Aosta Valley in winter

Arrive in Cogne, the main center of the Gran Paradiso National Park, and check in at the Bellevue Hotel & Spa, a historic hotel, an old house that has been open for hospitality since 1925. Enclosed by the Sant'Orso prairie, it has an extraordinary view of the Gran Paradiso glacier.
Explore the village of Cogne and relax in the Wellness Center with its striking pools, grottos, citrus and hay bio saunas before a tasty dinner at one of Bellevue's restaurants. Overnight stay.

With 11 loops for more than 80 km of total runs, among forests, streams and romantic little bridges, Cogne is the undisputed queen of cross-country skiing. In addition, a small, family-friendly area of five runs served by a treadmill, two chairlifts, and a gondola, reaches an altitude of 2,252 meters, for skiing without queues and waits at lifts within the Gran Paradiso National Park, where close encounters with ibex, chamois, and stoats are the order of the day. For those who don't like to ski, miles of groomed trails allow for pleasant walks in the snow, on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh, and snowshoeing with nature guides both day and night will allow encounters with the park's wildlife.

If you love culture and traditions, don't miss La Maison de Cogne Gérard Dayné, an old rural house dating back to the 17th century and evidence of the "wood and stone" architecture typical of the Cogne Valley.Its recovery as an ethnographic museum enhances its signs testifying to the organization of the family, the agrarian and forestry environment, common objects and sacred art, beliefs and legends allowing for a deeper understanding of the places and the history of the community. The guided tour, in addition to highlighting the architecture of the Maison, offers a narrative of "life in the olden days," helping to understand how our ancestors used the spaces of the house and how they lived and survived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Relaxation in the spa before dinner in the mountain restaurant Le Bar du Fromage. Overnight stay.

To reach Courmayeur, it is necessary to take the E25 again in the direction of Aosta. The regional capital certainly deserves a visit that will leave you surprised. The town is in fact the second, after Rome, in terms of the number of remains from the Roman era: the Arch of Augustus, Porta Pretoria, the Roman Theater, the Forensic Cryptoporticus and the Cinta Muraria are only the most impressive testimonies of Rome's rule. Also not to be missed are the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Bear, patron of the region.
When you arrive in Courmayeur, you can relax in the hotel spa before dining at one of the typical restaurants in the center.

A must for those visiting Courmayeur are the slopes of the Mont Blanc ski area. For those who do not ski there is a multitude of opportunities but certainly not to be missed is an excursion on the Mont Blanc Skyways for an exciting 360° journey to the roof of Europe.
The Skyway is an engineering feat that will take you 3500 meters among the perennial ice of Europe's highest mountain, immersed in breathtaking scenery thanks to the 360-degree rotating cabin and 3 stations equipped with services and catering: Pontal d'Entrèves at 1300 meters, the gateway to the Great Mountain; Pavillon du Mont Fréty at 2173, the heart of the Skyway; and Punta Helbronner at 3466 meters, a glittering ice between the perennial ice.
Return to hotel and overnight stay.

From Courmayeur to Breuil-Cervinia is about a 90-minute drive. Take your time and enjoy the views. If you want an intermediate stop, the Pila ski resort is easily reached by gondola from downtown Aosta in 18 minutes, landing directly on the slopes. Pila boasts unparalleled views of all the highest peaks in Europe. Arrive in Breuil- Cervinia and settle in at the Hermitage. Explore the renowned ski town and relax in the Hermitage's spa, the first in a luxury hotel in the valley before dinner in Restaurant La Chandelle.

With 19 lifts in Breuil-Cervinia and 34 in Zermatt,and, 72 and 74 downhill slopes respectively, the Matterhorn ski area certainly gives no reason for boredom. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are just some of the possible activities, as well as walks in the surrounding area and along trails in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Don't miss Europe's highest museum at Plateau Rosà, at 3500 meters, tells the story of the lifts with period photos and audiovisual aids.
Relax in the Hermitage spa and dine in one of the town's typical restaurants.

After breakfast depart for your next destination.