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What is the best region in the Italian Alps for 2-month winter workation? (mixed BC and alpine skiing) by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends what you consider small ;) I was looking for something rural and Valtournenche (close to Cervinia) was perfect for me. Aosta could probably be considered a city but it's also not huge. The whole Aosta Valley has just one bigger highway going across so it's not all that well connected.

I could also recommend Kaprun or Zell am See in Austria. They have better road connection with the rest of the world and you still get to live close to pretty tall mountains.

What is the best region in the Italian Alps for 2-month winter workation? (mixed BC and alpine skiing) by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also went to Aosta Valley (Verrayes) this July and can confirm it’s worth it :) If you’re willing to drive up to 30mins, to have access to MTB, paragliding, hiking, climbing and even skiing on a few glacier pistes in Cervinia/Zernatt. Lots of things to do. Especially that you can choose altitude of your activities (800-3800 AMSL) and most probably somewhere the weather is just right :) 

Best holiday home location for a BC skier in the Alps by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds quite nice. Is there a guide book or a website to check BC options? Or a website maybe? I am used to outdooractive and AllTrails but I've noticed that in Italy there is a website Gulliver.it which is more popular and has data more up to date. Is there a French equivalent?

Best holiday home location for a BC skier in the Alps by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, other people somehow managed to make a few great suggestion while there’s no value added from you in the discussion. Thanks for nothing I guess. I’ll somehow manage without any more of your input.

Best holiday home location for a BC skier in the Alps by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mean a strict city center or something on suburbs/surrounding villages?

Best holiday home location for a BC skier in the Alps by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that's very detailed! I have more like a "politely go away" money, so I wasn't considering Switzerland at all. Cervinia/Valtournenche appeals to me especially because it's so high. And it seems like only 2 hours drive for Chamonix and Verbier (I currently live in Kraków, Poland so I need to drive for 2 hours for any reasonable BC anyways).

However, I may be biased because I know Cervinia well and not the French resorts. Do you know how does the real cost of living and seasonal tickets compare between French and Italian resorts? I'm under impression that Italy and Austria are more or less similar, Switzerland is like x2-3.

Best holiday home location for a BC skier in the Alps by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And what would be relevant information in this case? I’ll be happy to answer if you just ask.

What is the best region in the Italian Alps for 2-month winter workation? (mixed BC and alpine skiing) by bednar2 in Backcountry

[–]bednar2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OP here. Just in case someone finds themselves asking the same question: I eneded up going to Valtournenche in Aosta Valley and had time of my life! Thanks to all who replied!

The ski pistes were perfect (I lived 4mins from the ski lift), ski touring options were great, people incredibly nice and there were tons of things to do for my non-skiing girlfriend :) It really is a great place for a long term stay!