and offers two distance options: the Classic also gave the cat pneumothorax surgery in the unit’s angiography suite I knew I could only save her with a quick intervention.” Local health authorities looked into the matter and referred the case to local prosecutors Fanelli might be charged with wasting public money and depriving patients of essential services saying he used hospital equipment after hours He also apologized “if all of this led to a violation of the rules” and promised to reimburse the hospital if his actions were expensive Fanelli says his mission as a doctor and his children’s love for the cat guided his decision League Party Senator Nicoletta Spelgatti said Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here. Mia Maguire is the Managing Editor of Commerce at The Daily Beast. Her work has also appeared in SPY, Variety, Robb Report, Footwear News, StyleCaster, Food52, SheKnows, INSIDER, The Knot, and more. Tom Price is the commerce staff writer for The Daily Beast. He enjoys sports, movies, pretentious TV shows, and scouring the web for high-quality products. Erica is a Scouted Staff Writer. Her work focuses on health and wellness, conscious beauty, and lifestyle. In addition to the Beast, her work appears on Yahoo and MSN. She’s also an artist, vegan, and bonne vivant. AlexTzelnic is a teacher and writer living in Cambridge, MA. He frequently writes about the intersections of sports, education, and mindfulness. You read more of his writing on Medium @atz840. 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Click here to find out how Janna Brancolini is an American journalist based in Rome She writes about financial policy for Bloomberg and covered the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy for the Los Angeles Times Her articles and essays have also appeared in the Columbia Journalism Review \"Breaking the Surface,\" blending science art and history to tell the story of pioneering underwater archaeologist Honor Frost Emell Derra Adolphus is a Detroit and New York-based writer and a 2021 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow He is currently working on a collection of LGBTQ short stories titled I gave my vote for a Biden/Democrat funding and policy CR once because my President asked me to earning my vote for funding and policies will be defined by these issues:1 I will not vote to fund a single penny or bullet to Ukraine… the innovative climbing challenge that aims to reveal the secret spots of Italy's Aosta Valley After "Citta di Uruk" crag in Val Sapin in 2022 and the crag Barliard at Ollomont in 2023 the attention now shifts to a new crag above Ollomont As always there are two routes - one for men and one for women - waiting for their first free ascent And as always there's a "reward" for the first to do so €200 for the first repeat and €100 for the second repeat The panoramic new crag is located immediately next to the Lo Dard waterfall and was bolted by Massimo Bal and Hervé Vevey The rock quality is excellent and the routes provide new-school climbing as the proximity to the waterfall ensures a cool ambient even on the hottest days The two competition routes are Mosca Bianca for women As in previous editions, the event is open to all and lasts until the end of the summer. Video documentation of the climbs are needed to certify the ascents, and those participating must also send photos and a short report to arrampicatavda@gmail.com The summer will end in style with an award's ceremony in October Info: www.arrampicatainvalledaosta.it Italian World Cup speed skier Jean Daniel Pession and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian, have been killed while backcountry skiing in Italy’s Aosta Valley. The Italian Winter Sports Federation announced the news yesterday in an official statement The fatal incident occurred while they were touring above Champoluc in the Aosta Valley region were traversing a ridge dividing the east and north faces of Monte Zerbion when the tragic accident occurred Later reports indicated that the pair had ‘obvious fall injuries.’ It is believed they fell around 2,200 feet but the cause is still under investigation Champoluc is the largest resort in the Monterosa area Rescue efforts were initiated after the couple failed to return as expected their bodies were located along the mountain’s north face by a Guardia di Finanza helicopter crew equipped with cell phone signal detection technology A doctor aboard the rescue helicopter pronounced them deceased at the scene Pession was a rising star on the World Cup speed skiing circuit. During his blossoming career, the Valle d’Aosta native achieved impressive results, including a 15th-place finish in the 2021 World Cup final standings and a 22nd-place finish at the 2022 World Championships in Vars, France. Arlian was a cross-country ski instructor President of the Italian Winter Sports Federation expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss “This is a terrible tragedy for the world of winter sports especially speed skiing,” Roda stated I extend our deepest condolences to the Pession family during this unimaginable time of grief.” The circumstances and causes of their deaths are not yet known the skiing community mourns the untimely passing of one of its brightest young talents and his partner The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in mountain pursuits even for seasoned athletes at the peak of their abilities The ski and snowboard site with intelligence Discovering the mountain wines of Valle d’Aosta The Valle d’Aosta is about as extreme as Italian winemaking gets Wedged in Alpine northwestern Italy between Switzerland and France the valley lies in the shadows of some of Europe’s tallest peaks: ice-capped Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn with vines climbing lower mountainsides to 4,000 feet in altitude Others are quirkily different—“particolare,” as Italians say mainly due to Aosta’s kaleidoscope of grapes and styles Growing alongside Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Nebbiolo (locally known as Picotendro) are obscure local varieties with French names: Petit Rouge or Fumin anyone? How about some sparkling, pre-phylloxera Prié Blanc But after a few end-of-summer days in the regional capital Aosta Wine meant for export trends to internationally known grape varieties Though winemaking thrived here for centuries Aosta left its old trading neighborhood with Italian unification in the 1860s Cheaper wines arrived by rail from points south Vineyard plantings shriveled from a high of 10 times of what they are today The revival began after World War II with a Swiss-born Catholic priest who encouraged local farmers and helped found the regional agricultural school Before he set about studying local varieties Chardonnay and Gamay—good fits for the valley’s high altitudes everyone was making wine for their families,” says Elio Ottin a dairy farmer supplying milk for the region’s Fontina cheese He started bottling his own wines in 2007 under the Ottin Vini label and now makes six wines from Pinot Noir and local varieties and he credits his teacher with revolutionizing cellar conditions and hygiene in the area “Some of the old timers thought that if you washed a barrel the water would ruin it!” Ottin says with a laugh Les Crêtes and Grosjean have taken different paths in shaping the region now Valle d’Aosta’s largest private winery at 16,000 cases was created in the 1980s by Constantino Charrère the founder of a Mont Blanc ski school and the son of a local farmer and winemaker he initially made the winery known for lush Chardonnays whites do very well,” explains Giulio Corti the general manager who has run Les Crêtes with Charrère’s daughters since he was sidelined by health issues two years ago “The grapes are able to finish ripening but keep their high acidity.” with multiple bottlings with its suite of 20 white is an intriguing barrel-fermented blend with Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio Vins Grosjean got its start in the late 1960s when Delfino Grosjean began bottling his own wines he was on the front lines of selecting local grapes like dark mid-bodied Petit Rouge (the area’s most planted grape which forms the base of the field-blended Torrette DOC red wines) and spicy Cornalin along with blending varieties like Mayolet and Vuillermin “The big selection [of local varieties] was done in the 1980s and 1990s,” says Hervé Grosjean I travelled up-valley to some of Europe’s highest vineyards in the subappellation Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle Hundreds of tiny old vineyard plots totaling 70 acres dot two communes in which there are five winemakers and one cooperative the white peaks of Mont Blanc come into view With 17 vineyard acres, the Paveses are the largest grower and producer here, making about 4,000 cases annually. They work organically and, rare for the Valle d’Aosta, without irrigation. Their steepest old terraces, where hundreds of vines were lost this year to heat wave and drought, are hand-worked. We’re the only ones who do this full-time,” says Nathan, with a blissful grin. Ermes Pavese, now 45, is a butcher’s son and graphic designer. Most of his family discouraged him from getting serious about making wine in the family garage 20 years ago. Today the Paveses make a range of five wines from fresh, floral Prié Blanc: a traditional-method sparkler, three dry still wines and a late-harvest ice wine. Most of it is destined for export, much of it to the U.S. As might be expected at these heights, the ups and downs have been dramatic. In 2017, nearly the entire crop was lost in a spring freeze; Pavese released 999 bottles labelled Unopercento (1 percent)—his entire production. The elder Pavese thought of giving up, but Nathan, who studied enology and viticulture, was committed to joining the winery. “It’s heroic winemaking,” he says. “Now everybody in the family is agreed—it’s working.” The first family of Sicilian wine teams with French investors to make biodynamic, bi-cultur… As CEO of Houston’s Goodnight Hospitality—the group behind restaurants March, Rosie … Winemaker Jared Etzel moves on from Domaine Roy & Fils to success with a new Pinot Noir … Winemakers bringing the region’s terroir to the fore Top wine pros share the sweet wines they think deserve more love, from Pedro Ximénez Sherry … Castello Solicchiata is the volcano’s most historic noble winery. Why is it hidden away? Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. the Saint - Bénin Center in Aosta is hosting Glimpses of Understanding the first institutional exhibition in Italy intended to be a survey of fashion photography made by women featuring some of the most important Italian and international fashion photographers from the 20th century to the present the exhibition aims to offer a journey through the history of fashion photography with a special focus on the contribution of women in this field the exhibition begins with an analysis of women’s work behind fashion presenting images from the 1960s and 1970s that highlight the importance of women in the production of textiles and clothing often published in politically engaged magazines are the work of female photographers such as Liliana Barchiesi who used their art to investigate and expose women’s working conditions.The second section celebrates the pioneers of fashion photography famous for her Harper’s Bazaar covers and other twentieth-century icons such as Lee Miller and Lillian Bassman These women contributed significantly to defining the fashion aesthetic through their unique and innovative vision The third section focuses on female photographers who have worked in fashion from the 1960s to the present day This part of the exhibition demonstrates how fashion photography has been influenced and enriched by the creative input of these women artists The fourth section explores contemporary fashion photography and the younger Angelica Cantù Rajnoldi and Veronique Mazzoli These female photographers continue to push the boundaries of fashion creating images that reflect modern trends and sensibilities the exhibition devotes a section to female artists who have used fashion as a medium for their artistic research has redefined the relationship between art and fashion the materials on display are almost all vintage (about 80 percent of the works are originals) the exhibition is accompanied by a bilingual (Italian - French) catalog with reproductions of the works and critical texts by Angela Madesani and Daria Jorioz For info: https://www.regione.vda.it/ several villages in the Aosta Valley in Italy were cut off from civilization after an avalanche covered the entrance to a road tunnel at Gaby several regional roads had to be closed out of precaution The avalanche danger has been elevated for several days as the area received between 3-5 feet of snow the roads were able to open again and the snow cleared from the tunnel entrance Snowfall resumed on Wednesday night in the Southern Alps bringing about 20-40 centimeters (8-16 inches) of snow and there is another storm front forecast from Friday night The glaciers in Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park have suffered extensively this summer once again Studies carried out by the park rangers have confirmed that the Grand Etrèt glacier in Valsavarenche has lost an average thickness of 2.7 meters of ice compared to last year resulting in a reduction in its surface area of over two hectares The 2022-2023 season is the second worst since measurements began in 1999 (at -986 mm w.e and is only better than last year's (negative) record of -3662 mm w.e. the glacial surface area has shrunk by approximately 9% The snow reserves accumulated thanks above all to the abundant snowfalls May disappeared completely between July and August and were not sufficient to protect the glacier from solar radiation Melting proved to be considerable at all five poles installed on the glacier with values ranging between 460 and 192 cm of ice lost Temperatures remained high throughout the summer (except for a few cooler days at the beginning of August) and only the snowfall on 28 August with the addition of several centimeters of snow above 2400 m above sea level allowed a slowdown in melting as the glacier was covered in a layer of snow for several days Measurements carried out on 9 August made it possible to ascertain the average rate of ice melting up to 20 September (42 days of melting): this trend varies from 4.7 cm/day at pole I located at 2,750m above sea level to 3.4 cm/day at pole V located at 3,025m above sea level a second inspection which took place on 17 August at pole I made it possible to evaluate the daily melting trend on the lowest sector of the glacier during one of the hottest periods this summer: in just 8 days 62 cm of ice disappeared at the impressive rate of almost 8 cm per day "The impact of climate change is evident" explained park ranger Alberto Rossotto "signs of the suffering of the glacial body were documented during the survey: absence of residual snow but above all the opening of a large glacial cave in visible expansion The park rangers are now working on the data collected on the 57 glaciers monitored during the summer season; the results will be published in due course on the Park website on www.pngp.it Located in the heart of the majestic Aosta Valley in north-western Italy, the Italian ski resort of Pila stands as one of the region’s most outstanding and appreciated alpine destinations With a perfect combination of breathtaking scenery modern facilities and a rich offer of activities in both winter and summer Pila (also called Pila Snowland) attracts thousands of visitors every year offering an unforgettable experience for skiers Pila is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres above sea level surrounded by towering peaks of over three thousand metres with the highest peak being the colossal Monte Grivola at 3969 metres The resort is strategically connected to the city of Aosta by an efficient network of cable car services that provide easy access from the A5 motorway one of the region’s main thoroughfares This unique accessibility allows visitors to easily reach Pila from different parts of Italy and Europe making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways and extended holidays Pila has more than 50 kilometres of ski slopes The slopes are mostly in lush forests and the alpine setting offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Italian Alps There is a wide variety of red and black runs This last black piste is especially dedicated to freeriders as the route is equipped with a conveyor belt protected by a modern plexiglass cover that starts from the Couis 1 arrival station This system allows you to descend from Platta de Grevon at 2,700 metres to Plan de L’Eyve The bottom of the new black run will be left in natural conditions during the days following the snowfalls and then compacted to make it available to a wider clientele ski lifts and the recently opened Couis 1 cable car which significantly improves the capacity and comfort of access to the slopes One of Pila’s most ambitious projects is the addition of the new Couis 1 cable car This modern system replaces the old two-seater chairlift from the 1980s With an elevation of up to 2,700 metres above sea level Couis 1 not only improves access to the slopes but is also part of a renovation project that includes the creation of a ‘backbone’ for the area facilitating year-round transport in both winter and summer a futuristic star-shaped shelter is planned with a panoramic terrace offering spectacular views of the Aosta Valley The Fun Park of Pila is an exclusive downhill fun centre designed for the little ones but equally entertaining for adults: the opportunity to be together without age limits it is naturally sheltered from the slopes and offers a spectacular panorama when snow tubing downhill giving the sensation of taking off towards the Mont Blanc mountain range and the Grand Combin looming on the horizon As the first snowpark created in the Aosta Valley and one of the best in the north-west having also won the Best Park Nord-Ovest award in 2016 AREAEFFE has established itself as a reference point for riders and non-riders alike This snowpark has been designed and built with the ideals of fun and the sense of challenge that every snowboarder and freestyle skier has in mind ensuring that those who practise the discipline or wish to get close to it can do so in a high quality and well cared for environment AREAEFFE enjoys an enviable natural location sheltered from the wind by the surrounding copses providing excellent protection even on less sunny days the snowpark can be reached from the centre of Aosta in just over 30 minutes Pila offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes cross-country skiing and children’s activities in dedicated areas the resort transforms into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers with numerous trails to explore the breathtaking alpine landscapes The resort also boasts a first-class infrastructure in terms of accommodation cosy mountain huts and modern flats ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay Restaurants and bars offer a varied gastronomic offer ranging from traditional regional dishes to international cuisine spas and wellness centres provide places to relax and rejuvenate after an active day in the mountains Pila stands out for its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism The implementation of eco-friendly transport systems contributes to reducing vehicular traffic and the resort’s carbon footprint efficient use of resources and protection of the natural environment are priorities throughout the resort’s operations This sustainable approach not only preserves the natural beauty of the valley but also ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy this magnificent alpine destination The Pila resort is not only a destination for mountain lovers but also a vibrant centre for cultural and sporting events throughout the year One of the most prominent events is the ‘Valle Aosta Challenge’ Cross-Country Ski Race which attracts competitors from all over Italy and Europe runs along some of the most scenic sections of Pila’s slopes offering both high-level competition and a unique experience for participants and spectators Pila hosts the Alpine Music Festival ‘Note d’Alpe’ an event that combines concerts by local and international artists with outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Aosta Valley integrating traditional music workshops and exhibitions of local instruments Pila regularly organises art exhibitions in its cultural centre highlighting works by regional and national artists A recent example was the ‘Mountains in Art’ exhibition which featured paintings and sculptures inspired by the alpine landscape These exhibitions allow visitors to appreciate artistic talent while enjoying their stay in the mountains Another iconic tradition is the Pila Christmas Market which transforms the resort into a charming winter village with stalls selling handicrafts local produce and gastronomic delights typical of the region This market is a perfect opportunity for locals and tourists to meet share traditions and enjoy the festive atmosphere The Pila ski resort has established itself as a benchmark in the Aosta Valley thanks to its combination of modern infrastructure privileged location and a strong commitment to sustainability and quality tourism With innovative projects such as the Couis 1 cable car and a wide range of activities Pila continues to attract visitors from all over the world offering a unique and memorable alpine experience in a beautiful natural setting Northern Italy: Weather conditions are worsening with very cloudy skies or overcast across all northern regions.Rain and showers particularly in the alpine and northwestern areas Local thunderstorms are expected in Liguria and lower Piedmont with heavy precipitation in the northwestern alpine areas and the Ligurian border Central Italy and Sardinia: Overcast skies in Sardinia where thunderstorms will mainly affect the southern and southeastern parts of the island Tuscany will see cloud build-up and possible showers with particular attention to the southwestern coasts and the Grosseto area.Elsewhere the sky will remain partially veiled with light and isolated rains Southern Italy and Sicily: The sky will remain slightly cloudy or veiled across all southern regions Northern Italy: Intense clouds persist with widespread precipitation especially in the western regions such as Piedmont and Liguria where thunderstorms will not be lacking.In the central-eastern regions moderate rain and showers are expected with a partial evening attenuation of the precipitation Central Italy and Sardinia: Dense cloud cover with widespread thunderstorms and heavy showers in Sardinia and Tyrrhenian coasts especially in Tuscany and the coastal side.In the rest of the center Southern Italy and Sicily: More stable conditions with clear or veiled skies without significant meteorological phenomena causing significant damage and disruption.The intensity of the rain caused significant accumulations in a few hours leading the local drainage system to collapse and turning the city’s streets into real rivers.Precipitation reached peaks of 129 mm an extreme value that quickly overloaded the drainage infrastructure unable to withstand the exceptional flow of rainwater The intensity of the downpour surprised with the speed at which conditions worsened: within a few hours lifting numerous manhole covers and spilling debris and objects dragged by the water onto the main roads.Precipitation reached exceptional levels with measurements recording up to 129 mm in a few hours one of the highest values recorded in recent years in the region.The abundance of rain also affected traffic and commercial activities with many businesses forced to suspend operations   Una residente: "A momenti moriva mia madre"' width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cUVhtzhbSt8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin">   The Civil Protection has issued a weather alert for October 26 and 27 predicting a significant worsening of the climate in several Italian regions.Intense phenomena such as thunderstorms bringing with them a hydrogeological and hydraulic risk in various areas with orange and yellow alert levels based on the probability and severity of the events Emilia Romagna is among the regions at the highest hydraulic risk with moderate criticality in numerous areas and the Piacenza-Parma hills.An increase in watercourses is expected due to intense precipitation which could lead to floods and soil saturation already heavily moistened by previous rains.The population is advised to reduce travel and stay updated on official communications The risk of violent thunderstorms particularly affects the mountainous areas of Emilia Romagna such as the Piacenza-Parma mountains and the high Piacenza-Parma hills.In Liguria and Ponente are also at risk of heavy showers and possible urban and rural flooding.The strength of these thunderstorms Precipitation could trigger landslides and mudslides in Emilia Romagna (particularly in the central Emilia mountains and the Piacenza-Parma mountains) Liguria (Central and Levante Maritime basins) where the Belbo and Bormida and Scrivia areas are at risk.The particular mountainous and hilly conformation of these areas combined with the already water-saturated soil exposes the population to serious hydrogeological risks A yellow alert level has been issued for hydraulic risk in some areas of Emilia Romagna Piedmont (in areas such as the Turin plain and the Orco and Sangone valleys) and Veneto (in the areas of Lower Brenta-Bacchiglione and Lower Adige) are also under observation for the increase in river levels.Flooding is expected in the plains and near rivers In the regions of Emilia Romagna and Liguria ordinary criticality is expected for moderate thunderstorms in the hilly and mountainous areas of Emilia and in the Ligurian Ponente Maritime basins.Intermittent showers are expected which could cause temporary urban flooding The yellow level hydrogeological risk concerns numerous areas such as the Bolognese hills and the lower Piacenza-Parma hills in Emilia Romagna the Pavia Apennines and the Milan hydraulic node in Lombardy and the foothills of Piedmont (Val Sesia and Varaita and Stura valleys).The expected precipitation could cause landslides and small landslips making maximum attention necessary in mountainous and hilly areas   This bad weather situation requires local authorities and the population to remain vigilant in risk areas reducing non-essential travel and paying attention to update bulletins issued by the Civil Protection to address any hydraulic and hydrogeological emergencies A young Italian couple died together after taking a massive fall from an Italian mountain Professional skier Jean Daniel Pession, 28, and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian, 27, have died in “a tragic mountain accident,” the Italian Winter Sports Federation reported Saturday The two ski instructors were hiking up Mount Zerbion, an 8,921-foot mountain in Aosta Valley, Italy, when they suddenly plummeted more than 2,000 feet, according to a translated article from Italian publication RAI After the couple’s families reported them missing search-and-rescue teams headed to the mountain where the bodies of Pession and Arlian were found in the snow “still tied together,” RAI reported Pession, a native of Aosta Valley, was a talented skier who became a member of Italy’s World Cup team Pession placed 15th in the World Cup ranking and came in 22nd place in the World Championships in Vars a year later “Two young lives broken by an accident in the mountains that mountain which was their passion,” Alberto Bertin holding us close to them with affection and compassion.” L'atleta di chilometro lanciato Jean Daniel Pession e la sua compagna Elisa Arlian, entrambi esperti di montagna e maestri di sci, sono morti precipitando dal Monte Zerbion, in Valle d'Aosta. Dopo ore di ricerche, i soccorritori hanno trovato i loro corpi sepolti dalla neve pic.twitter.com/rW13Zdn7qj It was unclear on Tuesday what exactly caused the accident that killed two experienced mountain athletes like Pession and Arlian A cellphone signal from one of the couple’s devices helped rescuers locate their bodies It took search and rescue many hours of flying to finally locate them “There were no traces on the rock to suggest that they had fallen,” RAI wrote while they continued along the ridge that divides the north and east faces they slipped on the snow or the ground gave way.” A post shared by Jean Daniel Pession (@jeandanielpession) Many Italians have expressed condolences to the couple’s families including Aosta Valley President Renzo Testolin who said the entire region is grieving over “the loss of its young children.” Pession posted a photo with Arlian and a simple message: “Here’s to another hundred years like this.” died Monday after a fall while skiing near Rhododendron Mountain in Pemberton Andrew McLemore is a staff writer at AllGear Digital Andrew has more than 10 years of experience covering a range of beats including government with specializations in criminal justice and investigative journalism working for nonprofit organizations including the Texas Access to Justice Commission and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Andrew brings his writing experience to outdoor gear and adventures throughout the Americas ShareSaveCommentLifestyleSpiritsWhy Italy’s Smallest Region Includes Massive AttractionsByTom Mullen Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights travel and lifestyle from a base in FranceFollow AuthorSep 04 04:09am EDTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 2 years old.Alps of Val d'Aosta Italy is divided into 20 administrative regions Have you ever heard a non-Italian yearn with desire to visit Val d’Aosta They pine—instead—for strolling through Tuscan villages or hunting Piedmont truffles or cruising Campania coastlines on a Vespa or sipping Nero d’Avola wine in Sicily Marvelous because international droves of backpackers and floppy hatted trekkers clutching guide books are—as yet—not visibly rampant Inexplicable because this region—with only 1% of Italy’s surface area and about the same size as the U.S state of Rhode Island or twice as large as U.K.’s County Surrey—is saturated with superlatives Val d’Aosta borders the tallest mountain in Europe and includes the continent’s highest vineyards (Spain and Switzerland may disagree) Here are Italy’s highest ski resort and highest cable car and once longest tunnel in the world in the least densely populated region of the country Val d’Aosta forms Italy’s northwest corner It is bordered north and west by Switzerland and France Geographically—it is a twisted west-to-east valley carved out by glaciers some 20,000 years ago The principal 100-mile (160 kilometer) main valley of Dora Baltea is joined by perpendicular valleys which include Veny and Ferret around the town and ski region of Courmayeur below Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc—Europe’s tallest peak) Close by loom other daunting mountains—Monte Rosa as well as of iron and steel producers; it is a land of winter sports river rafting and thermal pools; a land of deep valleys and daunting rock walls The number of visitors to Val d’Aosta this past June was 98,401 or about 2,000 less than during the pre-pandemic month of June in 2019 That is about the number of visitors to Florence every four days Two thirds of these arrivals to Val d’Aosta are Italian For all its hardscrabble and challenging highland terrain the region has long attracted diverse newcomers—including waves of Celts followed by Burgundians and Ostrogoths and Byzantines and Lombards and Franks and Savoys Residents cherish local history and identity which are some reasons why Val d’Aosta remains one of five autonomous regions within Italy Aosta—planned by the Roman Pretorian military—is geometric in layout The city includes the arched Pretoria Gateway as well as the looming Arch of Augustus—oddly perched alone on a grassy street corner This somewhat unheralded stone gateway—still beautifully intact—was built to celebrate Roman defeat of the Salassi dozens of years before the Christian era emerged pace along pedestrian Via Sant’Anselmo street past an officina della pasta (pasta workshop) buy a local cookbook with goat antelope salami recipes or consider eating at a local trattoria From this attractive and pedestrian friendly city look to the valley sides Roman Augustus Arch and modern buildings in the town of Aosta Driving west of Aosta you will pass through at least a half dozen tunnels that ramp increasingly upward as they approach the Alpine town of Courmayeur The economy here is focused on visitors—mostly skiers during winter and hikers during summer Being Italian differentiates this town from similar French and Swiss Alpine resorts each morning throngs of visitors leave town to hike on mountain trails but also stylish—flaunting bella figura attire such as Osprey daypacks Komperdell walking sticks and Courmayeur caps such as Mont Blanc Bakery (try the crostatine marmellata with an espresso) or upscale like the Grand Hotel Royal e Golf (that’s really a name) Open air market vendors are generally understated and don’t advertise their products as ‘organic,’ although many are seriously so That svelte woman selling dirt coated carrots to bake a few bread loaves before tramping out to tend her garden Prominent gesticulating conversations are snippets of cultural expression; posters advertise not yoga Love and tension (and the word ciao) are ubiquitous Even the Deodata Arte gallery includes—of course—a sculpture of the word Amore View of geraniums and Alps from Courmayeur arguing on a cell phone with a banker or speaking with a fellow diner by twirling fingertips—much of life here appears as visual theater Drama underlies this culture where the national language was based not on Latin but on local vernacular adopted by poet Dante Alighieri seven centuries ago That cafe table neighbor is not texting his ex but underlining sentences in a literary hardback with two official languages (Italian and French) although about a fifth of residents also speak Valdôtain Le Massif) do not reflect some effort to gain a marketing edge (ample visitors prefer Italian to French cuisine thank you) but the history of a land that wavered between French and Italian rule In the 17th and 18th centuries it became French—for a time—before reverting to what eventually became the nation of Italy On a wooded hill outside Courmayeur that is part of Hotel and Restaurant Chalet Plan Gorret I sat in a narrow garden deck chair beside planters of pink geraniums below Alpine vistas of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) Out of a restaurant kitchen window came sounds of chopping a few heartfelt songs and a round of ‘happy birthday’—tanti auguri—first in English French and Senegalese—lit up with the air with joyous blissful banter and words about cooking and life—troppo This gave a sliver of insight into the importance here of melding community with cooking; preparing Italian meals in this region can be intensely social This Plan Gorret restaurant is run by Paola Olla who moved to landlocked and highland Val d’Aosta from the shoreline city of Cagliari on the island of Sardinia Her restaurant blends traditional meals with seafood to produce cucina valdostana e sarda Dinner begins with a flatbread appetizer and three jams—lemon onion and cauliflower/parsley—paired with a glass of Petite Arvine wine followed by deer tartare with berry teriyaki sauce olive powder and plum tomatoes—matched with a glass of Val d’Aosta Pinot Gris your interest in visiting Val d’Aosta grows Restaurateur Paola Olla of Chalet Plan Grollet From near Courmayeur take the Skyway—a twirling circular cable car with deep valley vistas a viewing platform at the high point destination (as well as a café and bookstore) and a mid-level station with deck chairs for sunning on grassy mountain fields as well as a high-altitude botanical garden swarming (in summer) with butterflies and bees Hours spent here mid-summer can contribute not just to a sunburn or tan but to amplifying your personal paradigm of appreciating relaxation Mountain passes of Val d’Aosta were historically strategic The north side of the valley (left bank) is Val del Grand Saint Bernardo headed by the Saint Bernardo pass—crossed by Napoleon and 40,00 troops Today—most trans-Alpine travel is subterranean The 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometer) Great Saint Bernard tunnel links Val d’Aosta with the Valais canton of Switzerland while the six-mile (11 kilometer) Mont Blanc tunnel hooks Val d’Aosta to France Further down from Courmayeur and closer to Aosta Lower portions and sub-valleys can be bizarrely beautiful Drive upward and northward from the Dora Baltea valley floor into subsidiary Val del Grand Saint Bernardo rockfalls and steep single-lane mountain roads used for two way traffic This is a stunning yet somewhat bypassed region where village elder women gossip in street centers because vehicles are infrequent It is a land of stone masoned villages and bewildering views of elevated picnic sites and wooded valleys Here are slate roofs and signs warning that roads are iced in winter and clogged with cattle during summer Open your window while driving and listen to the hollow clanging of cowbells a one-hour car journey takes two because you keep stopping to take photographs From here look south across the Dora Baltea valley floor to see other valleys Cogne valley streets are wider and better engineered Whereas the Bernardo valley has distant vistas of almost Himalayan beauty the Cogne valley impresses because of its proximity to nearby towering rock cliffs and raging turquoise rivers Cogne is sort of a miniature Italian version of Yosemite meets Vail while Grand Bernardo is more Andes peaks and altiplano in a geography where time itself appears to often be a fading memory Val d’Aosta food is based on mountain fare with ample chestnuts and gnocchi as well as herbal Saint Marcel ham mint fritters and raspberry sorbet (with grappa Local wines include Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle (from high-altitude Petite Arvine—a rich and acidic white and Enfer d’Arvier (from red Petit Rouge grape) a liqueur made from over a dozen Alpine herbs with a taste both sweet and wild A word of caution: because this region caters to skiers and hikers three-hour lunches of the sort ubiquitous in Italian Tuscan or French Bordeaux wine country are rarer here Dessert of homemade ice cream and cranberries in Val d'Aosta Val d’Aosta is a compact space of dazzling vistas a dozen ski resorts and ten nature reserves as well those wanting only to soak in thermal springs and gaze at inspiring Alps Turin or Geneva and enter this region of serrated peaks and sumptuous meals clean starlight and gorgeous valleys worth exploring The 20th edition of the competition ended with many innovative projects awarded over 75,000 euros in cash and services: 1st prize to Inflant Its name is Inflant (INFLammasome Acting Novel Therapeutics) and it creates innovative drugs active on the NLRP3 inflammasome, an intracellular multi-protein complex that acts as a ‘sensor’ of the innate immune system and plays the role of "main promoter" of the inflammatory response. This is the cutting-edge Life Sciences project, supported by the 2I3T incubator, that won the contest Start Cup Piemonte Valle d'Aosta 2024 financed by Regione Pemonte with resources from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) the Business Plan competition is organised as part of the PNI - Italian National Innovation Award and promoted by the business incubators I3P and 2i3T to spread the culture of innovation at local level promote the economic development of the Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta regions and support the birth of innovative and knowledge-intensive start-ups in the sectors of Life Sciences Tourism and Cultural and Creative Industries The winners were chosen from around 190 business ideas innovative products and/or services in the field of information technology and new media Industrial (16%) and Cleantech & Energy (17%) are also popular 11% belong to the Tourism and Cultural and Creative Industries sector and 13% to Life Sciences Thanks to the endowment made available by the sponsors and supporters and the ESF+ resources, this year's total prize money amounted to more than €75,000, in cash and services. The winners were announced and awarded during the event hosted on October 30th at the Energy Center of Politecnico di Torino, in Turin. The start-up Inflant, which belongs to the Life Sciences category and is supported by the 2i3T incubator, won the first prize, worth €7,500. This project represents a breakthrough for clinical practice, the pharmaceutical industry and academia. The aim of the team is to create innovative drugs active on the NLRP3 inflammasome, an intracellular multi-protein complex that acts as a ‘sensor’ of the innate immune system and plays the role of the main promoter of the inflammatory response. In second place, for a €5,000 prize, is another start-up from the Life Sciences sector: Colemus, which, supported by the 2I3T incubator, develops a genetic system to be able to expand a huge number of stem cells at a very low cost, by eliminating very expensive growth factors from the growth medium, and subsequently differentiate them into muscle cells in just seven days homogenously, in order to be able to produce meat. In fourth place, three ex aequo winners with Industrial projects:  Several special prizes, promoted by the sponsors and partners of the contest, were also awarded to the best competing teams. The Valle d'Aosta Prize of €7,500, intended for the best entrepreneurial project to be set up in the Pépinière d'Entreprises of Aosta or Pont-Saint-Martin, made available by the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, went to E.GE Energia, which undertook an ambitious project to develop innovative wind generators. The Sustainability in Aerospace Award, worth €7,500 and offered by the Piedmont Aerospace Cluster for the best business project addressing the topic of sustainability in aeronautics or space, was won by Deplotic (I3P) and its project IDRA. Fondazione Laura & Franco Beltramo ETS awarded the Social Innovation Prizes worth a total of €15,000, divided into the Gold Prize of €10,000 awarded to Dewy (2I3T), which is working on finding a solution to climate change using a hydrogel that can help drought-prone vine plants at a sustainable price, and the Silver Prize of €5,000, which went to PinkRoad (I3P), for the development of an app where women meet and tackle the problem of safety on the streets together. The City of the Future and Sustainability Award worth €7,500, offered by LINKS Foundation, was given to the project Penso.Green, supported by 2I3T, for its contribution to sustainability through the development of innovative Zero Liquid Discharge systems aimed at revolutionising wastewater treatment in SMEs, minimising environmental impact and improving process efficiency, making the transition to a circular water economy sustainable. Jacobacci & Partners awarded the Jacobacci Gold and Silver Prizes, worth a total of €7,000 in consultancy services, to SupAir (€5,000), supported by the I3P incubator, and Steroidomus Medtech (€2,000), supported by 2I3T, for their projects on advanced air mobility and medical diagnostics respectively. The UniCredit Start Lab Prize, which offers a mentorship session to assess a project's suitability to enter the Start Lab programme, was awarded to the Start Cup winner, Inflant (2I3T). Finally, the three 5G&EmergingTech Prizes within the City of Turin - CTE Next project, for the best entrepreneurial projects related to social transformation, were awarded to:  During the final event of the competition, five special mentions were also awarded. The Female Entrepreneurship - Invitalia Mention was awarded to Inflant (2i3T), for developing an entrepreneurial project with a female-dominated team, exceeding 50%. This mention recognises the excellence of female entrepreneurs and their growing role in innovation. The award for the Social Innovation Mention, designed for projects proposing innovative solutions in line with the provisions of Italian Legislative Decree 155/2006 on social enterprise, went to PinkRoad (I3P). The Open Innovation / Industrial Spin-off Mention was awarded to Auranicum (I3P), for proposing a CSMO (Contractual Sales and Marketing Organisation) for exclusive products in the management of (chronic) wounds, supporting complete well-being through the provision of specialised services (therapy, monitoring, after-care and prevention) to healthcare professionals. Finally, the Sustainable Technologies Mention, offered by Jacobacci & Partners, went to ElectriFly (I3P), for revolutionising marine propulsion with efficient and reliable electric systems: a particularly original and significant project in the field of sustainable technologies, opening up new perspectives for efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The innovative company, alumnus of I3P, announced its participation in the VaginaVerso project, an innovative platform launched by Bayer. On June 4-6, the Incubator of Politecnico di Torino and a group of supported young companies will be present at We Make Future 2025 in Bologna, Italy. CA Auto Bank has selected two innovative start-ups with digital security projects as candidates for the open innovation platform launched with I3P. Europe's largest start-up and tech event will take place from 11 to 14 June in Paris, France. The initiative, supported also by I3P, offers a path for the development of skills, tools and networking opportunities to the young companies which will be selected. The 21° edition of the initiative promoting the creation of new innovative start-ups in Piedmont and Aosta Valley offers a prize pool worth over €65,000. The innovative young company has developed LexHero, an AI-based all-in-one solution for secure and efficient management of legal documents. Four companies grown in I3P will tell their stories in an event dedicated to the entrepreneurial potential of gaming, in collaboration with the Italian association IIDEA. Roll on the next Valle d’Aosta wine tasting equally eclectic producers,” writes KeayValle d’Aosta wine comes from the highest elevated vineyards in Europe Barely a week in the UK wine trade passes by without some sort of Italian wine tasting proof of that country’s vast and ever increasing oenological wealth Recently we’ve had generic tastings (Wines of Sicily tastings focused on AOCs and grape varieties (Gavi Sangiovese) alongside myriad importer events including Liberty Wines’ always impressive Piemonte tasting there’s never been an event devoted to Valle d’Aosta wine Mont Blanc in Italy’s northwest corner – until now “The region has shown it can do local and international varieties very well and really deserves to be better known There’s a story to be told here and it’s a fascinating one,” says Simon Hardy a wine expert who has spent the last several years successfully representing Swiss wines in the UK Hardy has just launched a new website resource Alpina Vina widening his remit from Swiss Wines (Valais Graubunden and Chablais) to include other Alpine wine regions including Savoie in France and Alto Adige The idea is to spread the word about these region’s varieties viticulture and producers with travel tips etc available for those who want to explore for themselves “All of these regions make great wines from varieties that are really not that well known in the trade with producers who are learning and getting better all the time,” he says Valle d’Aosta is a wine region that never experienced phylloxera Covering just 3263 square kilometres with a population of around 126,000 Italy’s smallest wine region – Italian and French are the official languages here – produces typically just 1.5m bottles a year – a drop in the ocean by Italian standards all very good with some cutting edge) account for some 75% of that Two thirds of production is red/rosé wine (local varieties include the widely planted Petit Rouge Fumin and Nebbiolo) whilst sparkling/white account for the rest (Prie Blanc is the only white autochthonous variety) International varieties including Pinot Noir alongside Swiss varieties – notably Petite Arvine – and Germany’s Müller-Thurgau With cultivation very much of the heroic kind on steep slopes with terraces and pergolas in an area which never experienced phylloxera But although wine has been made in this region for generations production went into decline in the early to mid 20th century only coming back with the help of the church: after the devastation wrought by the war Canon Joseph Vaudan spearheaded the revival of commercial winemaking helping bring in many of the aforementioned varieties this was a small but perfectly formed tasting with six producers present (of whom four have a UK importer) and around 30 wines First off, Cave Mont Blanc a cooperative of 18 growers established 40 years ago in Morgex La Salle close to the base of Mont Blanc an autochthonous variety of which just 25 hectares are grown the focus is on organic wines with no intervention Amongst a range that also showed an interesting still version of Prie Blanc – Rayon 2020 – and a delicious classic method Blanc du Blanc 2019 (12%) with great freshness and fine acidity and richness reflecting 2 years of lees ageing the absolute star here is the Cuvée des Guides 2018 (12%) incredibly rich and intense and showing great complexity The wine undergoes second fermentation and ageing at 2200m Next up, Azienda Vitivinicola Lo Triolet winner of several Tri Biccieri awards with two Pinot Gris very dark coloured wine with great texture My choice here would be the Petite Arvine 2020 (13.5%) very well made with good balance and a purity supported by fermentation in stainless steel Established 15 years ago, producing just 60,000 bottles, Ottin Vini is sustainable winery makes a delicious Fumin 2021 and two very decent Pinot Noirs especially L’Americo 2019 aged in oak barriques for 18 months and then another 12 in bottle But the standouts here are the moreish Petite Arvine 2021 – delicious and fresh having aged on fine lees in stainless steel for 8 months – and my star Ottin wine with lees ageing in big barrels for 12 months before another 12 months in bottle The gong goes to… Fumin barrel-aged for 12 months Daniele Cernilli’s Essential Guide to Italian Wines says Les Cretes is one of Italy’s top wine producers and given the quality of what was shown I found the award winning Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay Cuvee Bois 2021 a bit too oaky but age-worthy so in time the fruit will gain more complexity I liked the Rose 2022 – made from 100% Petit Rouge and aged on the lees for 2 months – quite pretty and fruit-driven but here the gong goes to the Fumin 2021 (13.5%) barrel aged for 12 months and in bottle for 6 before release; this is wonderfully dark and saline with lots of red fruit flavours and a surprisingly long finish Giorgio Anselmet showed some of the wines of the tasting – and is still seeking UK representation Quite how Maison Anselmet and its sister winery La Plantze do not have a UK importer is a mystery because the first of these in particular showed wines that were the star of the show – and not just for me judging by the gaggle of people at the stand throughout the tasting Both these wineries are owned by the Anselmet Family which can date its winemaking traditions in the Aosta region back to 1585 and who today make wines (in small volume 80,000 and 20,000 bottles respectively) experimentally I really liked Maison Anselmet’s Chardonnay eleve en fut de chene 2021 (14%) oak-fermented for 18 months but with the oak just right allowing the fruit from the 30-year-old vineyard to shine with vanilla notes supporting tropical fruit and quince on the palate La Plantze’s Vin Blanc Feroz 2021 (13.5%) was fresh and appealing whilst the Syrah L’Avener 2021 (13%) was very appealing medium bodied and textured with forest fruit on the nose and palate the star was Maison Anselmet’s extraordinary rich and nuanced Le Prisonnier 2021 (15%) which certainly captured me with its sheer audacity Made with partially dried grapes grown on 104 year old vines in a vineyard whose location can be traced back to Roman times this ambitious autochthonous blend of Petite Rouge (40%) Fumin (20%) and Mayolet (10%) fermented in stainless steel before being aged in oak for 18 months had wonderful balance What I would call one of those “you really had to be there wines.” This was a great introduction to a fascinating region with some unique and delicious wines The Buyer TVClick below to watch The Buyer's library of online debates, videos and webinars. ShareSaveCommentBETAThis is a BETA experience. opt-out hereLifestyleTravelSki Or Hike Stunning Alpine Scenery From This New Valle D’Aosta HotelByLaurie Werner Laurie Werner is a New York-based writer covering travel and food ShareSaveCommentVRetreats Cervino in Italy's Valle d'Aostagacing the Matterhorn Panoramic view of the ski slopes and Breuil-Cervinia spread over three valleys in these two countries with over 224 miles of connected slopes along with heli-skiing Cross country skiers also have a two mile loop at the foot of the Matterhorn that is appropriate for beginners but also has a section that branches off with ascents and descents that are more challenging for intermediate level skiers Non-skiers aren’t left out, however. They can take in the spellbinding scenery from the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing’s Matterhorn Glacier Ride II the last link connecting the two countries goes between the Klein Matterhorn mountain station at a 12 740 foot elevation and the Testa Griglia valley station in Italy at a 11 the highest crossing by cable car in the Alps The cars skim past the Matterhorn and provide views of 38 peaks that soar above 13,000 feet It’s a stunning view whether blanketed by snow in winter or green and lush during the equally popular warmer months Cervino is located on the slopes of the Gran Becca at an elevation of 6,726 feet constructed of local wood and stone intended to blend into the environment with tall glass windows to bring that environment in The décor in the 66 rooms and suites is rustic but refined with earth toned color schemes and walls lined with wood panels Four of the suites are SPA Suites containing their own saunas There are fuller facilities in the Adara SPA a 6,620 square foot wellness center designed to restore bodies that have gone through intense outdoor workouts—either winter sports or hiking and mountain climbing The facility contains a lap swimming pool with mountain views and a Jacuzzi Hydro massage showers with lemon and mint and a relaxation area with Himalayan pink salt a special focus on revitalizing legs with the application of regenerative creams and draining to reduce fluid retention and promote the elimination of toxins the culinary options are extensive and carefully conceived The aptly named Panorama Restaurant puts the surrounding views on display while serving classic Italian cuisine with international touches composed of mostly local ingredients The intimate Abrì Restaurant is insular and wood paneled a creative cocktail list and an outdoor terrace with Matterhorn views perfect for reflecting on that day’s activities in a spectacular setting Around 12 kilometers northeast of Aosta in Italy the earth shook with a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale on Thursday night According to the Swiss Seismological Service the earthquake was probably clearly felt near the epicenter The Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich (SED) registered the quake at 00:51 Damage is not normally expected in the event of an earthquake of this magnitude Via Francigena The entire route of the Via Francigena in Switzerland can already be reached by public transport pilgrims travelling between Martigny (Canton of Valais) and Aosta will again be able to count on an essential public transport service The urban bus line that makes travel through the Grand Combin Alps possible is back in operation. These mountains, a subsection of the Pennine Alps, are known for enclosing the mythical Great St. Bernard Pass: the boundary point between Switzerland and Italy as well as one of the most evocative spots on the Via Francigena The service, provided by the Swiss transport company TMR runs from Monday to Friday even in winter and connects the cities of Martigny and Aosta in almost two hours Further information on timetables, fares and ticket purchase channels can be found at the following link: https://www.tmrsa.ch/aoste/ Are you planning a trip along the Via Francigena in winter You may also be interested in the following articles: Share this articleand follow us on social media: 👉🏻 Itinerary 👉🏻 Where to sleep 👉🏻 I ❤️ Francigena 👉🏻 The Via by bicycle 👉🏻 Events Calendar The European Association of the Via Francigena unites municipalities and countries crossed by the Via Francigena We’re always on the lookout for new partners who share our values and who want to help us promote sustainable travel across Europe F.A.Q © Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene | C.F. 91029880340 – P.IVA 02654910344 Powered by ItinerAria Privacy | Cookie Policy  | Legal Notice  © Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene | C.F Powered by ItinerAria