Pila has a great high-altitude ski area that’s accessible from the ancient town of Aosta via a gondola lift, or you can of course stay on the mountain at the 1800m high resort base and use the gondola in the other direction to visit the old Roman town.
The ski area itself has a big vertical high, superb snow-making and slopes up to 2700m, which combined make it one of the most snowsure destinations in the Alps.
Those who love skiing in the trees will love the wooded runs here, while higher up there are fantastic open areas where the powder lies. Although relatively small, Pila has a reputation for lively après-ski – and if that’s not enough to keep you entertained off the slopes, you can head to Aosta town for a stroll amongst ancient monuments, good shopping and great dining.
There are 70km of pistes located between 1765-2700m with magnificent views encompassing Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn from the slopes.
© VALLE D’AOSTA – PILA – P. Celesia
Most runs are red, many of them tree-lined, making it the ideal ski area for intermediates. But the mountain also suits beginners and for experts there’s some good terrain, despite limited off-piste. Heliskiing is also an option and there’s a very good terrain park.
Pila has made improvements to its slopes in the summer, ahead of the snow arriving. This year the focus has particularly been on refurbishing and widen piste number 16, the extending the snow-making coverage to connecting slopes 15-14. The AreaEffe Snowpark was also extended.
New ‘Pila-Couis’ Gondola Lift
The new Pila-Couis gondola lift is under construction but it will be the latest addition to the Aosta-Pila ski resort. This state-of-the-art lift will take you from the charming town of Aosta to the breathtaking summit of Cima Couis 1, where you can enjoy stunning views of some of the most famous mountains in the world, such as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Grivola and the Gran Paradiso.
The second phase of development will take place during the 24/25 winter season, with the highlight being the construction of a state-of-the-art gondola, set to replace the existing Couis 1. Additionally, the striking structure of the Star, featuring a panoramic terrace and restaurant, will begin to grace the skyline, offering unparalleled views and culinary delights.
Looking ahead to the following winter season of 25/26, the culmination of these efforts will be realised as the entire Pila Couis project reaches completion.
The Pila-Couis gondola lift is not just a means of transport, but a destination in itself. It consists of two sections, each with a detachable 10-seater gondola, that pass through two intermediate stations, offering you different options to explore the resort. You can start your journey at the departure station in Pila, where you will find an innovative service centre with all the amenities you need. You can then continue to the arrival station on Cima Couis, where you can relax at the panoramic bar-restaurant, designed in a unique star shape. Or you can stop at the intermediate stations and discover the Platta de Grevon area, on the watershed between the Conca di Pila and the Cogne valley, where you can access a variety of ski slopes for all levels.
Fast and efficient, this new gondola lift will allow you to reach Cima Couis in just 13 minutes, covering a distance of 3.8 kilometres and a vertical drop of 923 meters. This is a huge improvement from the previous system, which required 3 lifts and took 60 minutes to reach the same destination. With the Pila-Couis gondola lift, you can save time and energy, and enjoy more of the amazing ski terrain that the Aosta-Pila resort has to offer.
© VALLE D’AOSTA-Dario Mazzoli
The Pila-Couis gondola lift is a game-changer for the Aosta-Pila ski resort, as it enhances the access to the mountain for both skiers and non-skiers, and creates a new attraction for visitors.
Beyond Skiing Experiences
The resort is renowned for its excellent snow conditions due to the natural basin that surrounds the ski area, protecting it from the wind. The average elevation (up to 2,800 meters above sea level) and north-facing slopes also shield the snow from direct sunlight, providing guests with unique and unparalleled skiing experiences.
However, to become a comprehensive alpine destination, Pila are focusing on developing activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing and ski touring. The resort has designed five snowshoeing itineraries traversing the most scenic areas of Pila. Additionally, two ski touring routes are being created to enhance the range of experiences offered.
An integration of all the experiences offered by local operators: guided snowshoeing with nature exploration, followed by an aperitif or dinner at a mountain hut, torchlight processions, and impactful events, are all set to be part of the new upcoming product and experiences.
Pila is fairly small, family-friendly and car-free but has a surprisingly lively après-ski scene, particularly at weekends when visitors from Milan and Turin arrive.
PILA
Main Image © VALLE D’AOSTA-Pila foto Mauro Paillex
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