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- Mountain lifts 5 mins drive from the chalet
- ten minutes walk to local restaurants
- 5 minutes from vibrant night life
- Adjacent to the historical town of Aosta
- A stones throw away to hypermarket
- VISIT 3 DIFFERENT RESORTS THAT ARE OPEN IN THE SUMMER FOR GREAT VARIETY, PILA 5 MINS, LA THUILE-35 MINS, COURMAYEUR-25 MINS AWAY
- In Pre Saint Didier there is an ancient spa
- At the top of the Grand St Bernad pass, St Bernard dogs are bred and you can visit the kennels
- Those wanting to play golf will find several courses throughout Val d'Aosta where golf lovers can practice in splendid scenic surroundings.
- There are several high altitude botanical gardens in the valley which preserve hundreds of alpine plants.
- The valley is steeped in history and lined with castles, historical buildings and churches surrounded by vineyards and fromageries in every direction
- AN ABUNDANCE OF OUTDOOR PURSUITS AWAIT YOU, SEE LOCAL INFO PAGE
LOADS OF MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS WITH SCRUMMY ITALIAN FOOD
DEFINITELY WITH THE CHEAPEST PRICES (you wont get ripped off!!)
THE AOSTA VALLEY IS A HIDDEN GEM
ONE THE ITALIANS KEEP A SECRET
BUT WE'RE LETTING THE CAT OUT THE BAG
IT'S TOO GOOD TO KEEP UNDER WRAPS!!
You can choose from a variety of sports and pastimes SEE OUR WHATS TO DO AND SEE PAGE. The valley is steeped in history and lined with castles, historical buildings and churches surrounded by vineyards latteries and fromageries in every direction. The stone houses and buildings create quaint & interesting little villages.
There is an abundance of sports and outdoor pursuits with stunning views, see the photos in the 'gallery'
Aosta city itself has some fantastic shopping - clothes, food and gifts.
The city has plenty of bars and restaurants and you shouldnt go without a visit to one of the local Gelaterias where the ice cream is second to none.
THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, A SAFE AND HONEST ENVIRONMENT AND A FAMILY ORA
GOLF
2 different clubs just 10 minutes drive from Aosta centre, both 9 hole and with driving range and other sports
http://www.golfaosta.itBIKE PARK
3 sessions - one session in 4cross and the other two in North Shore style
MOUNTAINEERING AND ROCK CLIMBING
A 360 degree view of the Aosta Valley - 7 itineries at 2550 metres
http://www.pila.itCROSS COUNTRY BIKE RIDING
12 itineries of 185 km at between 600 and 2300 metres altitude
http://www.pila.itADVENTURE PARK
assault course through the trees with an arial runway, for all the family also another new Adventure park at Rafting Republic just 5 minutes away.
http://www.pila.itBIKE STADIUM
A paradise for bikers - 4 permanent downhill runs of freeride with 3 variants
http://www.pila.itHORSE RIDING
Lessons and courses about horse-riding for those wishing to learn, guided excursions into the woods of the Pila Valley for skilled horse-riders - yet another new sporting activity to discover and practise during your holiday. Val d'Aosta Equestrian Sports Centre, Corso Lancieri 4, 0165 551580 0165 551580
http://www.pila.itFISHING
A new opportunity in Pila for the passionate of the fishing: the fish of the trout to the Chamol? lake (2325m).
http://www.pila.itNORDIC WALKING
Nordic Walking is A relatively new sporting discipline, both engaging and relaxing for walkers. With three levels of participation: general exercise, fitness and sport, everyone will find the level that suits their physical condition; be that a tranquil and therapeutic walk to maybe a more robust exercise for those athletic types.
http://www.pila.itEATING AT ALTITUDE IN THE EVENING
Sprinkled on the edge of the ski slopes, the lovely typical restaurants are one of the most original elements at Pila. Even though they are immersed in the woods or gracing a snow-covered pasture, these locales are noted for their refined menus and the typical setting, which makes ample use of stone and wood along with the presence of rich traditional objects. These locales are also open in the evening and organize transportation to the higher altitudes with motorized snow sleds
BOB SLEIGHING AND SLEDGING
The last ski-lift left in Pila, the Baby Pila has retired and has been replaced by a conveyer belt made in two sections. It will serve both the downhill piste and an area for bobsleighing and sledging. Going up and down has never been so pleasant and such fun.
http://www.pila.itDOG SLEDDING
Since 1996 the Grandes Jorasses Adventures s.r.l. has been organising exciting group tours and families and spectacular events involving sled dog sport. During our "Introduction to sled dogging", participants have a unique chance to learn how to drive their own team of sled dogs, an experience that many had previously only read about in the famous book by Zanna Bianca.
http://www.dogsledman.comVALLEY TOURS
Valley tours can be arranged with a professional guide. However during the summer we often visit the Grand St Bernado Pass where the St Bernard dogs are bred and there is an interesting museum and some beautiful scenery. The Valley is steeped in history and we can organise trips to any places you may want to go such as castles, vineyards and walks.
NIGHTCLUBS
There are several bars and discoteques in Aosta where we can drop you off - some just a couple of minutes away
AYMAVILLES RAFTING REPUBLIC
The incredible alpine white water rafting experience is the pinnacle of an adventure trip. Also hydrospeed to give a different thrill and fun. Qualified Instructors that speak English at your disposal. And whilst waiting before or after there is a bar at the base to refresh yourself!! DISCOUNT FOR THOSE STAYING WITH US.
http://www.raftingrepublic.comDORA BALTHEA WHITE WATER RAFT
The Dora Balthea river runs the whole length of the valley and is one of the classic white-water runs. There is a school at Sarre, two km from Aosta - about 20 minutes from the house.
THERMAL SPA
Aosta has been known for its natural hot springs since Roman times. The Spa and wellness centre at Pre St Didier was built in 1834 and is internationally renowned: the view of Mont Blanc form the open-air pool being a particular highlight
http://www.termedipre.comMUSEUM OF AOSTA
This is not to be confused with the typical museum of a small city. With part of the museum underground, you can see remains of one of the four gateways into the Roman city
http://www.lovevda.itSWIMMING POOL
There is a brand-new swimming pool (actually two swimming pools in a double-deck arrangement) a couple of kilometres below Gignod in the direction of Aosta. The complex includes a fitness area, a sauna and a number of beauty treatments. The building itself is spectacular, as the roof is in the shape of a wave. There is also both an indoor and outdoor pool in Aosta town and another outdoor pool towards villneuve
http://www.regione.vda.it/turismoCASTLES VISITS
The landscape is furrow, rugged and undulating and many of the hills in the Valley are crowned with castles that were constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries. They feature tall towers, each visible to another, so that the series of castles represented an efficient lookout and signaling system that stretched several hundred of miles from Torino to Martigny, in France. Castello Issonge, one of the valley's breathtaking historic castles. Castles of Fenis and Verres plus many more
http://www.naturaosta.itGRAND PARADISO PARC AND NATURAL RESERVE
Gran Paradiso National Park was the first national park established in Italy. It includes a large territory of high mountains, from the 800 meters of the bottom of the valleys to the 4,061 meters of the Gran Paradiso peak, this is just one of the many parks in the area
http://www.parks.it/regione.valledaosta/Eindex.htmlBOTANICAL GARDENS
There are four Alpine botanical gardens in Valle d'Aosta, evidence of the awareness and input given by the Autonomous Regional Council of Valle d'Aosta to preserving the natural heritage and, in particular, in protecting the floristic heritage.
http://www.regione.vda.it/turismo/territorio/patrimonio_nturale/giardini_botanici/default_e.asp.Botanic%20GardensWINE TASTING
The physical layout of the valley favors the cultivation of vines because the mountains tend to block or turn aside the coldest winds, thereby creating suitable microclimates in which grapes have flourished since the remotest times, creating a microclimates where the Valle d'Aosta wine can be produced even at high altitudes. There are many vineyards where you can have a tour and taste the wine.
http://www.aaanetserv.com/turismo/valledaosta/wine_morgeaux.htmlAOSTA CITY HISTORICAL VISIT
The chalet is just outside the very historical city of Aosta which is steeped in history and boasts an amphitheatre, the oldest tree, churches and the old city walls. A small city, Aosta has not suffered the terrible devastations that have been inflicted elsewhere by passing armies, or by the earthquakes that have shaken other parts of Italy. There is a spacious, and timeless alpine feeling throughout the city, particularly in and around its principal piazza, the Piazza Chanoux.
http://www.italianvisits.com/valledaosta/aosta/index.htmBOWLING
Bowling locally at Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto, 17, 11100 Aosta 0165 366451 and Corso Lancieri d'Aosta, 13, Aosta 0165 548477
FROMAGERIE
There are many fromageries in the valley where you can go and buy cheeses and see how they are made, most famous is the Fontina Cheese. The Milk Center, Centrale Laiti're Valle d'Aoste Srl, is a modern dairy and cheese-making business that gathers, processes, and commercializes the milk and its derivatives. The facility is located in Gressan, in the heart of the Valle d'Aosta, a region of great cheese-making traditions, mountains rich in ice, the purest water and pristine meadows.
http://www.centralelatte.vda.it/en/index.cfm/business.htmlUSEFUL LINKS ON DIRECTIONS PAGE
Links for ski hire, bars, restaurants and transport on bottom of DIRECTIONS page
TROUT FISHING
Fishing in the chamole lake is permitted with the necesary license.
FOOD AND WINE TOUR
visit salami firm and taste the products, visit a winery and see the production of wine. Lunch at a farm with a typical Aosta menu, Visit a distillery where grappa is made.
http://www.it.aostatour.comEXCURSION OF THE CITY
with explanation of the ancient buildings and visit the archaelogical museum.
GOLF
10 minutes from the chalet also golf at Courmayeur half hour away www.golfcourmayeur.it and www.hotelroyalegolf.com and also at Gignod 15 minutes away www.golfaosta.it
http://www.golflesiles.itJIVE DANCING
David and Jane were jive teachers at the Surrey University in the UK and offer intense courses at their chalet surrounded by mountains and vineyards. 2-3 two hourly lessons each day giving you time to do a little sight seeing, wine and cheese tasting and enjoy the lovely local walks. Email us and we will work out a programme that will suit you with the dates that suit you. jdski@hotmail.co.uk
http://www.jdsummer.co.ukDOG KENNELS, MUSEUM AND HOSPICE
Visit the famous St Bernard Dog Kennels. See the latest litter of puppies and all the breeding dogs and their puppies. Visit the museum which tells you of their story and gives information about the local area. See the hospice, the church and the artifacts and treasures. Definitely a must for dog lovers and families!
http://www.aisb.itICE SKATING
Ice skating in an indoor arena in Aosta town with an outdoor arena up at the resort of Pila
http://www.artistique-hil-vda.itGYMNASIUM
There are various gyms in the area for weights, tennis, dance, martial arts etc please enquire when you arrive.
TENNIS
A huge abundance of tennis courts in close proximity - you will be spoilt for choice
SQUASH
There are several local courts however David is a qualified coach and frequents a particular club. He is up for a good game or some coaching if you require it
ROCK CLIMBING
English speaking mountaineer available for Rock climbing -Mountainering (for example: Grand Paradis, Tour Ronde, Breithorn, Monte Rosa ... typical summits from vda) -Paragliding (tandem for everyone) rock climbing, ice climbing, off piste in winter please enquire
MOUNTAINEERING
English speaking mountaineer available for Rock climbing -Mountainering (for example: Grand Paradis, Tour Ronde, Breithorn, Monte Rosa ... typical summits from vda) -Paragliding (tandem for everyone) rock climbing, ice climbing, off piste in winter please enquire
SKIING
Although David and Jane offer free ski lessons there are two ski schools in Pila if you want extra lessons or snowboard lessons with either EVOLUTION SKI wwwevopila.it or THE ITALIAN SKI SCHOOL www.scualdisci.it BOTH HAVE ENGLISH SPEAKING TEACHERS
http://www.pila.it
