A Guide to Monterosa Ski Resort, Italy

A Guide to Monterosa Ski Resort, Italy

We sent a group of intrepid ambassadors on a backcountry trip to Norway. On the way they couldn’t help but stop into a lesser-known Italian resort, called Monterosa Ski, to muscle up their legs before the big days of hiking ahead.

Little did they know that this quick pit stop would turn them into raving fans of a resort and region they can’t wait to visit again.

Skier at Monterosa Restaurant smiling with view in background

 

What is Monterosa Ski Resort

Monterosa Ski Resort is a hidden gem of an Italian resort in the Aosta Valley, north of Milan. Spanning 180km of meticulously groomed slopes, it’s a haven for freeride and backcountry skiers and snowboarders thanks to its expansive off-piste slopes and dizzying heights of Monte Rosa mountain that peaks at 4,634m above sea level.

In fact, Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in both the Alps and Western Europe, only surpassed by the almighty Mont Blanc.

The Resort itself boasts 2,000m of vertical that can be enjoyed on its often uncrowded slopes. Not to mention, if you’re lucky enough to be there on a pow day, you’ll enjoy freshies all day long (you might even find some sneaky patches the day after too, but shhh, we didn’t tell you that).

 

What areas does the Monterosa Ski Pass Cover

The Monterosa Ski Pass encompasses Ayas, Gressoney, and Alagna. Each valley has its own distinct character, waiting to be discovered (just don’t miss the last chair home).

From the powdery pistes of Champoluc in Ayas, to the legendary off-piste adventures of Alagna, you’ll be hard pressed not to be impressed by this sweeping mountain paradise. 

It's so good, in fact, that you might find yourself yelling “giddyup” everytime you race down the slopes. But really, this is a good thing since it’s scientifically proven to improve your riding technique. (Disclaimer: The scientific evidence for yelling “giddyup” may or may not exist, but we promise it will make you have more fun)

Skier in pow turn with mountain rocks behind

Pair of snow gloves sit on ski poles inside Monterosa Gondola

 

How do you get to Monterosa Ski

Let’s talk logistics. 

To get to Monterosa Ski, the team chose to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport. They opted to rent a car and take on the Italians driving the nail-biting Autobahn Highway (only for a small section). It was thankfully a quick two hour journey from the city landscape to the snow capped mountains.

Alternatively, the closest airport is Turin, and from there, you can hop on a shuttle or rent a car to reach the resort. 

Each to their own.

 

Staying in Alagna Valsesia

The crew stayed in the town of Alagna Valsesia, just 200m from the Gondola. The surprisingly affordable accommodation was oozing with rustic Italian charm and the village itself was the perfect basecamp for their Monterosa adventures. 

From the cobblestoned streets to historic buildings, Alagna had a charm you just couldn’t replicate if you tried. And, let’s not forget to talk about the food. After a day spent racing around the slopes, the team couldn’t say no to the hearty Italian cuisine on offer across the village (really, it would have been rude not to).

Two girls stand in the snow at Alagna Valsesia, smiling and laughing

 

Monterosa Ski Resort in Italy

Monterosa Ski Resort is a winter playground that’s hard to beat. With its fun and diverse terrain, long runs, and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s a struggle to believe it’s still under the radar for travelling skiers and snowboarders.

With that in mind, gather your crew, book your tickets and get ready for a snow holiday in Italy. You may even run into our Ambassadors who can't deny they will be back.