The Pila ski resort, located in the Aosta Valley region, is a popular destination for ski and winter sports enthusiasts. Its 1800 metre altitude, from an altitude of 1540 to 2740 metres, offers a breathtaking landscape from Mont Blanc to Grand Combin and from the Matterhorn to Monte Rosa.
With its well-prepared slopes, modern ski lifts and wonderful panoramic views of the Alps, Pila therefore offers a unique skiing experience.
But it is not only skiing that attracts visitors, the area also offers many leisure activities, making it an ideal winter holiday destination.
In this article, we will explore in detail the 8 things to do in Pila, discovering why this Aosta Valley ski resort is so special.
1. Skiing and snowboarding in Pila
Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in Pila, thanks to its 70 km of ski slopes suitable for beginners and experts alike.
The slopes of Pila are in fact divided into different categories, from the easiest to the most difficult, to suit every level of ability. There are also some areas dedicated to beginners, with gentle ski slopes and open spaces where you can learn safely.
The ski resort, which allows you to ski near Milan, has modern ski lifts, giving you the opportunity to easily reach the highest peaks and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The highest points of the ski area are the Couis 1, which reaches 2705 metres, together with the Platta de Grevon, which will take you up to 2740 m, from where you can enjoy a unique view.
Buy your skipass for Pila now.
2. Try the black ski slope “Direttissima”
If you are an experienced skier and are also looking for a bit of adrenaline in your downhills, we at Snowit would definitely recommend you the ski slopes offered by the Couis 1 and Couis 2 lifts, which are located on the highest peaks of the Pila ski resort.
More specifically, the ski resort of Pila offers you a delicious black ski slope which claims to be one of the most difficult ski slopes, and therefore one of the steepest in Europe: it is known as the Direttissima and it is the Couis slope, which is located right at the summit at one of the highest points of the Pila ski resort, at 2750 metres.
If you still don’t feel ready to face this slope, don’t worry, book your lessons in a ski and snowboard school in Pila beforehand.
3. Snowshoeing in Pila
Snowshoeing in Pila is an activity that is gaining popularity among winter hiking enthusiasts, as snowshoes allow you to walk on deep snow and explore the snowy paths and surrounding forests of the Aosta Valley in a unique way.
There are many opportunities for snowshoeing in Pila, whether you are a beginner or an expert. In fact, there are numerous marked trails, including:
- Les Fleurs trail: this 3 km circular route, through snow-covered woods and glades, is also suitable for beginners and offers a panoramic view of the Aosta Valley.
- Chamolé Trail: this 5.5 km route is a little more demanding, but offers a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc peak. The trail starts at the top station of the Chamolé cable car and takes you through pine and fir forests.
- Tsa de l’Anima trail: this 8 km route is the most demanding of those we recommend, but offers a panoramic view of the Aosta Valley and the Alps. The trail starts at the top station of the Pila cable car and takes you through larch forests and snow-covered glades.
However, see all snowshoe routes in Pila on Snowit.
4. Relax at the wellness centre
Relaxing in a wellness centre in Pila is the best way to end a day of intense activity, such as skiing or snowshoeing, with a wide range of treatments for body and mind.
Slow down, try to get back in touch with yourself and take your time to fully enjoy the wellness trails the resort offers.
Let yourself be carried away by the fragrances, sweet music and the calm of the mountain resort.
Book your relax at the wellness centre in Pila with Snowit now.
5. Having fun at the Pila snowpark
Snowboarders, but also skiers (especially freestyle-skiers), can try the Pila snowpark, with a wide range of facilities and jumps for all levels.
This snowpark is the first in Valle d’Aosta, but also one of the best in the north-west, as it has a spectacular natural location. Being surrounded by groves, it is sheltered from the wind and is therefore accessible even on less sunny days.
What are you waiting for? Buy your skipass for Pila and have fun at the snowpark.
6. Visiting Aosta
After the lifts close, Pila continues to be animated thanks to the après ski organised on the slopes, accompanied by music.
But if you are looking for a more mundane alternative, just below the ski resort there is the town of Aosta, a popular destination for tourists who choose Pila as their daytime skiing destination, but also for those who want to enjoy a stay rich in history and culture.
Aosta is a city that offers many opportunities for tourists visiting it. Some of the main sights include the Roman theatre, the Roman forum, the Arch of Augustus and the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption.
- The Roman theatre in Aosta is one of the best preserved in Italy and was built in the 1st century AD. Today it is used for open-air performances and concerts during the summer.
- The Roman forum, built in the 1st century B.C., was the centre of public and commercial life in the city during Roman times.
- The Arch of Augustus, built in 25 BC in honour of Emperor Augustus, is one of the few Roman triumphal arches still standing.
In short, Pila is strategically located just a few kilometres from the city of Aosta, known as the “Rome of the Alps“, ideal for an alternative day or evening during your holiday in the Aosta Valley.
7. Enjoying the local cuisine
Enjoying the local cuisine is one of the pleasures of a visit to Pila, the renowned ski resort in Valle d’Aosta. Here, restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes from the region, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
One of the most famous dishes of the Aosta Valley is fondue, a dish of melted cheese served with toasted bread and potatoes. The Pila fondue is particularly appreciated for its creamy texture and the intense flavour of the local cheese.
Another typical dish of the region is polenta concia, a dish made of yellow polenta with melted cheese and butter, which is usually accompanied by meat and mushrooms.
Moreover, one cannot visit the Aosta Valley without tasting the local cured meats and cheeses. The region is known for the production of cured meats such as mocetta, coppa and lardo, while the most famous cheeses are fontina, toma and gorgonzola.
In summary, tasting the local cuisine in Pila is certainly a unique culinary experience that allows you to discover the authentic flavours of the Aosta Valley and appreciate the gastronomic richness of the region.
8. Ice skating in Pila
Ice skating is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family that can be practised in Pila, both during the day and in the evening. In fact, the ski resort offers various opportunities for ice skating, both outdoors and indoors.
The most popular skating rink is certainly the one located next to the ski lift area, which, during the winter season, is a destination for anyone who wants to enjoy an activity other than skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. The slope is therefore easy to access and offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenic landscape while skating.
In general, ice skating in Pila is an activity that allows one to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and to have an unforgettable experience in the snow.
