Champoluc / Monterosa Ski

Monterosa Ski is one of the best-kept secrets in the Italian Alps: three linked valleys — Val d’Ayas (Champoluc), Valle del Lys (Gressoney), and Valle del Sesia (Alagna) — on a single lift pass covering 180 km of marked runs and legendary off-piste terrain. Champoluc is the most convenient and charming entry point to the whole system.

Why Go Snowboarding

Monterosa means high-altitude freeride. The slopes above Alagna drop from Punta Indren (3,260 m) with 2,000 m of vertical on often-excellent untracked snow. Expert snowboarders target the glacial corridors and open fields of Monte Sarezza, while the backcountry extends towards peaks approaching 4,000 m. This is one of very few Italian resorts where heliskiing is regularly practised. For those wanting less extreme terrain, the reds at Bettaforca and Stafal deliver long, satisfying runs.

Terrain & Slopes

The resort has 64 marked runs served by 52 lifts. 66% of pistes are intermediate (red), with excellent variety of aspect and exposure. The descent from Punta Indren to Alagna is one of the longest in Italy — 2,000 m of vertical on predominantly off-piste terrain. Expert riders will find challenging ground on the Alagna side, while Champoluc and Gressoney offer smoother, more flowing runs suited to carving.

Snowpark

The Sarezza Funpark above Champoluc is the sector’s main park, with rails and jumps at entry-to-intermediate level. For a more developed park experience, the Gabiet Fun Park above Stafal in Val del Lys offers a 300 m course with 14 rails, 6 jumps up to 15 m, and a dedicated beginner area — all on the same pass.

Getting There

Car: From Aosta, take the A5 to the Verres exit, then follow the SS506 into Val d’Ayas to Champoluc (approx. 40 km). Bus: Regional buses from Aosta (approx. 1h15). Train: Verres station on the Turin–Aosta line, then local bus. Parking: Free parking at Frachey with free shuttle to Champoluc lifts.

Tips

The best window is February–March, when high-altitude snowpack is often exceptional. Day pass prices are dynamic — booking online in advance brings significant savings. Alagna is the ideal base for pure freeriders; Champoluc has the best overall amenities and accommodation offer. Always carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) even on relatively short off-piste excursions.