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Winter Activities for Non Skiers
Even if you don’t ski, there are many winter activities in and around Cervinia and Valtournenche.
Below are some of the best and most popular non-ski activities in the area, from active to culinary, history to atmosphere - enjoy them all !
Lago Blu Winter Walk
Just a few minutes drive from Valtournenche, in the direction of Cervinia, on the right side of the road, you will find a stunning glacial lake. Frozen in Winter, this iconic lake displays unique Matterhorn reflections. the walk is short and easy. It is suitable for all ages and offers a unique photography spot. Click here for more details. For more Scenic Walks and Snowshoe Hikes, click here.
Winter Fun Parks
In the Cervinia village, the Cervinia Fun Park offers snow tubing, sledding areas, and other family-friendly snow activities.
Located at the departure of the Cretaz chairlift and at the foot of the Matterhorn, a variety of fun activities are available for children to 1 to 10 years. Parents can play with the children or watch them comfortably seated on a deckchair, always with a view of the Matterhorn.
At the top of the Valtournenche Salette Gondola, is the Winter Fun Park offering a whole range of fun activities in the snow for young children.
Either of these is a great option for adults accompanying children who want to enjoy time on the mountain without skiing.
Take a ride to the Swiss border
Even without skiing, visitors can ride the gondolas from Cervinia to experience breathtaking views over the Alps and the Italian–Swiss border. Glacier landscapes, panoramic viewpoints, and mountain cafés make it a memorable outing.
The first gondola ride is from the Cervinia village up to Plan Maison (2,550 m), where there are restaurants, terraces, and spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
From Plan Maison, continue by a second cabin to Cime Bianche Laghi (around 2,800 m) and then a third gondola takes you to Plateau Rosà / Testa Grigia (about 3,480 m) on the Swiss border, where you’ll find glacier scenery, cafés, and panoramic viewpoints over both Italy and Switzerland.
You may then continue for an Optional trip to Switzerland, via the unique Matterhorn Alpine Crossing - the newest installation, open since Winter Season 2023-2024.
Purchase a round trip ticket in the Cervinia village and go straight "to the top" or stop anywhere along the way.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is available at several locations in the valley, including loops near the Cervinia Golf Course and the Champlève Nordic area in Valtournenche. These gentle trails are suitable for beginners and provide a quieter alternative to downhill skiing.
In Breuil-Cervinia, the piste is a 3 km loop, suitable for both beginners and experts. It’s usually one of the first trails in the Alps to open, thanks to its natural snow and altitude. The piste, which is located in the area of the golf course, is situated on the edge of the village, close to the centre and in a sunny area. Skiing along the track you can enjoy views of the Matterhorn as well as the Grandes Murailles.
In Champlève, a couple of kilometres from the centre of Valtournenche, there is a corner of unspoilt nature dotted with clearings and woods. The cross-country track is located there and consists of three loops: one for beginners (about 3 km), a second with medium difficulty (2.5 km) and a third with a medium-difficult slope with a length of 3.8 km.
Click here for more details.
Chamois, a unique village without cars
Chamois is one of the most unique villages in the Aosta Valley. Completely car-free and reached by cable car from Buisson, less than 15 minutes drive from Baita Mirabel, it offers a peaceful alpine atmosphere with traditional houses, scenic winter walks, and snowshoe routes such as the trail to Lago di Lod. It makes a perfect half-day excursion for visitors looking to enjoy authentic mountain village life away from the ski slopes. Click here for more details about the village and how to plan your outing.
Thermal Spas and Wellness Facilities
One of the most famous wellness destinations in the region is QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier, about one hour from Valtournenche. It offers outdoor thermal pools with mountain views, saunas, and relaxation areas, making it a popular winter excursion for adults.
Local Wineries and Culinary Visits Nearby
The Aosta Valley is home to small mountain wineries producing distinctive alpine wines from native grape varieties such as Petit Rouge and Fumin. Within about 30 minutes of Valtournenche, visitors can explore several respected producers including La Vrille Winery, La Crotta di Vegneron, and Ottin Vini. Many wineries offer tastings, allowing guests to sample local wines while learning about the unique challenges of growing grapes in the high Alps.
The Aosta Valley is famous for its mountain food traditions, particularly Fontina cheese, cured meats, and dairy products produced in small alpine dairies. Visitors staying near Valtournenche can explore traditional producers such as the Cooperativa Produttori Latte e Fontina, where local milk is transformed into Fontina cheese using traditional methods located in the center of the village. You can also visit the Fontina Museum and Visitor's Center in Valpelline to learn all about the history and making of the unique local cheese. The Center has a multimedia station and a shop.
How about visiting the unique cured meat factory in the valley nearby Salumificio Maison Bertolin offers a factory tour followed by tastings, and of course a shop with their products.
A Day in Aosta – Exploring the Old Town
A visit to Aosta makes an excellent half-day excursion from Valtournenche (about 45–50 minutes by car). The historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with remarkable Roman monuments such as the Arch of Augustus, the Roman Theatre of Aosta, and the medieval streets around Piazza Chanoux. Visitors can wander through the pedestrian streets, enjoy cafés and bakeries, browse local shops, and experience the relaxed atmosphere of one of the Alps’ most historic towns. Click here fore more details.
Dog Sledding in the Valtournenche Area
Few winter experiences feel more magical than gliding through snowy forests behind a team of huskies. Visitors can try dog sledding excursions with experienced guides, where participants either ride in the sled or learn how to drive it themselves along scenic mountain trails. Tours are usually about 1–2 hours, suitable for beginners, and should be booked in advance.
Forte di Bard
Visit local Villages
Within about an hour of Cervinia, several charming alpine villages are worth visiting for a relaxed winter outing. Places such as Torgnon, Saint-Denis, Valpelline, and Champulac offer winter walks, local restaurants, and beautiful alpine views. These villages provide a quieter and more traditional atmosphere than ski resorts, making them ideal for non-skiers or guests looking for a slow and scenic day in the mountains.
Warm Up Like the Locals with a Bombardino
Just in case you are wondering about our favorite Winter Alps Cocktail - it's a Bombardino !
No winter holiday in the Italian Alps is complete without trying a Bombardino, the iconic alpine cocktail found in mountain huts and ski resorts across the region. Made with egg liqueur, brandy or rum, and often topped with whipped cream, it’s a rich and warming drink traditionally enjoyed after a day in the snow. Whether on a sunny terrace or inside a cozy mountain restaurant, a Bombardino is the perfect way to experience the true atmosphere of an Alpine winter.
Learn more about this tasty and unique drink that will warm you on any cold winter day !
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