24-Hours in the Aosta Valley
30th August 2020
Last modified on May 8th, 2021
PlanetSKI has recently been in Switzerland. It would have been rude not to pop over the border to one of our favourite places in the mountains and where we lived last winter – Aosta. And take a few pictures.
The drive up to the St Bernard Pass that connects Switzerland and Italy is one of our favourites in the Alps.
Partly due to the stunning Swiss scenery.
Swiss Scenery. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Swiss scenery. Image credit – PlanetSKI
But also because we know what is coming next.
Italy beckons. Image credit – PlanetSKI
The pass itself with the famous St Bernard monastary and its idyllic setting.
St Bernard Pass. Image credit – PlanetSKI
St Bernard Pass. Image credit – PlanetSKI
St Bernard Pass. Image credit – PlanetSKI
And then the drive down into the Aosta Valley.
We’ve done the drive many a time and the scenery never disappoints.
Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
In the middle of this picture is the top station of the tiny Italian ski station of Crevacol
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
A personal PlanetSKI favourite.
Avoiding the crowds in the Aosta Vallet: Crevacol
The barren rocky landscape is stunning in its simplistic beauty.
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
The landscape turns greener on the way down.
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
And all too soon we are entering Aosta itself with the connecting ski resort of Pila in the distance.
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
The city itself battles with Innsbruck in the Tirol as the most stunning historical city in the Alps.
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
There was no time to visit the Roman ruins, but we have done so in the past and will no doubt do so again.
The city is alive with summer visitors, mostly Italian as many international visitors are staying away due to coronavirus.
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
In the past the bars and restaurants had to pay the city authorities to have outside space – this has been waived due to coronavirus restrictions that allow limited numbers inside.
The restaurant and bar owners, plus the good people of Aosta are making the most of the expanded alfresco life.
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
There are covid-19 measures in place and most seem to be heeding the advice of the authorities – stay outside where possible, wear a mask unless eating/drinking and adhere to social distancing.
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Aosta, The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Fresh produce in Aosta. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Just outside the city, to the north on the way to Monte Bianco, is Castello di Sarre.
Just one of dozens and dozens of castles that are in the valley.
It looked stunning under the summer sunshine.
Castello di Sarre, Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Castello di Sarre, Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
Castello di Sarre, Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
And surrounded by Aosta Valley farm land.
Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
So, why only 24-hours?
Well, we had anticipated the UK introducing quarantine from Switzerland and needed to be out before it came into force last Saturday.
With France off limits for an overnight stop, Switzerland was our preferred way out of Italy and back to the UK.
Switzerland looks set to be next country on UK quarantine list
Switzerland placed on UK quarantine list
Switzerland under UK quarantine
We were also collecting a few things from the PlanetSKI winter base in Aosta that we left in our haste to exit the country as it went into full lockdown last March and we needed to re-book our office/apartment for 3-months next winter.
Mission accomplished on both fronts.
Time for a celebratory ice cream then.
Aosta, Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
And a glance up at the snow capped peaks of one of our favourite places in the Alps.
The Aosta Valley. Image credit – PlanetSKI
