The municipality of Ayas is located at the head of the wonderful valley crossed by the Evançon stream and dominated by the Monte Rosa massif and its very high peaks. The landscape is very varied, with glaciers and rugged rock faces flanking gently sloping meadows and pastures. The locality is fragmented into numerous villages, each with its own landscape and architectural characteristics.
The best-known locality is Champoluc, at an altitude of 1,568m, a holiday destination both in winter and in the summer season, it is the main inhabited center of the splendid Val d'Ayas, a fundamental junction for the facilities of the District. Starting from the town, in fact, it is possible to reach the most panoramic paths during the summer , or during the winter to access the ski slopes of the main carousel, reaching as far as Gressoney and Alagna Valsesia. The activities are really many and in continuous fervour.
Try MonterosaTerme, the relaxation and wellness center of Monterosa Ski.
With its breathtaking panorama, the Monterosa SPA center is the perfect gift for a day of wellness for the whole family. The swimming pool area has various pools at 34° with hydromassage points, all overlooking the external panorama thanks to the large windows. There is also a large pool where you can swim, as well as an outdoor tub with hydromassage from which you can admire Monte Rosa.
For younger children there is a comfortable tub within their reach at 34° of heating. In fact, the pool area allows entry to the whole family, even with very young children.
The area is completed by an internal relaxation area and an external one with deck chairs and sofas. From here it is also possible to reach the refreshment area where there is a bar and a point where it is possible to freely savor the delicious 0 km produced yoghurt.
The spa area welcomes you with various relaxation and wellness rooms: a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, three Turkish baths, jet water, an ice waterfall, a whirlpool, a hot/cold water tub and a relaxation area .
Open every day from 10 to 20 – Friday and Saturday from 09 to 23
Piazzale Ramey, 1 Champoluc, 11020
Telephone +39 0125 308000
Internet: www.laviadelleterme.it
In Val d'Ayas you can visit:
- The Parish Church of San Martino : inside you can admire a splendid Baroque altar, the most impressive in the valley. A very rare Madonna-casket is kept in the parish museum of sacred art.
- The permanent exhibition of typical handicrafts : it is housed in the historic center of Antagnod at the Maison Fournier , distinguished by a long wooden balcony and flanked by a cylindrical scalar tower.
- The sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Bon Secours: located in the locality of Barmasc, at an altitude of 1828 metres, it was the destination of processions also due to the water spring, considered miraculous, which flows from the foundations of the chapel.
The locality is renowned for its winter sports , from the small Antagnod downhill ski station to the well-known facilities of the Monterosa Ski area of Frachey and Champoluc, which, with over 100km of slopes, connect the Val d'Ayas, the Valle di Gressoney and Valsesia. Ski mountaineering lovers will find numerous itineraries, while the more adventurous can practice heliskiing and savor the thrill of an off-piste descent by climbing to high altitudes by helicopter.
During the summer, Ayas offers countless excursion itineraries, towards lakes, such as the splendid Lago Blu di Verra , various refuges or alpine passes, including Col Portola : along the path there are particular stone bas-reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross. An ideal starting point for alpine ascents on the Monte Rosa group, Ayas also offers many signposted routes for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Festivals and traditions:
- Alpine Guides Festival : every summer, on August 15th, the Aosta Valley Alpine guides organize, in various locations in the Aosta Valley, parades in representative uniforms and demonstrations of mountain disciplines.
- Ski instructors' torchlight procession : traditional end-of-year appointment with the torchlight processions of the ski instructors, who light up the slopes of the Crest slopes with their spectacular trails.
- White night in Champoluc : the event, which attracts many visitors every year, takes place in August, with the participation of Aosta Valley artisans and farms, while itinerant groups cheer up the village with traditional music and dances.
For younger guests, fun is guaranteed in Ayas: in summer , in addition to the easy itinerary along the Ru Courtod , which can also be traveled with a stroller, children can have fun in the Pian Willy wood, enlivened by special wooden statues and where there is also an equipped picnic area . The more experienced climbers can instead tackle the adrenaline-pumping routes of the adventure park .
The winter season offers joy and entertainment in the snow playgrounds at Antagnod and at the Crest , as well as new friendships at the Fiocco di Neve miniclub .
Restaurants:
LA GRANGE: "La Grange" is a characteristic mountain restaurant located in one of the rascards of Frachey. This restaurant is suitable for tourists, local people and skiers. With more than 30 years of experience, chef Gio will satisfy your palate with dishes from the Aosta Valley and small dishes created by him. At "La Grange" it is also possible to eat a crepes for a snack or stop just for a hot chocolate. The restaurant opens at 12.30 every day and only closes on Wednesdays in low season.