The biggest attraction to the Valle d’Aosta region is undoubtedly its vicinity to the Alps thus granting excellent skiing opportunities in the Valle d’Aosta. The Alps are the greatest mountain range system of Europe stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Lichtenstein and arriving at France in the west. From the Grand Hôtel Billia guests can easily visit most of these countries on organised day-trip tours.
Popular in both the summer and winter, the Alps offer the ideal destination for sightseeing and numerous types of sport. Formidable skiing opportunities are the most appealing option in the surrounding mountains and exclusive ski slopes in Valle d’Aosta. Saint Vincent is situated in a choice location at the foot of Mount Zerbion (2,700m) and Col de Joux (1691m). Skiing can be done in Valle d’Aosta from December through to April. Other popular activities include snowboarding, Alpine and Nordic skiing, tobogganing, ski tours and snowshoeing. Saint Vincent is an exclusive vacation town with its very own thermal baths perfect for relaxing after an action packed day skiing in the Valle d’Aosta.
The summer months also attract hordes of visitors to the Alps participating in hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, mountaineering, cycling and swimming. The Dora Baltea river flows through the region’s capital, Aosta, and through Saint Vincent. From July to September water levels are usually lower and the stretch is a good location for white-water rafting and kayaking.
Walking to your hamstring’s content is recommended as there are many beautiful areas to explore and appreciate. The Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso is the largest reserve in Valle d’Aosta, while the Parco Naturale del Monte Avic is extremely close to the Grand Hôtel Billia. The region’s tourist offices offer lots of information on walking trails and huts. Some trails lead into high altitude areas so it is vital you are equipped with the correct clothing, maps, sturdy footwear and emergency response capabilities. Expert mountaineers could attempt Mt Blanc which peaks at 4807m. Cable cars take you 3462m and you can set off for the ice peak from there. The inexperienced should not attempt this.
The Grand Hôtel Billia boasts a great selection of excellent services and facilities within the luxury four star hotel complex on Viale Piemonte. |
