The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

Why Visit – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

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Pila is a resort that I’ve got to know by chance. I’ve drove with my family to Ollomont, a tiny ski resort at the end of the road of the Valpelline Valley, north of Aosta for the first ski holiday of my little one that was three. (My eldest went once to ski in Portillo before!)

Nice and warm day in Pila, snow became corn snow overnight- still nice! Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley
Nice and warm day in Pila, snow became corn snow overnight- still nice! Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

As the ski area of Ollomont was too small (even though at first, I’ve thought it was ideal), and it did not have ski instructor nor skis or boots for my little boys, I had to go elsewhere. Somebody told us to go either to Pila in Aosta, or Crévacol, by the Grand Saint Bernard Pass. We went to Aosta, and the next was history.

We have been going ever since there, even though now we do not stay at the bottom of the main cable car, but in our home in Morgex (30’ away).

My youngest learnt to ski there, and my two boys love the resort, so we keep on going back for more. Even though I am more nearby La Thuile and Courmayeur, we tend to go to Pila, as it is a very easy-to-deal with and family-friendly ski area.

Location – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

Just on top of the city of Aosta, by the train station, you can park your car in the free car park and take the cable car to the base of Pila in 18 minutes.

If you prefer to drive to the top, then the mountain road takes 30 minutes to come up.

We drive from London, taking the Eurotunnel and then stopping in Chaumont on our way down and in Troyes when coming back. We love staying at the Ibis Styles Chaumont Centre Gare in Chaumont and at the Brit Hotel Comtes de Champagne in Troyes. But we have friends that do the trip in one go. For me, that is boring, as part of me likes the stopping and driving a bit through national routes and seeing the “campagne” in France!

A scenic road takes you to Pila (via the SS26 from the Monte Bianco towards Aosta). The Mont Grivola seen when driving from Morgex to Aosta. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.
A scenic road takes you to Pila (via the SS26 from the Monte Bianco towards Aosta). The Mont Grivola seen when driving from Morgex to Aosta. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.

Where to Fly -The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

If you want to fly, the nearest airports are Torino- Caselle or Geneva. Consider that with Geneva, you must go through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which makes the trip more expensive. Also, Milano-Malpensa and Bergamo-Orio al Serio are well placed. All these airports have bus services to Pila with fixed rates:

Main roads – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

To reach Pila from Italy and from abroad:

From Italy: A5 Torino-Aosta motorway (99 km). Exit Aosta Est, then continue to the regional road following the directions to Pollein-Charvensod-Pila.

From Switzerland: Via the Great St Bernard Tunnel, coming from Martigny; then follow on State Highway SS 27 to Aosta

From France: Via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, then on State Highway SS 26 to Aosta. From Aosta, follow the signs to Gressan-Pila. You can also take the A5 East as soon as you come out from the Mont Blanc Tunnel (turning to the right, more than the left), but be prepared to be going from tunnel to tunnel (it is a bit claustrophobic for me), plus it is super expensive for such a short distance. It is much better taking the SS26 to Aosta, as it is a very scenic drive.

Father and Sons skiing in Pila piste 15. One of my paintings of Pila. Check it out in the shop here.
Father and Sons skiing in Pila piste 15. One of my paintings of Pila. Check it out in the shop here.

If you want to drive all the way up, when arriving in Aosta follow directions to Gressan and then to Pila. If skiing for the day, you are much better off using the free parking of the Aosta-Pila cable car departure. To find it, set up your GPS to “Strada Ponte Suaz, 4 – 11100 Aosta”- Basically, it is next to the Gross-Cidac supermarket and just the other side of the tracks of the train station of Aosta.

Railway lines -The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

Main train connections to the Aosta Valley:

Lines Milano-Torino / Chivasso-Aosta. www.trenitalia.com

When you arrive at the Aosta railway station, through an underground passage, in 5 minutes, you can reach the departure of the Aosta-Pila cable car.

Note that the rail line section from Ivrea to Aosta is now being electrified, therefore, there are bus replacements from those stations (and mid-stations) until the job is done. It is expected to last 3 years (as of May 24).

No filter. From Pila's parking lot. Photo: The-Ski-Gur
No filter. From Pila’s parking lot. Photo: The-Ski-Gur

Bus Services – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

The main bus connections:

Svap: Aosta – Pila: timetable and rates
service carried out with MINIBUS, (in case of numerous users inquire at the company about travel possibilities).: SVAP – T. +39 0165 41.125

Arriva: Aosta – Milan and Aosta – Turin: timetables and rates

FlixBus: long-distance bus transport: timetables and rates (be aware that if catching a plane, they are not that reliable…at least for my husband, he needed to run to the train station to take a train as the bus never appeared!)

The Resort – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

The resort of Pila has been built in the seventies, (I am guessing here), and is not exactly pretty. It has some hotels and apartment buildings and restaurants and bars, a church, and an ice-skating rink in the middle. Part of it is by the arrival of the gondola (at around 1800m.) and then there are buildings going all the way up to Pila 2000 (where the Ski School Pila is and many of the restaurants are).

The tram to piste 15- Pila- Photo by: The-Ski-Guru.
The tram to piste 15- Pila- Photo by: The-Ski-Guru.

The Ski Area – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

 

Pila is like a ‘conca’ (a concave basin), and it has great views of the surrounding mountains (the Monte Bianco, Cervino or Matterhorn and Monterosa), and the mountains more nearby to the other side, like Monte Emilius and Becca di Nona, and then the Grivola and Grand Paradiso towards the back! (Read below.)

From the top of Couis 1, you also have amazing views towards Cogne with views of the Grivola and Gran Paradiso.  Note if you take Couis 1 you have the option to come down a thin red catwalk which is not the nicest experience, or a black run only. This will change soon, as you will be able to see the views from the top of Couis 1 with the new 10-people-cable-car that will open for the ski season 2025-26, with a massive restaurant and lovely decks where to admire the views. More of this below. (*)

The boys going the last part of the piste to the base of Pila, ready to catch back the cable car to Aosta. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
The boys going the last part of the piste to the base of Pila, ready to catch back the cable car to Aosta. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

Pistes in Pila are wide and inviting, very well groomed.

There are not many green slopes, but true-blue slopes for beginners. Beginners can ski for free on Baby Pila (a true green), the magic carpet below the arrival of the cable car, and when they are ready to go on a chairlift and the magic carpet of Baby Gorraz, then is when you start paying for your ski lift.

When you master Baby Gorraz, you are taken in the funicular Gorraz-Grand Grimod to ski the full piste 15, a lovely super wide piste where you can learn well your moves. It even has a bit of camber on the right side (skier’s side), which can make it a bit difficult for beginners, but is all part of the learning. There is a very slow quad fixed lift where you can take laps and get better in this piste, before advancing to a higher level.

At least you have plenty of places to eat on the mountain to get some energy to keep on doing so… more about that in the below section of Where to Eat!

Pila has plenty of red pistes, from not that difficult, to steep (like the top of Red 3). And there are some black pistes from top of Couis 2 and Couis 1 to satisfy the appetite of those chasing for more adrenaline (not my case anymore, but now my kids’ taste…. how everything has changed, huh?)

Going up the gondola from Aosta towards Pila. A very easy way to get up to the base of the resort in 18'. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Going up the gondola from Aosta towards Pila. A very easy way to get up to the base of the resort in 18′. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

A Multi-Day Ski Pass starting from 3 days gives you one-day access to other ski areas in the Aosta Valley. If you have a ski pass of 6 to 10 days, you can have 2 days skiing in another resort, and if you ski from 11 days or more, you can get up to 3 days skiing in another resort.

Kids of 8 years and younger ski free when a full rate ski pass is bought for the same dates by an adult or someone paying a ski pass of under 18 years old. There is always a cut-off date for under 8s, so check the Pila website to be sure when that day it is.

Kids skiing towards Chamole. One of my paintings of Pila. In my shop here.
Kids skiing towards Chamole. One of my paintings of Pila. In my shop here.

There is an optional ski insurance by Snowcare you can buy for £3 a day when you purchase your lift ticket. I suggest you take it, even if you have your own insurance, as it covers you for accidents on the mountain and for injury and third-party liability (RC) for ski and snowboard and is the only insurance in Europe that does that (as they claim!)

If the ski patrol has to pick you up in the pistes the cost is of EUR 200. I had once the chance to use it, as I was run over by a snowboarder while waiting to get on a lift and I’ve noticed my ACL gave up. I’ve skied down to the ski patrol office by Gorraz (not liking how I was feeling my  loose knee), and then sat down there until the patrol came and they checked my ski lift ticket, and immediately put me in an ambulance to take me like 100 meters down to the local hospital where I had an X-ray and was looked by a doctor. Next to me, they denied taking another person in the same ambulance, as this other person had not paid the Snowcare insurance!

As per Italian law, any skier or snowboarder is obliged to have an insurance policy that covers liability for damage or injury caused to third parties (according to Art,30.DLGS. 40/2021.

All ski passes will be sold on a chip-card that costs EUR 2.00. Only single trips are not. This is a hands-free pass that you put on your jacket pocket and when you pass by the entrance gates to the lifts, the gate reads it and allows you to pass. (You should wear the pass on a top left pocket of your jacket, or at least on your left pocket, so it is easier for you to use, as all reader gates are on your left side)

Going up the gondola, one happy child - Photo by The-Ski-Guru - Pila, Aosta Valley.
Going up the gondola, one happy child – Photo by The-Ski-Guru – Pila, Aosta Valley.

Ski Map: see it here.

 

Pila Ski Lifts – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

1 gondola from Aosta to Pila with two mid-stations

4 magic carpets (tapis roulant)

  • Baby Gorraz
  • Baby Pila 1
  • Baby Pila 2
  • Fun Park Chacard

2 high-speed quads

  • Chamolé
  • Leissé

1 fixed grip quad

  • Grimod (for snow park)

1 high-speed sextuple

  • La Nouva

2 triple fixed grip lifts

  • Pila-Gorraz (liaison)
  • Couis 2

2 double fixed grip

  • Grimondet
  • Couis 1

Pistes are opened from 8 AM till 5 PM. Note that 8 AM and 5 PM is the cablecar Aosta-Pila and the other lifts open a bit later and close a bit earlier! If you are staying in Aosta, you need to watch the time the cable car closes, so you do not need to get a ride down the mountain! There are some days with a bus service, but you might need to take a taxi down! This is unless you have not driven up to Pila with your car.

Mum and kid riding the chairlift together- Pila Ski in the Sky, above the city of Aosta - Photo - The-Ski-Guru.
Mum and kid riding the chairlift together- Pila Ski in the Sky, above the city of Aosta – Photo – The-Ski-Guru.

The new cable-car Pila 1800 – top of Couis 1 – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

For the 2025-26 ski season there will be a whole new revamp of the 1800m arrival of the Aosta-Pila base. A new 10-person cable car will connect through a metallic building with shops and services to the arrival of the Aosta-Pila cablecar. This will allow skiers, boarders, bikers in summer and general public year -round, access the Platta del Grevón at 2,723,30 m, with two middle stations, one at Gorraz at 1,868,80 m, to access the Pila ski school and restaurants of that upper base (plus lodging), and the second one in the bottom of the actual chair of Couis 1 at 2,165,30m) These different sections can be activated individually, allowing them to work even on the case of bad weather (when maybe the top section cannot be operated), to alleviate the flow at the arrival of Pila 1800, which commonly is a bottleneck area.

Rendering of the top restaurant at Couis 1. Courtesy Pila Spa.
Rendering of the top restaurant at Couis 1. Courtesy Pila Spa.

On the top station on the top of Couis 1, you will have an amazing restaurant that looks like a star with each star signalling one of the renown mountains of the Alps that can be seen from the restaurant’s 360 views. This will make Pila a great option for all visitors’ year round (or when they are open, I guess summer and winter seasons), as they will be accessing the top of Pila from Aosta in 32 minutes, and from Pila 1800m on only 13 minutes (today it takes nearly one hour to make it from Pila 1800 to the top of Couis 1 on skis, and pedestrians cannot access the summit of Couis 1.)

Rendering of the new departure of the Pila- Couis 1 cablecar. Courtesy Pila Spa.
Rendering of the new departure of the Pila- Couis 1 cablecar. Courtesy Pila Spa.

They are planning to offer dinner service in this top restaurant with night operation of the cable car.

One of the new cablecars of the Pila-Couis section is being exhibited on the Aosta arrival of the cable car. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
One of the new cablecars of the Pila-Couis section is being exhibited on the Aosta arrival of the cable car. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Ski Mountaineering

There are two pistes departing just at the end of the parking lot on Gorraz (just on top of the church) where you can skin up in the middle of forests and nature and on a safe route, within the mountain parameters (so avalanche safe), and groomed.

– trail n° 1 is 2.7 km long with a vertical drop of 358 meters

– trail n° 2 is 3 km in total length with a vertical crop of 295 meters

Freeride

At the top of Couis 1 (and the future top of the new cable car opening for the 25-26 ski season), you find a covered conveyor belt (magic carpet) that gives you access to Platta de Grévon, at 2,700m up to Plan de l’Eyve. This new black run is left in natural conditions on the days after a snowstorm and will only be groomed after some days for the public.

Fun Park Chacard

Located in the Chacard area, it is protected from the slopes. This is great for snow-tubbing with great views of the Monte Bianco and Grand Combin. Great for kids and their parents to play safely in the snow, or something to do in the après-ski.

Family trip to Pila, Valle d'Aosta - Photo by The-Ski-Guru.
Family trip to Pila, Valle d’Aosta – Photo by The-Ski-Guru.

Snowshoeing

For those days that you do not fancy skiing, or for me, if it is snowing too much (to be honest, now I am a fair-weather skier) … going on your snow-shoes is a great thing to do. There are five marked and tracked routes in Pila, one from the church to the balconata del Monte Bianco, then you have another one that is a loop starting from the top of the new parking lot in Gorraz (next to the ski-mountaineering routes), and there are a couple more. The one starting from the top of the parking lot, takes you to the base of Grimondet, then you go to the side of the piste up and you cross the top of that piste under the Grimondet lift and you arrive to Lo Bautson (bottom of Couis 2). From there you can come back through the other side or on your tracks. We usually do that and have lunch at Lo Bautson and then run back (as we always start late, and we have a cable car to catch up to come back to Aosta!). A snowshoe map can be obtained from the resort office at Pila 1800 (at the arrival of the Aosta-Pila gondola).

A stop in our snowshoeing pathway. If the weather is nice, you have great views of the surrounding mountains. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
A stop in our snowshoeing pathway. If the weather is nice, you have great views of the surrounding mountains. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Ski School – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

There are two ski schools in Pila: The Scuola Sci Pila and Scuola Sci Evolution. The Scuola Sci Pila has its main office at the Gorraz area (today after getting off the slow triple fixed chairlift that connects Pila 1800 to Gorraz. They also have a small office by the arrival of the gondola.

Scuola Sci Evolution has a hut across from the arrival of the Aosta-Pila gondola, next to Yeti bar and restaurant.

I have used mostly the Scuola Sci Pila with my boys since they started skiing. Lately we have been getting lessons again to go skiing on the black runs, with their ski instructor when they were young, Riccardo Sartori, who is great! I really recommend him.

Riccardo Sartori from Scuola Sci Pila has been teaching my boys since they were 3 and 4. Here is picking them up to try the black pistes. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Riccardo Sartori from Scuola Sci Pila has been teaching my boys since they were 3 and 4. Here is picking them up to try the black pistes. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

To book the Scuola Sci Pila, write to Chiara or Eleonora at info@scuoladiscipila.com

I recommend booking in advance if you go on peak holidays like the February half-term, as they do get booked up!

I’ve used only once the Scuola Sci Evolution and they were good as well.  
INFO@EVOPILA.COM

 

Both ski schools offer private and group lessons of ski and snowboard.

Mini-Club – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

There is a mini club for the younger ones at the Scuola Sci Pila. This is dedicated to kids aged 2 to 12 years old. You can also reserve a babysitter for those under 2 years old, if you fancy to take some turns.

The Mini-Club has an enclosed playground where kids can play with the snow and learn their first steps in complete security from skiers and boarders, as this area is enclosed. Kids can learn first steps and use the adjacent magic carpet (tapis roulant) with a ski instructor. There is also an area where to slip on the snow (with appropriate clothing!)

The Mini-Club is opened during the ski season from 10 to 16 hours and reservations are recommended.

Miniclub Pila telephone: +39 389 1489899
E-mail: info@scuoladiscipila.com

Scuola Sci Pila Mini Club

A pit stop in the ski day. Pila is great as food is not expensive and you can have a lovely meal without mortgaging your house! Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
A pit stop in the ski day. Pila is great as food is not expensive and you can have a lovely meal without mortgaging your house! Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

Rentals –The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

We have our own equipment, but when my kids started skiing, and sometimes when we have friends coming, we’ve rented skis at Noleggio La Roccia, just down the stairs from the arrival of the cable car Aosta Pila at Pila 1800. They will ask you a document to leave while you are renting out and you will have to pay cash. There is an ATM 50m down that road.

Noleggio La Roccia

info@noleggiolaroccia.it
www.noleggiolaroccia.it
T. +39 0165 250581
C. +39 335 8339723
F. + 39 0165 250581
Località Pila, 15/6 – 11020 Gressan (AO)

There is also a big shop where you can rent in the base of the Aosta-Pila cablecar- call Gal Sports. I have got my skis tuned there and they are good. If you rent there, you can store your skis there when you come back every day. This is good if you ski in different ski areas, so you want to leave your skis down, more if you are staying in Aosta, to go quickly to another ski resort the next morning.

Address: via Paravera 6/A – Aosta

Open: from 8,00 till 12,30 and from 15,00 to 19,30 (in winter opened all day long)

Phone: 0165 236134

During the ski season, they have also another smaller shop at the arrival of the cable car from Aosta-Pila. It is located at loc. Pila Presso condominio Bouton d’Or – Gressan (Ao) and is opened from 8.30 to 18,00 – every day even Sundays during the ski season.

Phone: 0165 252978

Noleggio La Soletta

info@lasoletta.it
www.lasoletta.it
T. +39 0165 521306
C. +39 349 3719456
Località Pila – Condominio Pila 2000 – 11020 Gressan (AO)

Noleggio dei Maestri

info@scuoladiscipila.com
www.scuoladiscipila.com
T. +39 0165 521303
Località Pila, 91 – 11020 Gressan (AO)

Noleggio Plan Bois

francopicchio@gmail.com
www.noleggioplanbois.it
T. + 39 388 9427359
Località Pila – 11020 Gressan (AO)

Noleggio Riccardo Sport

  1. +39 0165 521019
    F. +39 0165 521019
    Località Pila – Condominio G11 – 11020 Gressan AO

Noleggio Evorental

prenotazioni@evorental.info
www.evorental.info
T. + 39 324 7831369
Località Pila – 11020 Gressan (AO)

Dogs are welcome in Pila. You can take them in your cable car without a muzzle if not sharing with someone else. On the funicular, you must have a muzzle or put him in a small cage. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Dogs are welcome in Pila. You can take them in your cable car without a muzzle if not sharing with someone else. But the personnel might tell you you cannot, as per Italian law, dogs have to wear muzzles on public transport. On the funicular, you must have a muzzle or put him in a small cage. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Ski and Boots Storage

There are two ski and boot storage available, one at the departure and the other at the arrival of the Aosta-Pila cable-car. We used to leave our skis there when we were staying in Pont Suaz (just near the bottom cable car), as it is easier not to carry skis with young kids. Now we have our skis in our roof box and use them when we go skiing.

The ski lockers can be for two people or for four. They have heaters for the boots. You pay a daily fee for them. And the access to the room is loaded to your skipass card.

 

Where to Eat – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

On the slopes


La Chatelaine

ristorante.lachatelaine@gmail.com
+39 320 7410356

In altitude

Typical chalet located on “La Nouva” ski slope. They have a restaurant and a place where you can have sandwiches or antipasto platters. There is also a terrace with nice views. Just in the middle of the piste 5. Has great bathrooms (this is something to say!!! You know why when you go around!)

 


Hermitage

info@hermitagetavolacalda.com
+39 340 3467809 MATTEO +39 335 8024695 VICO +39 0165 521002
In altitude

Big restaurant on the base of La Nouva lift, where many pistes come together, before the piste 15 squeezing into that small bottleneck to go down to Pila 1800. If you are like me, you take back La Nouva up and then ski across to come down on piste 14 that is always less busy!

Personnel is very nice and food is good… There are sandwiches and salads and a full – on restaurant service in the restaurant side. It can get busy with lots of ski school kids that take their lunch there (when taking a full day lesson).

 

Having lunch the last week of the 23 ski season at the ample terrace of La Hermitage. Snow was definitely spring snow, so I did not mind stopping with my eldest, while my youngest was taking some laps on that piste. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Having lunch the last week of the 23 ski season at the ample terrace of La Hermitage. Snow was definitely spring snow, so I did not mind stopping with my eldest, while my youngest was taking some laps on that piste. Photo: The-Ski-Guru


Lo Baoutson

+39 348 0358101
Pila 1800 mt

In the bottom of piste 15 before the cat track down to the base area. By the bottom of Couis 2 lift, and before going towards Grimondet. They have a terrace and sandwiches (sometimes they have burgers or pulled pork sandwiches sold on the terrace). I’ve seen lots of people having bombardinos (something that looks like eggnog with cream and gets you drunk) there in the afternoons.

Having as usual, a late lunch at Lo Bautson. Just by the bottom station of Couis 2 on Piste 15. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Having as usual, a late lunch at Lo Bautson. Just by the bottom station of Couis 2 on Piste 15. Photo: The-Ski-Guru


Société Anonyme de Consommation

info@ristorantesociete.it
+39 339 5355644
By the water reservoir of Pila, when you go from La Nouva towards the bottom of Couis 1, you see this restaurant/bar by the reservoir. Beautiful views from there to the surrounding mountains. They offer dinner on the mountain too. I have never eaten there myself but stopped many times for cappuccino or hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate and a limonata at Bar Societè in Pila. The day was for staying sunbathing... The Must-Read Guide to Pila. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Hot chocolate and a limonata at Bar Societè in Pila. The day was for staying sunbathing… The Must-Read Guide to Pila. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Restaurant Belvedere

belvederepila@gmail.com
+39 0165 521504
Pila 1800 mt

Pizzeria and restaurant

Yeti Restaurant

yetipila@gmail.com
+39 0165 521181
Pila 1800 mt

A restaurant and a bar that is pretty busy during the après. As it is the first bar that you see when you arrive in the cable car from Aosta, lots of day trippers go there and stay all day. In summer there is a swimming pool and solarium with deck chairs.

They have a crêpes kiosk outside during the winter. Beware if you are rushing to go down to Aosta that there are many times a queue which does not go fast!

Après-ski at Yeti Bar in Pila. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.
Après-ski at Yeti Bar in Pila. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.

Restaurant
Brasserie du Grimod

+39 0165 521431
Pila 1800 mt

The restaurant is made entirely of wood, in fact you live a warm and welcoming atmosphere. By the Club Esse in Pila.

 

Restaurant
Trattoria dei Maestri

trattoriadeimaestri@gmail.com
+39 0165 252999 – +39 3428079852
Pila 1800 mt

It is easily accessible from the ski slopes and from the main road of Pila by the higher parking on Gorraz. We used to go all the time there when the kids were young to have long lunches. Prices are good and pasta dishes amazing.

In summer we still go, but their selection is not that big, at least the times we went in summer. But they have lots of tables and loungers on the grass with nice views towards the mountains.

 

Restaurant
La Sosta

ristorantelasostapila@gmail.com
01651700351 – 3402144683
Pila 1800 mt

Very nice restaurant with some nice windows with views towards the Baby Gorraz piste and the surrounding mountains. They have a terrace – next to Bar du Soleil. Opened in the summer too. Nice personnel.

 

Bar
Mion

Pila 1800

Open for breakfast from 7:00 am seven days a week. We go a lot before taking the cable car down to Aosta. Unpretentious bar where you sit mostly on the terrace. To find it, just go down the metal steps from the arrival of the Aosta-Pila gondola. Good for a drink or sandwich before going down. We had many times also a quick lunch if arriving late to ski.

A quick coffee at Bar Mion before getting down to Aosta. Note this was in December, that is why it is already sunset by 4.30 PM. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
A quick coffee at Bar Mion before getting down to Aosta. Note this was in December, that is why it is already sunset by 4.30 PM. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Bar
Della Nouva

info@hoteldellanouva.it
+39 0165 521005 – +39 3496433660 – +39 3475767532
Pila 1800 mt

Fresh homemade jams and cakes are always included in the delicious breakfast.

 

There are many big supermarkets in Aosta, for me, the favourite is Gros Cidac, just by the arrival of the cable car (or departure) in Aosta. It has also a bar indoors with very reasonable prices. There are aisles and aisles of cheeses and charcuterie, to die for!

 

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Food and wine
Grosjean Vins – Azienda agricola

info@grosjeanvins.it
+39 349718690 – +39 0165 77 57 91
Quart

To live a truly wine tourism experience in one of the most important wineries in the Aosta Valley.

Starting to ski, by La Baraka. This past season (23-24) it was closed. For me it was the best bar, more when Freddy was in charge (a rockabilly kind of guy with great music and hot chocolates!) Food was great too. Lovely terrace. Hopefully this is re-opened by the 24-25 ski season. Just off the top of Chamolé lift (by piste 2).
Starting to ski, by La Baraka. This past season (23-24) it was closed. For me it was the best bar, more when Freddy was in charge (a rockabilly kind of guy with great music and hot chocolates!) Food was great too. Lovely terrace. Hopefully this is re-opened by the 24-25 ski season. Just off the top of Chamolé lift (by piste 2).

Food and wine
Dahu

+39 0165 521718
Pila 1800 mt

Local products, cheeses, meats, fruit also with a take-away service.

 

Where to Sleep – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

 


Hotel Chalet des Alpes ★★★
has just been revamped with new furnishings, still having a family environment that winks to the past.

Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.
Hotel Chalet des Alpes on the pistes. Book it here.

Hotel Chacaril ★★

In the ski resort of Pila, only 50 meters from the ski lifts and the ski slopes there are the Hotel Chacaril, synonymous of familiarity. The owners will welcome you with warmth and confidence. The hotel has 11 rooms, all with private bathroom, television and typical mountain furniture. A solarium and hot jacuzzi overlooking the Mont Blanc will allow you to enjoy the peace and relax typical of Pila. You can find an internal restaurant where you can spoil the excellent typical Aosta Valley cuisine.

Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.
Hotel Chacaril in Pila. Book it here.

Hotel
Etoile de Neige ★★★

Pila 1800 mt

The rooms are all equipped with private bathroom with shower, color satellite TV , direct dial telephone and mini bar.

Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.
Etoile de Neige, by the Chamolè lift in Pila. Book it here.

Hotel
Della Nouva ★★★
Pila 1800 mt

It is ideally situated in the heart of the conca di Pila

Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com
Hotel della Nuova, by Baby Gorraz, straight on the pistes. The ice-cream parlour has the best gelato in Pila. Photos: Luca Rolli. Booking.com

Hotel
La Chance ★★★

Pila 1800 mt

Our family run hotel, inaugurated in January 2010 has 35 rooms. Webuilt this home using typical materials in a more modern style, the hotel is in harmony with the Valdostan alpine tradition and the high quality of Italian design.

La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.
La Chance hotel in Pila. Book your holiday at La Chance here.


Chalets d’Antan a Pila

Pila 1800 mt

Typical mountain chalets immersed in the Pila’s mountains, in a panoramic position, ideal for a regenerating and relaxing holiday in the nature. Made entirely of stone and wood, they enjoy a lovely view of the most beautiful mountains of Aosta Valley.

 

Chalet d'Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d'Antan here.
Chalet d’Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d’Antan here.
Chalet d'Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d'Antan here.
Chalet d’Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d’Antan here.
Chalet d'Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d'Antan here.
Chalet d’Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d’Antan here.

Chalet d’Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d’Antan here.

Chalet d'Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d'Antan here.
Chalet d’Antan, in Pila, just a bit lower than the bottom lift of Chamolè. Book the Chalet d’Antan here.

Appartamento Pila Ciel Biue- Il Balcone sulle Alpi – on the pistes.

Apartment Ciel Bleu in Pila. Book it here.
Apartment Ciel Bleu in Pila. Book it here.

Apartment Ciel Bleu in Pila. Book it here.


Ca’ de Sass

Bed and Breakfast
1790

Enjoy an enchanting view that will leave you breathless, giving you moments of absolute relax and peace.

Ca' de Saas in Pila. Book it here.
Ca’ de Saas in Pila. Book it here.
Ca' de Saas in Pila. Book it here.
Ca’ de Saas in Pila. Book it here.
Ca' de Saas in Pila. Book it here.
Ca’ de Saas in Pila. Book it here.


Chambre d’Hôtes Les Fleurs

Chambre d’Hôtes
Pila 1500 mt

Le 4 camere della nostra struttura si trovano a Les Fleurs, a qualche minuto dalla famosa località sciistica di Pila

Chambre d'Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.
Chambre d’Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.
Chambre d'Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.
Chambre d’Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.
Chambre d'Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.
Chambre d’Hôtes Les Fleurs. Book it here.


Residence Les Fleurs

Pila 1500 mt

Located in a quiet and sunny position, 5 km from Pila and 10 km from Aosta

Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Residence Les Fleurs by the 1st stop of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.

Aosta and its offering

Hotel Duca d’Aosta

A great spot in central Aosta with all the comfort of a full amenities’ hotel and a great restaurant. Great breakfasts and comfy beds.

Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d'Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.
Hotel Duca d’Aosta, located in the historic centre of Aosta. Book it here.

Chalet Alpen Pila

Just by the cable car of Pila, next to the parking lot and the Gross Cidac supermarket.

Great apartment across from the parking lot at the base of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Great apartment across from the parking lot at the base of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Great apartment across from the parking lot at the base of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.
Great apartment across from the parking lot at the base of the cable car Aosta- Pila. Book it here.

 

Casa Andrea.

Il Nido sulle Alpi

Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.
Apartment Nido sulle Alpi. Book it here.

Pila in the Summer – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

 

Pila is a lovely place to visit and go trekking in the summer, and the mecca for mountain bike. There are lots of mountain bike tracks through the forests and bike rentals at the bottom of the Chamolé chairlift. The chairlift is adapted to carry your bikes.

Comind down the mountain in Pila in summer. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Comind down the mountain in Pila in summer. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Some of the mountain restaurants are opened in the summer so you can go for a trek and stop for a bite in the way. The wildflowers are very beautiful and there are many easy treks to do with your kids with wonderful vistas!

There is an adventure park for the kids too. It has a low fix rate and is by the starting of the Baby Gorraz moving carpet.

On the beginning to the path to the Lago Chamolé. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.
On the beginning to the path to the Lago Chamolé. The Must-Read Guide to Pila.

You can take your furry friend too, but note that to go in the lifts, your dog needs to have a muzzle. You can get away not using it in the Aosta-Pila cable car if you are going alone or with your family or friends, but you will have to use it in the funicular up!  If you are like me that I forgot about it, you need to place your dog in a cage to get up that lift. My dog was not too impressed about it! I’ve bought a muzzle after that, for next time!

 

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tabOr if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check the direct booking for Il Coure della Valdigne here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using.

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your lodging directly with me here.Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

If you prefer, you can also book my apartment through Booking.com

Booking might be cheaper if you have Genius status!

Featured Image: Skiing on top of Piste 2 in Pila, with inversion in the bottom. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley

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