Gran Paradiso
Why you should go there: The autonomous region Aosta extends from Courmayeur south of the Mont Blanc massiv in the northwest, Monte Cervino in the northeast and the Gran Paradiso national park in the south. Surrounded by some of the most iconic mountains in the alps it offers stunning landscapes and countless opportunities for outdoor- and nature enthusiasts. Some of the longest and most epic descents in the alps can be found in the region. Italian mountain cuisine and -lifestyle add to the experience!
Who is it for: Good to expert riders who love riding long, technical trails in high alpine regions will find paradise. You can enjoy long days out by combining shuttles and pedalling uphill to connect the best trails into epic tours.
Who should avoid it: If your partner is looking for the ultimative shopping experience or your kids want to go swimming occasionally, look elsewhere. If you have little experience in the mountains or are a beginner we´d recommend staying on the easier trails in Pila Bikepark.
Trails
Despite the high altitude of some trail heads the region has some surprisingly flowy trails. The regions trademark is the length of some of these descents. Often you can ride downhills of more than 2000 meters! The top of the mountains are often rocky with occasional technical spots. Below the treeline you will frequently find large larch forests, especially on the sunny south faces. The soil drys-off quickly and offers good grip, even after rainfalls. The “indian summer” in Aosta valley is spectacular. Towards the valley bottom the terrain becomes rockier again and sometimes requires good line choice (or speed). Allmountain bikers will love the “Passo Inverneux” loop. Enduro riders should try trail “21b” or our “Pila” loop.
The bikepark in Pila has tracks for all levels, flow trails to technical DH-tracks. La Thuile has another bikepark with tough technical Enduro- and DH trails in spectacular scenery.
Top Trails & Tours
Local services
Guides, Shuttles and Uplifts
Some taxi services offer competetive prices for single uplifts.
- Aosta Valley Freeride: Full Bike Service – Guiding, Shuttle and Tour Packages
- Autonoleggi Valle d’Aosta: Taxi Service with bike shuttle
- Pela Transfer: Another Taxi service with bike shuttle
- Pila Cable Cars: Cable car from Aosta to Pila, the Pila bikepark and up the mountain ridge
- La Thuile lifts: Chairlifts in La Thuile.
Bike Shops
You´ll find a several shops for spare parts and rental equipment. Here is a selection for you:
- The Place: Cool shop and bar, run by Aostavalleyfreeride.
- Aosta Bike Center: Bikeshop in Gressan with a good selection of brands..
- Hero E Bike: Bike shop in Aosta’s center.
- Sbrill’s Bike: Shop and bike rental in Cogne.
Bikeparks
There are two top bikeparks in Aosta Valley.
- La Thuile: Discover the beautiful and gnarly tracks of La Thuile
- Pila Bikeland: Bikepark in the ski resort of Pila,
Food & Drinks
There is a huge variety of restaurants in the area. Hip coffee spots & Bars, Local- & International Food. Fine dining or down to earth restaurants, they’re all there.
Top Restaurants
01
Trattoria Sonveulla: Trattoria with typical regional food and Salumificio in Cogne $
02
Eden Bistrot: Posh Bistro in the center of Aosta, Breakfast, Cocktails, Burger, Food,… $$
03
Yeti Pila:: Restaurant and Bar close to the Pila Bikepark lift. $$
04
Societe Pila: Gourmet food on the slopes of the Pila Ski resort. $$
05
Pizzegiando: Delicious pizza and cold drinks in the center of Aosta. $
06
Stefenelli Desk: Fine food in Aosta. $$
Overnight
The large region offers a big variety of options for your stay. Hotels, hostels and BnB’s.
- Le Lion Appartments Modern and spacious appartments with safe bike storage in Aosta. $$
-
TH Pila: Large hotel in the Pila ski resort, ideal if you want to ride the bikepark a lot. $$
- Le Clos d’Anbot: B&B with bike room, close to the Pila cable car. $$
- Hotel Chacaril: Nice two-star hotel in Pila. $$
- Air BnB: Find yourself an appartment.
CAMPING
The region has several campgrounds and camper parkings. Check our selection below:
- Camping Gran Paradiso Situated close to Cogne, just below the Gran Paradiso. Ideal for the Passo Invergneux loop.
- Camping Monte Bianco: Campsite in Sarre, close (5 km) to Aosta.
- Camping Val di Rhemes: This campsite is located close to the “Petit Mont Blanc” loop.
- Camping La Pineta: The campsite is situated above the valley floor at the entry of the Cogne valley..
- Camping Arvier: Campsite in the valley base halfway between Aosta and Courmayeur.
Disclaimer
The content of this website is just an opinion of a few individuals. It is not based on scientific research and some facts may have changed since the last visit. Feel free to leave a comment with suggestions for anything we have covered on this website.
You might be riding on shared trails! Yield to other trail users and animals! Control your speed, leave no traces and don’t shortcut corners! Thank you!
Last on-site research: 2023
entries with this icon have been recently tested by the author