Petter from NORWAY writes:
A week has passed already since we left Champoluc and the Monterosa ski system in Italy. Man, life sucks afterwards! Champoluc is one of the three valleys that build up the Monterosa ski system. From what I could see, it was also the largest, not that it was any larger compared to towns in Austria... I liked it; small and cozy. Not many late night party places, but still, Panachama was all I needed (after ski). Food was good as well, though the pizzas were not good. Maybe I was unlucky, but the lasagna was brilliant no matter where you ate it. Also, I can say that there is a police force skiing, for security, emergency assistance and anything else you could imagine. I talked to one, and he said there were 221 across the Italian part of the alps!
Skiing in the Italian part of the Alps is different from the Austrian, to a large degree, I would say. In Austria, you could go skiing to the peak/maximum top of every mountain (nearly) while in the Monterosa ski system that is a no go. The mountains are very steep and somewhat rocky. Intense, massive and wonderful. This reflects the skiing opportunities; some places I would not want to fall as you would fall 300 metres right down. Hopefully the fences will stop you, but I did not test them.
Someone had written here that you can find powder no matter what, somewhere in the system. Me and my friend found wonderful powder after 4 days. We spent the last 2 days there. Hint: go skiing where the sun barely/does not appear, hehe ;)
The Champoluc side of the Monterosa ski system is good in the afternoon/evening as then there is sun and not that many people. If the crossings over to the other valleys close, some queues might appear in the morning but as the day passes by they nearly disappear. The crossings to the other valleys were open 5/6 days whilst I was there. It takes a little more than an hour to get to the top of Alagna/Gressoney peak. The last loooong gondola takes forever, but you get transported a fantastic long bit.
Why I decided to travel to Champoluc I do not know, but I do not regret either. I know I will travel back when I'm finished with my studies, as it is somewhat expensive. Not compared to the prices here in Norway, but generally across the Alps.
We stayed at Hotel Ayas, a very nice hotel with helpful owners. I could not imagine anything better than that hotel. If you wish to travel to a ski destination where there is nearly always sun (at least in one of the valleys), huge, challenging and long pistes (both on/off) and few people in your way; Monterosa ski system with Champoluc (as your accommodation) is the place for you!
2008-02-09 |
