Stunning peaks, pine forests, waterfalls, and tiny villages color Italy’s least-populated and most-elevated region, Valle d’Aosta (VA-leh da-OS-ta). The valley is a key transportation hub; Hannibal and his elephants once traversed Aosta’s St. Bernard Pass, and today an even greater stampede of heavy-goods vehicles barrel through the Monte Bianco tunnel. Some locals fear that Aosta’s status as a trade gateway damages the natural splendor and destabilizes the tourist economy. Before the tractor trailers and even before the skiers, Aosta welcomed elites seeking hot springs and alpine freshness. Living so close to their Swiss and French neighbors, valdostani take on much of their continental cousins’ cultural character, evident at intersections of a via with a rue or Strasse. Though not the Italy of the popular imagination, Valle d’Aosta’s unique setting and culture, its relative seclusion from the masses, and the stunning Alps make it the perfect destination to taste Alpine glory.
The scenic trails of Valle d’Aosta are a hiker’s paradise: whether day hiking or taking a longer trip, they offer a unique opportunity to see Northern Italy’s pristine peaks up close ...more
Skiing Valle d’Aosta’s mountains and glaciers is a fantastic experience; unfortunately, doing so isn’t cheap. One-week Settimane Bianche (White Weeks) packages for skiers are one source ...more
A host of activities—rock climbing, biking, hang-gliding, hydrospeeding, and rafting—will keep your adrenaline rushing in the valleys. Rafting and other water expeditions are available from ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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