Pila-Aosta is said to be a "window onto the highest peaks of Europe" yet this resort has yet to be really "discovered" by the majority of British skiers. It certainly has by the "locals" which should speak volumes.
The resort is located in a wide bowl which faces north above the town of Aosta and has an extensive range of slopes to suit most. Pila is surrounded by woods and snow-covered meadows yet provides a panoramic view of Mont Blanc round to the Grand Combin, through to the the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa which are all just 18km from Aosta.
There are 85km of slopes - the longest piste being about 10km - and these are broken down into 2 blue, 2 red and 3 black. So again it lacks extensive challenges for the really good skier but it is possible to ski both La Thuile and Courmayeur by arrangement.
The slopes are served by 1 cable car; 3 gondolas, 9 chairlifts, l cable car and 3 draglifts. There are 8 mountain restaurants to ensure you do not go either thirsty of hungry when you are out skiing.
The town of Aosta dates back to Roman times and the town square is the centre of the original Roman City. The shops are good and stock a lot of local produce. The bars are friendly places to enjoy a late afternoon drink and there is plenty of evening "apres-ski" entertainment.
Interski offers a variety of value-for-money packages to the Aosta Valley, all of which include lift pass and insurance within the price. Travel by coach, or or own transport with the Aosta Valley only 10 hours from Calais if you are planning to self-drive!
You can reach the resort by using the Interski coach (see "Travel/Coach") or by your own car with a journey of around 10 hours.