Two different regions, yet both blessed with extraordinary scenery, authentic traditions and endless experiences to enjoy in every season.
The Val d’Ayas winds its way through woods, pastures and small villages, passing through the municipalities of Challand-Saint-Victor, Challand-Saint-Anselme and Brusson before reaching Ayas with its renowned resorts of Antagnod and Champoluc.
Here, the mountains reveal themselves gradually as you stroll along the ancient ‘Ru’ – the historic irrigation channels that have been transformed into picturesque walking routes – visit artisan workshops and savour the region’s finest produce. Don’t leave without picking up a pair of traditional wooden sabots or a piece of Fromadzo PDO, one of the Aosta Valley’s PDO products.
Brusson, chosen as a favourite spot by the writer Paolo Cognetti and also beloved by Joan Baez, is a perfect destination for families, ideal all year round for walks, hikes, cross-country skiing and relaxing amidst nature.
Higher up, Champoluc is a paradise for mountain lovers. Hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, ski lifts and skiing make this resort one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Alps. From here, you can access the Monterosa Ski area, which links the Val d’Ayas to Gressoney-La-Trinité and Alagna, offering spectacular experiences both in winter on the slopes and in summer along the trails that connect mountain huts and valleys, with the convenient Trek Bus service for the return journey.
On the opposite side lies the Gressoney Valley, home to the Walser people, an ancient community of Germanic origin whose influence is still clearly evident today in the language, the timber and stone architecture, and the local traditions.
In Gressoney-Saint-Jean, you can visit the elegant Castel Savoia, Queen Margherita’s summer residence, set amidst a magnificent botanical garden, stroll along the lake and soak up the refined atmosphere of one of the most charming villages in the Alps.
For those who love the mountains in their purest form, Gressoney-La-Trinité is the ideal starting point for exploring the great four-thousanders of Monte Rosa. Glaciers, historic mountain huts, climbing, trekking, downhill skiing and ski mountaineering make this resort an unmissable destination for sports enthusiasts and high-mountain lovers.
Whether you’re looking for an active holiday, a family break or a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature, the Val d’Ayas and the Gressoney Valley are sure to win you over with their perfect blend of culture, alpine scenery and hospitality. Book your stay at the foot of Monte Rosa and let yourself be captivated by one of the most authentic places in the Aosta Valley.