Winter in the Aosta Valley: what to do when you don’t ski

Walking in winter, with or without snowshoes, puts you in direct contact with the surrounding environment: silence deepens, animal tracks become more visible, the eye finds no boundaries, the horizon widens. In the cold months, the Aosta Valley is the perfect place to experience all this, thanks to a network of routes ranging from easy walks to more demanding hikes, always immersed in wide-open, striking landscapes.

From the Lys Valley to Castel Savoia, in the footsteps of a Queen

In the Lys Valley, the mountains take on a fairytale quality. From the centre of Gressoney-Saint-Jean you reach Lake Gover, then continue along the so-called “Queen’s Walk,” a simple, well-marked route leading to Castel Savoia. Commissioned by Queen Margherita of Savoy at the end of the 19th century, the castle seems to emerge from the forest like a vision, especially in winter, when snow enhances its romantic character.

The route is suitable for everyone, even without snowshoes, and can be extended with a short loop along the nature trail behind the castle, winding through a particularly quiet forest. It is an ideal walk for those approaching winter hiking for the first time.

Rhêmes Valley, the absolute quiet of Lake Pellaud

Wilder and more secluded is the Rhêmes Valley, which runs parallel to the Gran Paradiso National Park. Here, the relationship with nature feels direct, almost intimate. From the village of Bruil, you walk along a snow-covered track following the Dora di Rhêmes river, passing small hamlets and dense forests until you reach Lake Pellaud.

The lake appears suddenly among the trees, often partially frozen. Silence is total, broken only by the sound of snow under your boots. Depending on conditions, snowshoes may not be necessary, making this route suitable even for those looking for a relaxing walk, far from the busiest tourist flows.

La Thuile and the suspended hamlet of Petosan

At the foot of Mount Rutor, the La Thuile valley hides a small world of its own. The circular hike to the hamlet of Petosan is short but surprising. You walk along what in summer is a road, transformed in winter into a soft white track, until you reach the few houses of the village, immersed in an almost unreal solitude.

From here, you tackle the only ascent of the route, which rewards you with one of the widest panoramas of the entire hike: Mont Blanc dominates the scene, flanked by the Grandes Jorasses and the Dent du Géant. An easy itinerary that does require snowshoes, perfect for those seeking little effort and a big visual payoff.

Ayas Valley, at the foot of the Monte Rosa glaciers

Increasing both altitude and difficulty, you reach the Verra Plains in the Ayas Valley. From Saint-Jacques you climb through forests and alpine pastures to a vast hanging basin above 2,000 metres, dominated by the walls of Monte Rosa. Castor and Pollux loom over the landscape, while the alpine huts seem tiny in the face of such grandeur.

Here, snowshoes are essential and the route requires a minimum level of fitness, but the reward is one of the most iconic winter scenes in the Aosta Valley. A powerful, open mountain environment that invites you to take your time and simply look.

Valtournenche, the balcony of Saint-Evence

Between Torgnon and Saint-Denis, a forest path leads to the chapel of Saint-Evence. The itinerary is easy and well-tracked, yet offers an impressive viewpoint. From the knoll where the chapel stands, your gaze sweeps over the Dora Baltea valley and Valtournenche, with the unmistakable profile of the Matterhorn rising on the horizon.

It is a short walk, ideal even on the coldest days, when you want to head out without tackling much elevation gain but still enjoy a panorama that more than pays you back.

Beyond walks: snowshoeing, castles and great classics

Not skiing does not mean limiting yourself to snowy paths and walks. Alongside nature, there is a rich historical heritage: more than one hundred castles scattered across the region, from Fénis to Issogne, from Aymavilles to Castel Savoia, which in winter take on an even more evocative charm.

The frozen waterfalls of Lillaz, in the Cogne Valley, are also unmissable, spectacular both for photography enthusiasts and for those who practice ice climbing. And for anyone seeking relaxation, spas and thermal hotels offer the perfect refuge after a day in the cold.

Finally, the symbolic experience: the Skyway Monte Bianco. Riding up to Punta Helbronner at 3,466 metres means coming face to face with the roof of Europe and some of the most imposing peaks in the Alps. An experience that, on a clear winter day, is guaranteed to stay with you.