travel
It’s snow secret
Comfortable lodging and a warm welcome in Champoluc
A local businessman reveals Italy’s secret ski resort t may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for white topped mountains, extensive runs and the odd ‘après ski’, which is why Italy’s ski areas are some of the best kept secrets, according to Jonathan Berry. The Monterosa ski area, in the rustic North West Italian region of Val D’Aosta, could be compared to the Trois Vallées in France. It is perfect for all standards of skier and boarder. Champoluc and Gressoney, two of the three valleys in the Monterosa area are well suited to families, while the off-piste 'Mecca' of Alagna has truly demanding opportunities for the more experienced skier and is great for offpiste adventures. Champoluc with its long runs, suited to the recreational and intermediate skier and with few people in your way, enjoys 70km of piste and 29 trails. There are 11 lifts and crosscountry skiing covers approximately 19km. The sheer space and smaller volume of tourists enriches Champoluc as a ski resort. Locals regard the area a treasured secret. “Champoluc charms where others fall short,” says Jonathan, “and you can enjoy good snow, comfortable lodging, plenty of bars and restaurants and a warm welcoming service not
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yet jaded by tourism.” In stark contrast to the usual crowded pistes, full of baying Brits and large soulless cafeterias where a chocolat chaud costs 15 Euros, the mountain restaurants around Champoluc are all-Italian and much better value. Having returned over and over again to the
“idyllic” resort, he has been inspired by the area to launch Snow Secrets with friends based in the resort. The established Petersfield-based company source great chalets, hotels and apartments in this pretty Italian gem. Snow Secrets, www.snow-secrets.com
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‘the best kept secret in the alps’
Specialists in exclusive tailored ski packages to the stunning Val d’Aosta region of Italy, part of the Monterosa ski area. Quality chalets, hotels and apartments. Fully catered excellent cuisine or self catering. We pride ourselves on our quality of accommodation and personal service.
Overglen Court Hill Brow, Liss, GU33 7PB 05601 333066 www.snow-secrets.com info@snow-secrets.com 30
Issue 24 October/November 2010