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Winter Rules in Val d’Aosta

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We’ve only seen a glimpse of it so far, but winter is on its way.  And one of Italy’s best places for wintertime fun is in Val d’Aosta, the autonomous region tucked up into the country’s northwest corner between France and Switzerland.  Home to Italy’s Alps, including the famous Monte Bianco (or as the French say, Mont Blanc) and the Matterhorn, skiing reigns supreme in this region, particularly in its resort towns of Courmayeur and Cervinia.

Dotted with castles from the Middle Ages as well as German- and French-speaking towns, the region is crisscrossed by Alpine passes to France, including the Great St. Bernard Pass (home to the barrel-adorned dogs).  For those not prone to acrophobia, a cable car crosses the Alps from Courmayeur to Chamonix, France, offering breathtaking views—particularly of the Giant Glacier.

The region may be Italy’s smallest and least-populated, but Aosta, its capital, came in number six last year in a survey of Italy’s best places to live.  With its strong Roman ties and well-preserved ruins, it’s easy to understand why.

The food in Val d’Aosta is hearty—potatoes, polenta, and risotto.  The Valley is known for its cheeses like Fontina and its up-and-coming wines like Blanc de Mordex et de la Salle and Val d’Aosta (DOC).

After a season of top-notch skiing, Val d’Aosta’s snowy peaks give way to blossoming trails and Italy’s oldest national park, Gran Paradiso, which make for ideal hiking in spring and summer.  There are also plenty of year-round folk festivals and open-air markets throughout the region.

There’s plenty to do in Val d’Aosta—no matter the season.  But for now, enjoy the mountainous valley during its peak—winter.


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