Active Pursuits

Recreation, of course, is what draws many people to the Valle d'Aosta. You'll find some of the best downhill skiing and facilities on the runs at Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia, and in the Valle di Cogne. Multiday passes, providing access to lifts and slopes of the entire valley, run 109€ for 3 days and 142€ for 4 days, with per-day rates sliding down a scale to 14 days at 388€. For more info, call tel. 0165-238-871 or visit www.skivallee.it. Ski season starts in late November/early December and runs through April, if the snow holds out.

One money-saving option is to take one of the settimane bianche (white-week) packages that include room and board and unlimited skiing and are available at resorts throughout the Valle d'Aosta. You can expect to pay at least 450€ at Courmayeur, and slightly less at Cogne or one of the other less-fashionable resorts. Over the Christmas and New Year's vacation period, prices practically double and hotels often sell out well before Thanksgiving. A popular option is to rent a chalet in the area: The tourist board (www.regione.vda.it) is a good resource to start looking for availabilities (or for real estate agents who specialize in short-term lets) and more information on weeklong packages.

Cross-country skiing is superb around Cogne in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, where there are more than 48km (30 miles) of trails. The Valle d'Aosta is also excellent hiking terrain, especially in July and August. For information about hiking in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, ask at the tourist offices of Aosta and especially Cogne.