Mountain views, winter adventures and festive escapes: Aosta Valley winter 2026/27
Mountain views, lunch at Pila’s Stella panoramic bistro, Aosta’s Christmas market and a new exhibition at Fort Bard offer plenty of reasons to visit Aosta Valley this winter. Around €75 million of investment in new lifts at Courmayeur and La Thuile is set to bring three new gondolas into service for winter 2026/27, making it easier to reach the slopes and enjoy the scenery.
Courmayeur: new gondolas and more space to learn
Courmayeur is preparing to introduce two new gondolas, each carrying ten people, replacing the Checrouit gondola and Maison Vieille chairlift. Spacious panoramic cabins will offer a more comfortable journey, with skis carried inside and sliding doors to make boarding easier.
At Plan Checrouit, the two departure stations will come together in a single hub, creating an open meeting area on the snow. The beginners’ area at Maison Vieille is also being expanded, with two new magic carpets for those finding their feet on skis.
The resort is introducing smartphone ski passes and a new pricing system for daily and multiple day tickets. Check Courmayeur’s official lift pass information for advance online prices when planning your visit.
La Thuile: mountain views for skiers and sightseers
Scheduled to open in December 2026, La Thuile’s new gondola will carry ten people per cabin and replace the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts.
An intermediate station will provide easier access to the gentler slopes at Les Suches. Beginners will also be able to ride to the top for the views and return by gondola, without having to ski down more challenging terrain.
For visitors who don’t ski, the lift will open up views from Punta Chaz Dura towards Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Planned summer operation will also make it a useful starting point for walking and mountain biking.
Visit the official La Thuile website for the latest lift and visitor information.
Pila: lunch with a view at Stella
Following their opening last season, Pila’s summit gondola and Stella panoramic bistro offer another reason to head into the mountains this winter.
At 2,723 metres, Stella combines Alpine views with food inspired by local ingredients and traditions. You can visit for the scenery and lunch, or stop during a day on the slopes.
Pila is also introducing smartphone ski passes for winter 2026/27, allowing visitors to buy online and access the lifts without collecting a separate ski pass card.
Visit the official Pila website for lift tickets and visitor information.
Away from the slopes
In Aosta, the Marché Vert Noël brings Christmas stalls to Piazza Chanoux from 21st November 2026 to 6th January 2027. Browse local crafts, regional food and wines, then take time to explore the city’s historic streets. Visit the Aosta tourism website for the Christmas programme and visitor information.
For a cultural day out, Fort Bard’s winter programme includes Franco Moschino. Ceci n’est pas une exposition, running from 31st October 2026 to 14th February 2027. The exhibition explores the Italian designer’s work through photographs, iconic clothes and archive material. Visit the official Fort Bard website for exhibition details and tickets.
Plan your winter visit
Explore our destination guides to Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila for more about each resort, activities and getting there. For help choosing accommodation and arranging travel, visit our UK tour operators page.
Before travelling, check the official resort websites for confirmed opening dates, lift availability and the latest ticket information.