The winter season in Pila will begin on November 28 and conclude on April 11. The Aosta–Pila and Pila–Stella gondola lifts will remain in operation until May 2. New features include the option to purchase and use a ski pass directly via smartphone, as well as the confirmation of the pre-sale price for the seasonal pass.
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The ski season in Pila will begin on Saturday, November 28, 2026, and conclude on Sunday, April 11, 2027. The Aosta–Pila and Pila–Stella gondolas, however, will remain in operation for an additional three weeks, until Sunday, May 2. This offers a chance to visit the mountains even in the spring—without necessarily needing skis—whether to go for a walk, admire the great Alpine peaks rising above 4,000 meters (from Mont Blanc to Monte Rosa), or simply enjoy a break at the panoramic bistro at Stella di Pila, which will also stay open until May 2.
This will be the second winter of operation for the Pila–Stella gondola—inaugurated in December 2025—which allows passengers to travel from the center of Aosta to Platta de Grevon, at an altitude of 2,723 meters, in about 30 minutes. The new season follows a particularly successful summer, which saw a 116% increase in revenue and an 86% rise in visitor numbers compared to 2025.
These results are primarily due to the “Stella” project and the “Four Seasons Outdoor Experience”—an initiative promoted by the Consorzio Espace de Pila and funded by the Ministry of Tourism through the “Montagna Italia” (Mountain Italy) call for proposals. The project encompasses the areas of Aosta, Gressan, and Charvensod, and has led to the creation of 185 km of trails and 44 themed experiences, many of which are accessible to people with physical disabilities. The goal is to expand the range of tourism offerings throughout the entire year, including the winter months.
“Through the ‘Montagna Italia’ (Mountain Italy) call for proposals, we have brought together operators from Aosta, Gressan, and Charvensod to create a year-round offering,” states Katia Albanese, president of the L’Espace de Pila Tourism Consortium. “The summer season showed us that those who head up to Pila aren’t just looking for high-intensity sports; they are looking for trails suited to their own abilities, mountain huts where they can stop and rest, and the city—accessible in just thirty minutes by cable car. This winter, we want to provide that same range of options for non-skiers, with snowshoeing, groomed walking trails, and mountain huts that can be reached via the lift system. Keeping the cable cars running until May serves this purpose, too.”
FROM AOSTA TO THE SLOPES: CHANGING PERSPECTIVE WITHOUT A CAR
The Pila ski area features 13 lifts and 70 km of slopes. The gondola departs directly from Aosta, located about a 10-minute walk from the train station and 15 minutes from the motorway exit. Those arriving by car can leave their vehicle in the car park at the base of the lifts, thereby avoiding the mountain road and the need to fit snow chains in the event of snowfall.
The ascent leads first to 1,800 meters, where the resort center is located, and then continues up to 2,723 meters at La Stella.
Among the most challenging runs in the ski area, the Bellevue—slope number 10—stands out; it is a black run homologated for all disciplines, approximately 1.6 km long, with a vertical drop of 450 meters. To reach it, start from the top of the Couis 2 lift and head down along the left side.
For those who do not ski, or who wish to intersperse their time on the slopes with other snow-based experiences, Pila offers a variety of options:
- an area dedicated to snowboarding and freestyle, the Areaeffe Snowpark;
- one fun slope
- a snow playground for children, Chacard;
- six snowshoeing routes, accessible both during the day and in the evening;
- compacted pedestrian paths;
- Safe routes dedicated to off-piste skiing and ski touring.
THE SECOND WINTER OF THE PILA STAR AT 2,723 METERS
La Stella di Pila, located at an altitude of 2,723 meters, welcomed its first visitors at the start of the 2025/2026 season. It is now preparing for its second season this coming winter, with opening dates scheduled from December 4 to May 2.
From the panoramic terrace, which overlooks the city of Aosta, the view extends to some of the Aosta Valley’s most prominent peaks: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso. It is a prime vantage point over the Alps, accessible by cable car even to those who do not ski.
The arrival station bears the signature of the De Carlo Gualla studio, which drew inspiration for the project from the geometry of the edelweiss and the lines of a compass rose. The building is situated along the ridge, supported by overhangs and brackets, and features a continuous band of glazing that allows the surrounding landscape to enter the interior spaces.
La Stella can be reached by gondola from both Aosta and Pila. Once at the top, you can choose to enjoy a coffee, relax in the sun on the panoramic terraces, or stop for lunch at the Panoramic Bistrot & Bar, where the culinary offerings are curated by Skyway Monte Bianco.
HIGH-ALTITUDE MOUNTAIN HUTS ARE GETTING A MAKEOVER
The transformation of Pila also extends to the hospitality facilities located at higher altitudes. In recent years, several mountain huts have undergone renovations, with a particular focus on their interiors, the materials used, and their architectural integration into the Alpine landscape.
Alpenwood, at Chamolé
Alpenwood opened last season, replacing the previous refreshment point at Chamolé along the Del Bosco ski run. Its culinary offering includes dishes prepared with local ingredients and grilled specialties, alongside a pizzeria. The wine list is also particularly extensive, featuring over 200 labels.
On Saturday afternoons, the terrace transforms into an après-ski venue, complete with DJ sets. In the evenings, the focus shifts to dinners in a mountain hut—accessible by snowcat—as well as wine tastings hosted by various wineries and a range of other events held throughout the season.
The architectural design was created by Paolo Venturotti. The building is composed of three volumes that evoke the forms of a traditional mountain cabin, while five large windows frame the panoramic view stretching between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
The exterior features cladding made of brushed, grey-toned spruce and aluminum sheeting. Inside, the exposed Norway spruce structure is complemented by perforated wooden panels, designed to improve the room’s acoustic absorption. The terrace has also been reimagined: it is now more than twice its original size and has been rotated 10 degrees toward the Pila basin.
The establishment has 150 indoor seats and over 150 more on the terrace. The project covered approximately 1,230 square meters, including the outdoor areas, with work completed in seven months.
Particular attention has also been paid to energy efficiency. Power is supplied by a 20 kWp photovoltaic system—featuring some panels installed vertically to also capture sunlight reflected off the snow—as well as two air-to-air heat pumps.
Hermitage, at La Nuova
The Hermitage is also preparing to reopen following a complete renovation. The mountain lodge is located about 300 meters from the arrival point of the Gorraz-Grimod cable car and can be reached either on skis or via a walk of approximately 15 minutes. The property sits directly on the slopes, next to the La Nouva chairlift.
The project involved the creation of a new 150-square-meter panoramic room, designed to host both dining services and events. The building also underwent an energy-efficiency upgrade, featuring the installation of external thermal insulation, new high-performance windows, and an updated heating system. Meanwhile, the culinary offerings continue to highlight the traditional cuisine of the Aosta Valley.
Along with La Stella, Alpenwood and Hermitage help create a diverse culinary offering spread throughout the entire resort area: from mountain huts located directly on the slopes to chalets serving traditional Aosta Valley cuisine, as well as restaurants and pizzerias in the village, and high-altitude dinners reached by snowcat.
The complete list of facilities is available on the website pila.it
SKI MOUNTAINEERING AND SNOWSHOEING: MARKED AND GEOLOCATED ROUTES
For the 2026/2027 winter season, Pila is introducing new signage for ski mountaineering and snowshoeing routes. The trails will also feature information boards with geolocated maps and details on key points of interest.
The initiative aims to make the routes easier to identify and access—even for first-timers—away from the groomed ski runs. The ski touring routes begin at the Leissé parking area, while the snowshoeing trails start at the top station of the Aosta–Pila gondola. GPS tracks are available for download for all the routes.
Those who prefer to experience these activities in the company of others can also join weekly outings organized with local guides, which are available at sunset and during the evening hours as well.
Info:
WHAT’S NEW THIS SEASON
– Ski pass on your smartphone. One of the season’s key innovations concerns access to the ski lifts. For certain types of ski passes, it will now be possible to use your phone directly instead of a traditional physical card. The system relies on “sMove” access gates and “Mobile Flow” technology: by purchasing your ski pass online, you can pass through the turnstiles with your smartphone in your pocket—no need to stop at the ticket office. The service launches this winter and will be gradually extended to other types of ski passes in future seasons.
– Seasonal pass, price unchanged. Those who purchase a seasonal ski pass during the pre-sale period will benefit from the same price as last year. This initiative is aimed primarily at regular visitors to the Pila slopes, owners of second homes, and skiers who have long chosen this resort in the Aosta Valley.
NEW BASIN NEARLY READY
– Leissé reservoir, circular water management. The construction of the new artificial Leissé reservoir, which has a capacity of 150,000 m³, is nearing completion. This infrastructure is a strategic asset for the sustainable management of water resources and for adapting to climate change.
The reservoir will be used to collect rainwater and water from melting snow during periods of high availability, making it possible to eliminate water withdrawals from streams during times of water scarcity.
The accumulated water will be used during the winter to produce snow—snow that is 100% natural and contains no chemical additives. With the arrival of spring and the subsequent thaw, the water will return entirely to its natural hydrological cycle.
A system based on the principles of the circular economy, designed to ensure the continuity of the ski season while simultaneously protecting the mountain ecosystem. The reservoir will not yet be operational this coming winter, even though construction is now nearing completion.
“The idea of offering a different perspective is not an abstract notion for us, but a concrete model that we saw fully realized this summer: the mountains no longer belong solely to those focused on athletic performance or to specialists; they are for anyone seeking an authentic, contemplative connection with the high-altitude environment,” states Davide Vuillermoz, president of Pila Spa.
“Ensuring access for non-skiers as well, and extending the operation of the cable cars until May 2nd, means moving beyond the traditional confines of the winter calendar—allowing people to travel directly from the city up to the 2,723-meter-high Stella, even when spring has already arrived in the valley below. This continuity helps to better manage and distribute visitor flows across the area, preventing overcrowding during peak periods and offering a wider audience—as well as the local community and those who live in the mountains year-round—the chance to enjoy the landscape at a more relaxed and balanced pace. At the same time, we are making a firm commitment to sustainability: the circular water management system at the Leissé reservoir and the simplified access provided by smartphone-based ski passes demonstrate how infrastructural innovation and respect for the Alpine ecosystem must go hand in hand.”
IN SUMMARY
- Ski season: from Saturday, November 28, 2026, to Sunday, April 11, 2027, snow permitting.
- Aosta–Pila and Pila–Stella gondola lifts: extended opening until Sunday, May 2, 2027.
- Ski area: 13 lifts, 70 km of slopes, and a maximum altitude of 2,723 meters.
- Stella di Pila and the panoramic bistro: open from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, May 2.
- Info: www.pila.it
