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Monterosa
The Monte Rosa’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’s ‘only’ around 200km of piste, with minimal development of resort facilities and skilifts, while during the week in low season skiers are almost outnumbered by lift company workers. The crowds come at weekends and on Italian holidays, from nearby Milan and Turin. Much of the terrain remains undeveloped and perfect for off piste skiing, for which the area is known to a discerning few; 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’s a relaxed area of friendly terrain in magnificent scenery.
The villages of Champoluc, in the Ayas Valley, the furthest west of the three, and Gressoney in the central valley of the same name, are the best known ski resorts. In a region where even the busiest villages seem sleepy, the isolation of Alagna and the limited nature of its pistes make it a die-hard off piste destination, though it is easy to reach from the west of Milan and should become more popular with the recently improved lift-link to the rest of the ski region. None of the valleys offer much in the way of night-life, but the villages maintain an authenticity and charm lacking in more developed resorts.
Though the flavour is resolutely up-market Italian, the valleys have a cosmopolitan background, having been settled hundreds of years ago by people migrating south from Germany and Switzerland. Pockets of a Germanic language can still be found, and the architecture is more Swiss then Italian, with stone roofed barns of weathered timber dotting the hillsides. French is also spoken by many – a legacy of the entire Aosta valley having been part of the Savoie a couple of centuries ago. Despite the broad ranging influences, the local cuisine is a distinctive variation on the Alpine cheese and dried meat theme. Much better than it sounds is the thinly sliced, herb flavoured lard; more of an acquired taste is a version of fondue - fonduta - while the local cabbage soup is nothing of the sort, with a knife and fork required to tackle it.
Even with competition from Courmayeur - an hour away at the head of the Aosta Valley - and other major Italian resorts like Cervinia (even closer as the crow flies), it remains surprising that the area hasn’t gained a bigger international following. With Gressoney little over an hour from Turin airport it deserves more attention from skiers looking for skiing first, and après-ski second. And if you want to heliski, it’s one of the best value opportunities, with the most extensive options, of the few that remain in the Alps.
Monterosa at a glance
On the mountain
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. more...
Lift system
The Monterosa ski pass covers all the lifts across the three valleys, including several small resorts not lift-connected to the main domain. A one week pass (hands-free) includes a day’s skiing at Pila and La Thuile, two major resorts further up the Aosta valley. more...
Ski schools & guiding
As with much of Italy, there’s a strong sense of ski school as something only for toddlers. For private lessons, either alone or with a group of friends, you should be able to find an instructor with good English but it’s best to make enquiries in advance. more...
Advanced
None of the pistes – even the few black runs – pose much challenge to advanced skiers, unless you like to go at warp speed. more...
Intermediate
Confident skiers who are phased only by truly black runs can relax here: the whole domain is open to you on piste. more...
Beginner
Champoluc is the obvious place and is rightly popular with families; novices begin at the dedicated lift and nursery slope at Crest. more...
Boarding & freestyle
There’s no park; boarders come for the off piste. more...
Mountain restaurants
There are plenty of bars/restaurants throughout the area with fine Italian espressos and cappuccinos everywhere. Lots of local grappa including ‘Mother-in-laws milk’ which tastes better than it sounds. more...
Ski Map
- open Monterosa Ski map
Off the mountains
Village
Champoluc, Gressoney St
Jean, Gressoney La Trinite, Stafal, Alagna are the main villages in the Monterosa area.
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Accommodation
All of the main villages around the Monterosa region have very good accommodation, from chalets to four-star hotels.
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Après-ski
The Gressoney valley is the main focus of après-ski in Monterosa.
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Restaurants & bars
Both villages in the Gressoney valley have a smattering of small bars, of the good-old smoky continental style (though smoking has in fact been banned from bars and restaurants in Italy for several years). Try the Bierfall in St Jean, and Bar One in La Trinite. more...
Getting there
For Gressoney and Champoluc the nearest point to fly to is Turin Caselle international airport from where it’s a little over one hour by road to Gressoney and one and a half hours to Champoluc. more...
Boxes leftside
Navigation
Quick access
Resort shortcuts
Monterosa facts
Ski Area
| Base | 3,976 ft 1,212 m |
| Summit | 10,695 ft 3,260 m |
| Elevation | 6,719 ft 2,048 m |
Trails/runs
| Number of trails | 73 |
| Advanced | 11 % |
| Intermediate | 67 % |
| Beginner | 22 % |
Lifts
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 8 |
| Chairs | 22 |
| Surface lifts | 9 |
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