Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, you’ll find the Aosta Valley – a picturesque region dotted with majestic peaks, pretty villages and powdery slopes.
Mainly frequented by skiers and snowboarders during the winter season, the destination also boasts plenty of alternative activities and is particularly renowned for its rich culinary offering – you’re bound to love it.
Here's how H Fashion recommends planning your trip...
WHERE TO STAY:
Set in the quaint alpine village of La Tuile, and with a prime location at the foot of Mont Blanc, the 5-star Montana Lodge & Spa attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
With views of the surrounding mountains, the hotel’s rooms and suites are contemporary – but in keeping with the authenticity of the local environment (think natural wooden materials and cosy textures). Facilities include a spa, gym, ski room, restaurant and lounge bar where you can enjoy après-ski cocktails.
It’s sister hotel, Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc is a short drive away in the popular town of Courmayeur, and perfect for those seeking a glamorous ski stay.
With equally impressive scenic views, the suites at this hotel exude luxury and elegance, boasting a large living-bedroom, and a modern bathroom complete with walk-in shower and large corner bath.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows take centre-stage in the hotel's reception and communal areas, where guests can sit back with an Italian coffee and take in the views.
Insider tip:For a take-your-breath-away kind of experience, we recommend booking R Collection’s exclusive ‘Fly the Alps’ package, where you’ll be transferred between the two hotels by helicopter, flying over the breathtaking Mont Blanc area.
WHAT TO DO:
With 152km of ski slopes for all levels, La Tuile is one of the most popular Italian destinations with adrenaline seekers, and especially so with experienced skiers who can swoosh down the steepest slope in Italy. The Mont Blanc runs are equally as exciting, with 20km of cross-country trails and breathtaking natural landscapes as your backdrop.
For non-winter sports days, a visit to the Skyway Monte Bianco is a must-do. Take the high-tech cableway up the mountain for unparalleled 360-views of the mountains - the third station dubbed ‘The Sky’ sits at an altitude of 3,466 meters and has spectacular photo opportunities (trust us: your Instagram will thank you).
For an immersive gastronomy experience, head to Les Crêtes, a family-run winery which overlooks the Torrette vineyards, for chic wine tasting that’s perfect for both small and large groups. You’ll tour the cellar and get to sample a variety of wines, charcuterie and fine cheeses which have all been sourced locally. Or if you’re not afraid to get messy, roll up your sleeves at a pizza making class at Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc.
Insider tip:For a spot of retail therapy, head to Via Roma, located at the centre of Courmayeur to window shop at the likes of luxury designers Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and Moncler. If you’re after a gift or delicacy to take home, there’s plenty of boutique food and wine bars selling local cheese, meats and sweet treats.
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WHAT TO EAT:
You’ll be spoiled for choice with dining destinations in the Aosta Valley, from more modern establishments to old school Italian eateries.
Taste the traditional local cuisine at La Grolla Chalet & Restaurant, a family-run space which is reached by an exhilarating snowmobile journey. The restaurant names the Queen of Italy and the King of Spain as previous diners, so you'll be in good company.
Meanwhile Pepita Cafè is a warm and cosy village restaurant in La Tuile that’s serves gourmet style food – think carpaccio, octopus and homemade pasta. It has an extensive book of wine pairings to complement your meal, too.
Or dine in the hotels’ own restaurants, Restaurant Bistrò Alpino for perfectly cooked meat and fish plates, and La Fourchette Restaurant, which serves up a killer egg tortellini dish that almost looks too good to eat.
For lunch on the slopes, Christiania Ice Bar is a wise option – with speedy service and hearty meals like authentic Italian pizzas that’ll fuel you for an afternoon of skiing. And don’t leave without sampling the polenta with venison ragù at Lo Ratrak - it'll rock your world.
WHAT TO WELLNESS:
Aid your post-ski recovery by visiting the Erre Spa Wellness Centres at both Montana Lodge & Spa and Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc. The former has a Finnish sauna and a hugely popular outdoor hot tub, whilst the latter has a private indoor pool with hydro massage jets, a sauna and Turkish bath – all well suited to soothe tired muscles.
Treatments range from traditional facials to ayurvedic massage, and couples’ rituals are also available in the exclusive private spa.
