Monterosa Ski Area

Any skier of intermediate level and above should consider the Monterosa ski region as a whole rather than as three separate valleys, regardless of which resort you are based in. Looked at on the map, these valleys can – very broadly - be seen as beginner, intermediate and advanced, from left to right.

The Monterosa’s three valleys are comparable to the Trois Vallees in France in terms of the physical relationship of the main resorts, but they could hardly offer a more different ski experience. There are around 200km of long, pisted runs in an unspoiled natural environment and minimal resort development. While the crowds arrive for the weekends and peak holiday periods, for the most part, the skiing in Monterosa region is on amazingly quiet pistes.

Much of the terrain remains undeveloped and is perfect for off- piste skiing. Alagna is legendary for advanced off piste itineraries, but the area as a whole has a lot to offer deep snow skiers at every level. At the other end of the spectrum, for families and intermediates it is an un-crowded and relaxed area of friendly terrain and magnificent scenery.

Champoluc offers most of the gentle terrain and has plenty of sheltered runs and convenient meeting and eating points on the mountain. It is also the furthest from the big off piste itineraries – no chance of accidentally ending up on a glacier at 3,500m on your second day on skis – though it does have some reasonably challenging pistes and bumpy runs.

Gressoney, in the centre, is well placed for access to both of the neighbouring valleys. Gressoney also has plenty of terrain in its own right on both sides of the valley, with a lower region of tree lined runs reached directly from La Trinite, which is well linked to the rest of the ski area. The new cable car, the Salati Punta Indren, reaches the highest point of the Monterosa ski area (3,275m), from where fabulous off piste descents to both Gressoney and Alagna can be made.

Alagna has its own small pisted ski area and is also well linked by new lifts to Gressoney. Due to its huge, managed free-ride area and high mountain environment, it remains popular as an off piste free-ride destination.
Limited piste skiing in Alagna means heading into Gressoney each day for extra groomed terrain, which is great in fine weather, but less appealing, and sometimes not possible, in a storm.

Off Piste and Heli Ski in Monterosa
At the head of all three valleys, above the pistes, stretches the broad collection of peaks and glaciers that make up the Monterosa massif. The entire southern flank is laced with off piste itineraries reached by a combination of lift and legwork, or helicopter. The main starting point is from the ridge between Gressoney and Alagna – which is the real reason to base yourself in one of these two valleys if you’ve come to ski off piste.

Both Antagnod in the Ayas Valley, and Gressoney St Jean, have small independent ski areas suitable for children and beginners.

Monterosa

Base	3,976 ft (1,212 m)
Summit	10,695 ft (3,260 m)
Elevation	6,719 ft (2,048 m)
Snowmaking
Ski area
Beginner	22 %
Intermediate	67 %
Advanced	11 %
Number of trails	73
Longest trail	0 mi (0 km)
Snowfall	0 inch (0 cm)
Season start	early Jan
Season end	early Jan