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Set above the Roman town of Aosta, and with beautiful views of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) and the Matterhorn, Pila is a modern, purpose-built resort, with an excellent snow record due to the natural basin that surrounds the ski area, protecting it from the wind. The average elevation (up to 2,800m) and north-facing slopes also shield the snow from direct sunlight, providing guests with unique and unparalleled skiing experiences. There are 70 kms of perfect pistes maintained by more than 400 snow cannons, served by modern ski lifts, and offering a beguiling mix of tree-lined runs and vast, wide, open slopes.
Linked to this ski area by the efficient Aosta gondola, which offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding peaks throughout its 18-minute ride, is the valley town of Aosta, which is nothing short of a cultural delight. As you meander through the old streets of the historical centre, you will find that Aosta is like a large, open-air museum, with a wealth of Roman and medieval monuments, art exhibitions and prestigious buildings. It's also a buzzing Italian town full of interesting bars, boutiques and delicatessens.
A relatively short 90-minute transfer from the nearest airport, at Turin, Pila merits the description of hidden gem, and is ideal for both short breaks and longer stays.
Pila has undergone a great deal of expansion in recent years, thanks largely to its big ski area and the work continues - work is underway to build a new gondola lift, along with service centres and a panoramic restaurant, which will connect the existing Aosta-Pila gondola lift arrival area to the Platta de Grevon (2,730m) by 2024. This location offers a panoramic view of some of the highest mountains in Europe, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Grivola, Gran Paradiso, and many more. At Pila, enjoyment can always be guaranteed, both on and off the slopes. Sport and entertainment go hand in hand throughout a season full of excitement. Après ski is lively.
There is no need for cars because you will find ski slopes and services right on your doorstep. Pila is a natural balcony with 360° views across Europe's highest peaks.
Pila - Ski Map & Pistes:
There is something here for everyone from beginners to experts. Pila's wide blues are great for novices, while intermediates will adore the host of red runs. For advanced skiers there are a few black runs, plus good off-piste, beautiful tree skiing and heli- and cat-ski options.
Skiing in Pila through woods of birch and larch in total safety and liberty is a unique experience open to everyone. Beginners and children have easy ski runs such as Baby Pila, Baby Gorraz and Grimod (the longest run here at 4km). The more advanced progress on to steeper slopes such as Leissé, Nouva and Couis 2, which usually have excellent snow. Don't miss the Du Bois run from the Chamolé chair: it's a wonderful experience skiing through aromatic birch woods and good snow first thing in the morning.
More advanced skiers should head to the summit of the fast Couis 2 lift at 2,600m, with views out over the whole mountain area, before enjoying the adrenalin rush of the Bellevue black run. Couis 1 is another challenging run, with more breathtaking panoramas over the nearby Cogne valley and the entire Monte Rosa range. Overall, Pila has modern comfortable ski lifts that minimise lift queues and provide fast ascents. The slopes are well maintained with 250 cannons for snowmaking guaranteeing that at least 53% of slopes are covered.
Ski pass options include an Aosta Valley Skipass which allows you you to ski at other resorts in the Aosta Valley.
Pila - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring:
Off-piste is a little limited but local ski guides can help you find some great spots. There’s also a good slopestyle snowpark. Specially dedicated to freeriders, the Platta de Grevon track is served by a conveyor belt protected by a modern cover in plexiglass that starts from the Couis 1 station and allows you to descend from the Platta de Grevon at 2700m altitude up to the Plan de L’Eyve. The new black run is left in natural conditions in the days following a heavy snowfall and only later is it groomed and used by a wider range of skier.
Like many ski resorts, Pila is also developing activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing and ski touring. The resort is currently designing a snowshoe itinerary that will traverse the most scenic areas of Pila and are expected to include culinary offerings as well. Additionally, two ski touring routes are being created to enhance the range of experiences offered.
Pila - Restaurants, Bars & The Town:
Once the slopes close, Pila has a friendly, lively atmosphere, especially on the weekends when Italian day-trippers come to visit. The laid-back après ski is very Italian and for downtime family fun, try snow tubing, snowshoe walks and outdoor ice skating.
There are plenty of good bar/restaurants, amongst them Lo Baoutson, Hermitage and La Chatelaine, some good apres bars, including Bar Mion, and the Bar della Nouva and an ice rink. The Old English Distillery in Aosta town is a popular après venue down the valley.
The largely pedestrianised old town of Aosta is steeped in history. The layout of the Roman town can still be identified in its main features, the Roman walls and the most important buildings of Aosta. Highlights include the arch of Augustus, the Roman Theatre and the Cryptoporticus - a semi-subterranean gallery supported by strong arches, which was part of the Forum complex, with many other remains such as a magnificent amphitheatre and triumphal arch. You can explore the markets, restaurants and a whole host of evening entertainments as they're right on your doorstep.
Pila - Ski Hire:
There are half a dozen outlets for ski rental in Pila, including La Roccia, Ski Rental Solothurn and Plan Bois.
Pila - Ski School:
In Pila you’ll find 2 ski schools with around 130 ski instructors offering individual lessons, courses for groups and lessons for racers as well as guided skiing. Special rates are charged for families. Check out Pila Ski School and the Evolution Ski and Snowboard School.
