Snow-capped mountains are so beautiful! And December, in my opinion, is the best month to visit mountain resorts, with hamlets romantically covered in snow and firs swaying in the wind. So if you are as romantic as I am, you will be glad to know that the Gran Paradiso consorzio offers several hotel deals valid for the month of December; from the Scoperta package which includes 2 nights’ stay, breakfast, dinner and guided visits to the Sarre Castle and other aristocratic adobes to Passeggiate in Paradiso or Walks in Paradise which includes 7 nights’ accommodation in a 3 -star hotel (half-board), horseback riding and delicious snacks. But if you are not the romantic type and have a passion for winter sports, you can always opt for the Altra Neve package offering three nights‘ accommodation at a 3-star hotel (half-board). All Guests will get the Gran Paradiso Tourist card. For more information please click here.

Gran Paradiso Inverno

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Dmitrij Medvedev, president of the Russian federation, will spend a few days of rest in the Aosta Valley here in Italy. Mr Dmitrij Medvedev and his staff should arrive around July 26 and stay at the Hermitage hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels in the region. Famous for its superb service and attention to detail, the hotel has always been the haunt of the rich and famous.

Source | Gds.it

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The town of Aosta will host an Italian craft fair on January 30th and 31st, which should have an alpine flavour. The Fiera di Sant’Orso has more than 1000 exhibitors displaying the creations of the Val d’Aosta’s artists and artisans. Everything from woodwork, to stone masonry, blacksmithing, leather work and weaving will be on display. The products are mostly typical of the Val d’Aosta region and showcase the traditions of the area.

The fair dates back to Medieval times and it’s said that it has its origins in Saint Orso, before the 11th century, who would display poor clothing and “Sabot” - typical wooden shoes of the area that you can still find at the fair today. The fair takes place throughout the city and around the old Roman city walls. You can hair plenty of folk music and try some of the local produce, while indulging in a little wine tasting.

See the Fiera di Sant’Orso site for program details, and information on what to visit. There is also some advice on shopping in Aosta, if you want spend some money while there.

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With the mountains now covered in snow (and that Christmasy atmosphere that only snow can bring), a break at the luxury Hermitage hotel in Breuil Cervinia could be the best way to round off the year. Elegantly furnished and with a first class service, the Hermitage hotel also includes a cosy hall with parquet flooring, rustic fireplace and comfy sofas. And with a bit of luck you could even be able to take a swim in the swimming pool and watch the snow fall gently, softly over the world.

Continue reading: Winter in Italy: Christmas breaks at Hotel Hermitage in Breuil Cervinia

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Great deals for skiing in Italy this winter continue with Alpitour offering New Year’s Eve snow weekends in the Valle d’Aosta. The deal is valid for the Ski Club Lo Stambecco at the foot of Cervinio mountain, at about 2,500 metres above sea level.

The three-star hotel has 50 rooms, and includes facilities such as a solarium, ski room, games room, disco and restaurant. It can only be reached by cable car (free for guests) and is perfect if you’re looking for a mountain ski retreat for New Year celebrations.

Currently on offer is seven nights for the price of six, with full board included. Prices start from about 528 euros a head.

Foto | Flickr

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December is the best month to discover (or rediscover if you have already been there) the Aosta Valley up in the north of Italy; Christmas markets and rustic food festivals (along of course with its snow trails) are its chief attractions; attractions which never fail to take tourists aback, usually unprepared to see so many stalls and things on view. So if you’re planning to visit the Aosta Valley in December, you should make a stop at Noel au Bourg ( Borgo di Bard) where you can find the most lovely hand made nativity scenes you have ever seen; after that I recommend you to visit the Petit Marché du Bourg di Châtillon famous for what we would call delicatessen; but there’s another name and place to add to the list of the things one should see or do in Val d’Aosta in December: the festa del vischio or mistletoe festival which takes place at Saint- Denis (autostrata A5; exit at Châtillon-Saint-Vincent); a fascinating journey to rediscover Celtic traditions and at the end of a torchlight procession the most talented artist (the art works on display are all made of mistletoe) will be given a lovely prize.

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It’s not the first time that we talk about Val d’Aosta, its wine trails and the enchanted beauty of its mountains, but today we want to focus on a small family managed hotel located in the picturesque village of Saint Pierre and called La Meridiana; this lovely 3 star hotel is offering a series of really interesting packages which include two nights’ double room accommodation with breakfast plus free access to the spa at Pres Saint Didier for only 230 euros or two nights’ accommodation with breakfast and a round ticket to the Mont Blanc tunnel or two nights’accommodation (double room) with breakfast and ski pass for two person. Price: 230 euros. Offer valid until June!

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While an olive oil Easter egg might not have much effect on Italian children who prefer Kinder Surprise Easter eggs, it could be an interesting match for olive oil buffs who also like chocolate.

The unusual oil and chocolate match was presented at Vinitaly by a producer from the Marche who explained that dark chocolate and olive oil is a harmonious combination. It also makes way for some more innovative exploration of Italian cooking traditions and products.

We have our doubts that an olive oil Easter egg will replace our preferred standard chocolate, but at least it’s good to see some experimentation happening in the world of Italian culinary tastes.

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I tasted this chestnut pie just a few days ago while in Val d’Aosta for a short break and I loved it, so here’s its recipe! Don’t worry, it’s as easy as pie!

Ingredients: 500 g chestnut flour; 100 g raisings; 50 g pine nuts; 1 sprig of rosemary; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin oil; 1 litre water and salt.

Method: 1. put the raisins in a bowl with lukewarm water. 2. Sift the flour, add a pinch of salt and while stirring add oil and water. 3. Stir until creamy, add the flour-coated raisings and pine seeds. 4. Preheat the oven to 200 c . 5. Pour the mixture into an oiled baking dish, garnish with the sprig of rosemary and bake for 45 minutes until golden-brown and crusty.

Photo | Flickr

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A feel of spring is in the air and people is rediscovering the pleasure of being outdoors, developing, after the winter quiescence, a new passion for nature. And this, after all, is what the Trekking Cogne Association must have had in mind when they decided to organise a three-day excursion through the famous Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and its beautiful mountains. The excursion which will take place from 11 to 13 April will be guided by skilled mountaineers. The plan is to reach Lake Lauson, Colle della Rossa and Punta Gran Serts and spend the night at the Rifugio Vittorio Sella, a mountain hut located at 2,588 meter above the sea. For more information please click here.

Photo | Flickr

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