Posts

Posted on

Pila is ready for the coming winter ski season 2024-25

Pila is ready for the coming winter season 2024-25. Photo: Pila Spa.

Pila is ready for this coming winter season 2024-25 with lots of news. From a new cablecar to new pistes- read more below.

Starting to ski, by La Baraka. This past season (23-24) it was closed. For me it was the best bar, more when Freddy was in charge (a rockabilly kind of guy with great music and hot chocolates!) Food was great too. Lovely terrace. Hopefully this is re-opened by the 24-25 ski season. Just off the top of Chamolé lift (by piste 2).
Starting to ski, by La Baraka. This past season (23-24) it was closed. For me it was the best bar, more when Freddy was in charge (a rockabilly kind of guy with great music and hot chocolates!) Food was great too. Lovely terrace. Hopefully this is re-opened by the 24-25 ski season. Just off the top of Chamolé lift (by piste 2). 

Pila is our beloved family resort, located at 1800 m above sea level, with easy access to the city of Aosta (the Rome of the Alps). There is a cablecar that takes you up from a parking lot next to the train station in Aosta, to the base area of Pila in 18 minutes. As Pila is on a basin (or conca, as said in Italian), it is protected of winds (compared to Cervinia and La Thuile), and its pistes have northern exposure, which keeps the snow for longer time. Also, due to Pila being on a grassy mountain, you do not need too much snow for skiing on this mountain. This is a vantage of a mountain like this. Mountains that are on more rocky terrain-(like those closer to the higher Alps), need a deeper base for making it operative for to skiers and boarders.

Pila has also very good snowmaking that helps those areas where there is more tracking by skiers and boarders, making it possible remain open until after Easter.

I have written a detailed guide to Pila with where to stay here.

The ski area has 4 black, 22 red and 5 blue runs which makes 70km of trails. The terrain goes from 1,540 to 2,750 m above sea level. It has 14 lifts, including chairlifts, cable cars and a funicular.

Rendering of new Valley Station for Pila in Pila 1800 m. This part will be ready for the 25-26 ski season. Courtesy Pila SPA.
Rendering of new Valley Station for Pila in Pila 1800 m. This part will be ready for the 25-26 ski season. Courtesy Pila SPA. Pila is ready for the coming winter season 2024-25

Pila is preparing for the 2024-25 ski season with lots of news. They will open a new 10-seater “Couis 1” cable car. This will be for this season on the second section of the Pila-Couis master plan for the resort. This second section will change the old double chairlift Cuois 1 for the new cable car and will allow to reach an altitude of 2,700 meters in just 15’ (and 4 1/2 minutes for the Couis 1 section only!)

Up there you can have panoramic views of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), the Matterhorn (Cervino), Monte Rosa, Grivola and Gran Paradiso. A new panoramic restaurant in the shape of a star will be signalising each of these peaks. This restaurant, called “Stella del Couis” will not be finished by this ski season (but yes for the 2025-26 ski season), and the construction will be stopped during the winter.

Continue reading “Pila is ready for the coming winter ski season 2024-25”

Posted on

How come La Thuile is considered the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc.

La Thuile, the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc. Photo courtesy: La Thuile Tourism Office.

There are so many resorts linked to the Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco, but there are some, that are more related than others. Like Chamonix and Courmayeur, with the Mont Blanc just on its boundaries, and then La Thuile and La Rosière, with more panoramic views of the Monte Bianco or Mont Blanc.. And how come La Thuile is considered the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc?

La Thuile is home of the steepest slope in Italy, as well as the place with 13 km dedicated to beginner skiers. So, it caters to both sides of the spectrum.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Continue reading “How come La Thuile is considered the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc.”

Posted on

Green light to modernise two lifts in Courmayeur Mont Blanc.

The boys waiting for the funicular of Val Veny to take us back to Courmayeur. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

Courmayeur got the green light to go ahead with the replacement of two lifts: the Maison Vielle chairlift with a 16-seater cable car, and the Chécrouit cable that will be a 10-seater from the today’s old 6-seater. Both lifts will maintain the same route.

My youngest carrying his own skis with his ski strap waiting the Armani funicular to go to Plan Chécrouit in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
My youngest carrying his own skis with his ski strap waiting the Armani funicular to go to Plan Chécrouit in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Courmayeur Mont Blanc got the green light to modernise two of its lifts that were due for a long time. Maison Vielle and Chécrouit. 

The total cost of this refurbishment by Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie SPA will be of approximately 42 million euros. The City Council has unanimously approved three resolutions to allow these building works.

These are two very old lifts that needed to be upgraded, as they were susceptible to be stopped due to wind.

Continue reading “Green light to modernise two lifts in Courmayeur Mont Blanc.”

Posted on

Empowering Fitness: Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities

Skiing on a sit ski. Photo: La Rosiere Tourism Office. Empowering Fitness: Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities.

Guest post by Martin Block. The Able Rise Group.

Living with a disability should never be a barrier to leading an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Physical activity is not only crucial for maintaining overall health but also contributes to improved mental well-being and enhanced quality of life. In this article, we explore a range of fitness options specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. By embracing adaptive exercise techniques and inclusive fitness programs, we can empower people with disabilities to unlock their full potential and enjoy the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle.

The big rock in the river. See this oil painting in my shop here.
The big rock in the river. See this oil painting in my shop here.

Set Yourself Up for Success With a Healthy Breakfast

Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets the foundation for a successful workout session. Consuming a balanced meal rich in protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits helps fuel your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Whether you choose a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with berries or a protein-packed smoothie, a healthy breakfast ensures you have the stamina and focus needed to make the most out of your exercise routine.

Continue reading “Empowering Fitness: Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities”

Posted on

Indy Pass becomes the temporary owner of historic Black Mountain in New Hampshire

Indy Pass acquires Black Mountain

For people following my blog, you know that I love the idea of the Indy Pass and I do prefer the small mountain vibe than the big conglomerate, so I always publish press releases from Indy Pass. Indy Pass is becoming the temporary owner of the historic Black Mountain in New Hampshire. The Indy Pass will ensure the ski area is open for its 90th season and will implement a community-operated (co-op) business model by the start of the 2025/26 season

Indy Pass is the temporary owner of Black Mountain to keep it running this season. Photo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass is the temporary owner of Black Mountain to keep it running this season. Photo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass, the independent ski areas season pass. Logo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass, the independent ski areas season pass. Logo: Indy Pass.

The Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems have purchased Black Mountain, New Hampshire’s oldest ski area, from the Fichera family. For the past 30 years, the Fichera family has worked tirelessly to keep the mountain open for the community to enjoy. Indy Pass will own and operate the resort for this coming season and will transfer the ownership to a community co-op by the 2025/26 season. The family will continue to support the mountain as it  transitions to the co-op model.

Continue reading “Indy Pass becomes the temporary owner of historic Black Mountain in New Hampshire”

Posted on

Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter

Grand Cry Tipis Zone Ludique. Valentin Du Crettet. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.

If you are looking for a great place where to go skiing with your family, Les Gets it is a great contender.

With easy access, as you can fly into Geneva, and you are only at 1 hour 20 minutes away from Les Gets.

Snowboarding in the expanse area of Les Gets. Photo: Keno. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your ski holiday to Les Gets this winter.
Snowboarding in the expanse area of Les Gets. Photo: Keno. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your ski holiday to Les Gets this winter.

Or drive from London taking the ferry or the Eurotunnel and then after passing Geneva, take the A40 and then the D902 to get there.

In a nutshell, Les Gets is one of the 12 resorts of Les Portes du Soleil, that are in two countries (France and Switzerland) and cover more than 600 km of pistes.

Snowshoeing at dusk or dawn. One of the guided activities you can pre-book now for your Les Gets trip. Photo: Max Coquard. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.
Snowshoeing at dusk or dawn. One of the guided activities you can pre-book now for your Les Gets trip. Photo: Max Coquard. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.

Les Gets ski area is opening on Saturday 21st December 2024 through April Sunday 6th, 2025. On 14th December the resort will open the terrain with enough snow to ski, all depending on snow conditions.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Continue reading “Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter”

Posted on

A quick introduction to whom am I

You can tell my happiness of being on top of the world (at least European world). Here at the Aiguille du Midi. Aiguille du Midi vs Punta Helbronner – which one you should do?

I just wanted to introduce myself for my new followers. I am a bit of a busy body person that likes doing lots of things, that has been in love with the mountains since I went the first time when I was fourteen, to Bariloche, in my native Argentina.

Cross-country skiing this past end of the season in Palisades Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe. Photo: Ester Servat-Codina.
Cross-country skiing this past end of the season in Palisades Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe. Photo: Ester Servat-Codina.

I have managed to work in the ski business since I was fifteen, firstly selling ski trips, then working at ski resorts (Crested Butte, Aspen, Bariloche, Las Leñas, Portillo and Vail) and now working for the largest and longest-standing ski travel industry b-2-b event in the world, which has allowed me to visit many mountains in the world. I am lucky enough to be able to work from home (as the company I work for is American), and be around my kids while they grow up, my husband and black lab Ozzy.

Continue reading “A quick introduction to whom am I”

Posted on

The Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed till 16th December

The Italian side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

If you are planning to cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel, now it is closed till 16th December. This is part of a yearly plan to work on the tunnel’s maintenance. This year they will be completing the reconstruction of two portions of the tunnel vault of 300 meters each. This is one of the first major European tunnels undertaking deep renovations structural works.

This makes the tunnel being closed from 2nd September at 5 PM till Monday 16th December at 5 PM, just before the Christmas traffic.

It is estimated that most of the heavy traffic will go through the Frèjus tunnel on the A43 motorway, and then going into Torino.

Driving towards Martigny - Photo. The-Ski-Guru. The Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed till 16th December
Driving towards Martigny – Photo. The-Ski-Guru. The Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed till 16th December

If you are driving by car, you have some options. Until the snowstorms come, you can go through the Petit St Bernard Pass up from Bourg-Saint-Maurice into La Rosière to La Thuille, or take the Grand St Bernard Pass, up from Martigny in Switzerland. You can go to Martigny, if coming from France, driving to the end of the Chamonix Valley into the Col des Montets down to Martigny.

Continue reading “The Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed till 16th December”

Posted on

Driving back for the first time from Morgex to London

Splugenpass in Switzerland. Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi. Unsplash.

Although I have been doing the trip from Morgex to London and vice-versa many times over the years, as a copilot, I’ve never dared to drive it myself.

Before leaving this summer, my husband told me he had no more holidays, and if coming, he could only be a fraction of the time I was expecting to stay in the Italian Alps. For me, being in Italy is the highlight of my life, and missing it is a no-no!

My husband driving over a viaduct near Nantua. Driving back for the first time from Morgex to London
My husband driving over a viaduct near Nantua. Driving back for the first time from Morgex to London

But I knew also that driving on the motorway with a UK car on the other side is something I have been avoiding for too long.

I tend not to drive in London, only point to point. Since I moved to the UK, I took some lessons on how to drive on the left side of the road, and I find it very confusing the matter of changing lanes again!

 

Val Ferret- Plein Aire 30x40 cm. Soft Pastels, Pan pastls and charcoal on La Carte Pastel. For sale in my shop here.
Val Ferret- Plein Aire 30×40 cm. Soft Pastels, Pan pastls and charcoal on La Carte Pastel. For sale in my shop here.

Plus, since I had kids, I was paranoid of driving on the motorway.

But my dilemma was, I could go in a plane to Italy and take a transfer (or train + bus) to Morgex, but then I was going to be a bit stuck in Morgex, not being free to go everywhere. It is true that I could take public transport to move around, but it would still bit of a pain…

Continue reading “Driving back for the first time from Morgex to London”

Posted on

Review of the ULLR D Shell Ski Jacket by Helly Hansen

Ozzy with the Helly Hansen ULLR jacket. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

I had the chance to get a Helly Hansen Men’s ULLR D Shell Ski Jacket from a trade event organised by Ski Press at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.

It is too big for me, but I have still used it a lot in London, as I have yet to go back to the mountains for the summer. I got this jacket in May!

Helly Hansen ULLR jacket. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
Helly Hansen ULLR jacket. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

London had a very cold and wet summer – if we can call this summer! I have used this jacket pretty much every day to go to the park with my dog, and I have cared less if the weather was not good.

As this jacket is a Men’s Large (and I can use a Women’s Small or Medium), this is more like a raincoat to me. Nonetheless- for days when rain is coming side-ways, I am covered! This jacket is really waterproof and wind proof- I have tried and tested it on many days this “summer”.

Continue reading “Review of the ULLR D Shell Ski Jacket by Helly Hansen”