Pila Advanced Skiing

Piste number 11, the Resselin, is a steep and challenging black run from the top of the Couis 2 chairlift (2,612m) and piste number 8, the Tsa Creuisa, is a fun and sometimes bumpy descent accessed from the top of the Couis 1 chairlift (2,705m). Chamole 1 is a very attractive quiet run cut through the trees to the left of the Chamole chairlift – exceptional after a good snow fall.

In addition to the free ride zone there are plenty of safe areas for off-piste skiing through the many ancient woods that border Pila’s pistes. The ski area is mainly north facing and the tree-lined slopes make for some excellent snow conditions with great powder in the woods. Advanced skiers can also have some fun on the timed slalom run.

There are also much longer itineraries that require some uphill climbing. Two of them are shown on the piste map but should still be skied with a guide: the descents from 2815m Col Tsa Sétse and from 2662m Pointe du Drinc.

For most advanced skiers, Pila only has enough slopes for between two and three days, depending on how much off-piste they want to do. That makes it perfect for a weekend, or as just one resort that can be visited from Aosta  (which as well as being a an interesting historical city, is also the transport hub for the whole region so makes an excellent base). Most Pila ski apsses entitle you to at least one days’ skiing in the one or two of the other Aosta valley resorts – Courmayeur, Monterosa Ski (Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna), Cervinia and La Thuile. if that sounds too limiting, buy a special Aosta Valley ski pass that lets you ski all of them without restrictions. They all have good black run and/or off-piste skiing. There are public transport links, but if you’re going to do a lot of travelling, hiring a car is preferable.