Gressoney is an enchanting alpine village located at an altitude of over 1,300 metres, and is one of the best-known ski resorts in the Valle d’Aosta. In fact, there are numerous things to do in Gressoney.
This picturesque resort is located in the Lys Valley, at the foot of Monte Rosa, and consists of two municipalities, Gressoney-La-Trinité and Gressoney-Saint-Jean, thus strategically positioned between Champoluc and Alagna.
Precisely for this reason, Gressoney is the perfect destination for those wishing to explore the Monterosa Ski area, thanks to the many outdoor activities it offers, which extend on both sides of the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions.
But let’s take a closer look at the 8 things to do in Gressoney:
1. Skiing on the ski slopes of Monterosa Ski
Located in the Italian Alps, therefore also very convenient for skiing near Milan, the Monterosa Ski area is one of the largest in Europe, with over 180 km of slopes.
Monterosa Ski consists of three ski resorts, which together form the “3 Valleys ski resort“, with a maximum altitude of 3,250 metres. Alagna Valsesia, Champoluc and Gressoney are the territories in which this magnificent ski area is developed.
Skiing on the ski slopes of Monterosa Ski is certainly an unforgettable experience for winter sports enthusiasts, also because Gressoney offers ski slopes for all levels of ability, from beginner ski slopes to more advanced slopes for expert skiers.
We at Snowit think that the combination of beautiful ski slopes, breathtaking scenery and a relaxing atmosphere make it one of the best ski areas in Europe.
Buy your skipass for Gressoney now, so you too can experience the thrill of skiing on the beautiful slopes of Monterosa Ski.
Also, if you don’t have your own skiing equipment, take advantage of the ski and snowboard rent for Gressoney offered by Snowit.
2. Snowshoeing in Gressoney
Snowshoes are equipment that allows you to walk in the snow, distributing your body weight over a larger surface area than normal hiking boots.
Snowshoeing in Gressoney certainly gives you the opportunity to explore the surrounding valleys and mountains in a unique and evocative way, from another point of view. This is why, in our opinion at Snowit, a snowshoe hike is one of the things to do in Gressoney.
The Gressoney area offers many opportunities for snowshoeing, thanks to the presence of numerous trails winding through the fir and larch forests and the peaks of the surrounding mountains.
Some of the most famous hikes include the one to Lake Gabiet, located at an altitude of around 2,300 metres, which offers a spectacular panorama of Monte Rosa and the surrounding valleys, as well as the one to the Passo dei Salati.
To participate in these snowshoe hikes, you need to be in good physical shape and have adequate equipment, which includes snowshoes, suitable clothing for the cold and wet mountain climate, waterproof hiking boots, gloves and a hat.
Book your snowshoeing day on Snowit now.
3. Visiting Savoy Castle
Savoy Castle is a castle located in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, therefore only a few kilometres from the Monterosa Ski area. It was built at the end of the 19th century on behalf of Queen Margaret of Savoy, who loved spending her summer holidays in this area.
The castle is set in a picturesque natural park, where one can admire numerous species of plants and flowers, as well as enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
During the tour inside the castle, you can learn about the history of the castle and Queen Margaret, as well as discover some curious details about court life at the time. In addition, the castle often hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events.
A visit to Savoy Castle is particularly recommended for lovers of history and art, but also for those seeking a quiet break in an enchanting place.
4. Getting to know the Walser culture
The Walser culture is a unique cultural heritage that has developed over centuries in the Alps, particularly in the Monte Rosa region of Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
The Walser were originally Germanic people who settled in the Alps between the 12th and 13th centuries, and they developed their own culture and language, which have survived to the present day.
Gressoney is one of the areas where the Walser culture is still alive and present, in fact, Gressoney-Saint-Jean also has a Walser Culture Museum, which is open to the public.
The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Walser through a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Inside the museum, you can admire traditional objects, costumes, musical instruments, historical documents and photographs that tell the story of Walser daily life.
Getting to know the Walser culture is one of the most interesting things to do in Gressoney, but it is also an activity that you can easily face if you are in Champoluc or Alagna, so if you are a curious person, see also the things to do in Champoluc.
5. Taste Gressoney’s local cuisine
The Aosta Valley is famous for its local cuisine, so Gressoney is also a culinary treasure trove rooted in Alpine tradition.
Gressoney cuisine is characterised by the use of local ingredients of high quality, such as local cheeses, wild boar meat, lamb and polenta, but also for the presence of more special dishes such as fontina fondue, Valle d’Aosta steak and Arnad lard.
In addition, the area also offers excellent wines, such as Donnas, Chambave Muscat and Torrette, which go perfectly with the dishes of Gressoney cuisine.
Tasting the cuisine of Gressoney is therefore a unique experience that allows you to discover the authentic flavours of Alpine tradition and to immerse yourself in a natural landscape of great beauty.
To make the most of a dinner in a typical Valle d’Aosta place, make sure you also book a hotel in Gressoney, so you can spend the night immersed in a beautiful mountain atmosphere.
6. Excursions to the lakes in the area
Walking around the lakes in the Gressoney area, including Lake Gover and Lake Gabiet, is an experience that enchants the senses and refreshes the spirit. Located in the beautiful area of Gressoney, these two alpine lakes offer breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
6.1 Walk at Lake Gover
The walk along Lake Gover, located near Gressoney-Saint-Jean, is particularly impressive, with its paved road skirting the crystal-clear water and the centuries-old larch forests that frame the panorama. Various wild animals, such as chamois and marmots, can also be encountered along the route, approaching visitors with curiosity.
6.2 Walk at Lake Gabiet
The walk at Lake Gabiet, located a few kilometres from Gressoney-La-Trinité, on the other hand, is more challenging but just as spectacular, with a route that crosses woods, meadows and streams and leads to a vantage point where you can admire the view of the Monte Rosa glacier.
In both cases, the walk to Lake Gover and Gabiet is a unique and unforgettable experience for all those who love nature and the mountains.
7. Letting children play at the Baby Snow Park in Gressoney
The Baby Snow Park in Gressoney is an excellent option for children to play in the snow in a safe and fun way, letting them discover the beauty of the mountains in winter.
This winter playground is designed specifically for the youngest children, with various activities and games in the snow, such as slides, tunnels, obstacles and learning paths.
8. Explore the entire Lys Valley
The municipality of Gressoney is also part of the Lys Valley, also known as the Gressoney Valley, known for the strong presence of the Walser culture.
There are many hiking trails that cross forests, meadows and streams and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
A visit to the Lys Valley in Gressoney certainly offers many opportunities to explore the nature, culture and heritage of the area, so it is an experience you should not miss if you are a mountain lover.
