Nestled high in the western Alps, Pila is the paradise for winter and summer Alpine sports lovers. You can reach Pila (formerly spelt Pilaz) by car, coach or a 17-minute cableway ride straight from the city of Aosta in the Italian valley of Mont-Blanc.

Pila has much to offer to visitors: In winter, a wide ski network of 29 slopes of different difficulty and length are open. Cableways, chairlifts and funiculars drive skiers from approximately 1,800 metres at the main hamlet of Pila up to 2,740 metres. Ski mountaineering lovers can go along paths that can take you even higher, e.g. the Tsa Sètse at 2,815 metres.

Picture © Credits to BrasilNut1

Besides, restaurants, panoramic points, a tobogganing area, freestyle fields and an ice-skating rink form Pila’s great proposition for winter sports. When the sun shines beautifully - rather common even in winter- you can enjoy the place covered by a layer of sparkling snow, as well as the breathtaking views of the Alps. In front of you, the southern side of the Grand-Combin peak (4,314 metres) stands proudly between the valley to the Great Saint-Bernard Pass and the Valpelline. All around, sharp peaks, the Italian side of the Mont-Blanc and other summits which oftentimes breach 4,000 metres high.

In summer, Pila changes its cover. The snow has disappeared, but the landscape can be as lovely as in winter. From Pila you can observe the Roman city of Aosta from above, as well as the many historical castles scattered throughout the main Aosta Valley. The surrounding Alps still provide a pleasant picture: Next to Aosta, its neighbouring villages and hamlets, the wild nature starts! The dark green of the conifer woods turns into the light green of the grass over 2,000 metres high. Higher, the white glaciers and grey sharp peaks shape the scenery. During the summertime, visitors can enjoy a brand new Adventure Park in Pila, and do paragliding, downhill or cross-country biking and much more.

Undoubtedly, the beautiful Aosta Valley also offers many opportunities for hiking and trekking lovers. We do recommend a 30-minute easy hike from Pila to Saint-Grat Hermitage (1,799 metres). This small chapel built in the 13th century, refurbished in 1754 and, then, in 1918 after being partially destroyed by an avalanche, stands isolated and fascinating in the magnificent wild nature.

The author

Marie-Madeleine & Giuseppe Renauld

Marie-Madeleine and Giuseppe are a couple living in Geneva, Switzerland. They are both passionate about travelling, history, cultures, and traditional food. They share stories about Brussels and the south of Belgium, as well as the Italian valley of Mont-Blanc and surroundings.

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