Alpine Logistics

Valle d’Aosta is a truly fantastic location for ski mountaineering. With fourteen side valleys and a vast array of 3000m and 4000m peaks, there are literally hundreds of possibilities for one-day to multi-day excursions for all levels of ability. All will take you through wild and spectacular mountain scenery and conditions permitting, gratify you with untouched powder snow on your descent. There are also more demanding itineraries which require knowledge on the use of crampons, ice axes and glacier travel.

The Area

Valle d’Aosta is in the heart of the Italian Alps close to the Swiss and French borders. The alpine town of Aosta is centrally located within the valley and is a good base for visiting ski mountaineers wishing to experience a different area every day. A hire car is suggested so that you aren’t limited in your choice of itineraries. There is a good choice of accommodation in town, from full-board agriturismi to self-catering apartments.

Climate and season

This region is well known for its sunny skies and abundant snow. The season generally extends from January to mid-April.

What we offer

We can book you into the accommodation type of your choice and arrange a hire car from the airport. We will post the guide book to you in advance, or make sure that you have it on your arrival. ‘Orizzonti Bianchi’ is the recommended guide book, containing almost 100 selected ski-mountaineering excursions of all levels. We can also provide you with the relevant maps and equipment (including avalanche safety equipment) if required.

Use the notice board to find other people to go with and check our blog for the latest on conditions.

Prices

These vary according to season; those below are approximate. If you let us know your requirements we can provide you with an exact figure (contact us). Prices include half-board accommodation or self-catering apartment, ski hire and car rental. They are based on 2 people sharing a room.

• With self-catering apartment of four: 353 Euros.
• With half-board accommodation: 644 Euros.

How to get here

Turin and Milan are the closest airports, approximately an hour’s drive away. Ryanair and Easyjet respectively offer very conveniently priced flights to these destinations from the rest of Europe.

Please note this is only recommended for competent ski mountaineers, confident in both ascent with skins and descent off-piste. Navigation skills and knowledge of snow conditions are imperative for safety. If you are a good skier but have no experience in ski-mountaineering, we also offer many options for guided tours, which can help you to transfer your skills.

Example Itineraries

Mont Gele (3518m). A magnificent one-day trip for good ski mountaineers. The height gain is 1818m and takes approximately six hours. From the summit there are fantastic views across into Switzerland and of the Matterhorn.

Gran Paradiso Tour. Gran Paradiso (4061m) is a beautiful peak found in the first Italian National Park of the same name. It’s well known for its wild-life and prestine high mountain environment. In three to seven days you can complete one of the best multi-day ski mountaineering tours in Italy, which crosses the park through some of its wildest and most spectacular terrain. Going from hut to hut you can also be sure of a good Italian meal and a comfy bed at the end of each day. Use of crampons required in sections.

Monte Croce (2894m). A beautiful one-day trip good for acclimatisation or those still getting to grips with ski-mountaineering. It’s a 1204m ascent in approximately four hours.