Summer Adventures in the Aosta Valley: Skiing, Hiking, Rafting and Relaxation
☀️Summer Skiing, Hiking, Rafting and Spa Moments in the Aosta Valley, Italian Alps — Near the Matterhorn
Discover the best of the Aosta Valley, in the heart of the Italian Alps, just a short drive from the iconic Matterhorn. From glacier skiing in summer and scenic alpine hikes to thrilling rafting experiences and relaxing days at the Saint-Vincent thermal spa, this region offers something for everyone.
Thanks to its central location in Châtillon, Liberty House Alps is the perfect base to explore these activities. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, mountain views, or family-friendly fun, you'll find it all just a few minutes away.
🌊 Rafting, Adventure Park & Water Fun: Outdoor Activities for Families and Groups
Outdoor adventures for all ages, from spring to autumn – fun and safe for kids from 6 years old
🚣♂️ Rafting on the Dora Baltea
Hop aboard a
raft and ride the rapids of the
Dora Baltea river, surrounded by the most breathtaking Alpine landscapes.
You’ll explore the valley from a new perspective, safely guided by professionals. The routes vary in intensity—from
thrilling rides for adrenaline lovers to
gentler descents perfect for children aged
6 and up or first-timers.
🌲 Adventure Park
A real
obstacle course... suspended in the trees!
You’ll move from one tree to another via wooden walkways, swinging logs, Tibetan bridges, zip lines, rope walls, and even Tarzan-style lianas.
The course is entirely secured with
steel cables and requires a
harness with double lanyard and pulley, provided and mandatory for all participants.
Designed for both
adults and children aged 9 and up, it’s a unique way to experience the forest from above.
💦 Water Park
Looking for a fun alternative? Try
SUP boards, sit-on-top kayaks, or
canoe rentals, with options for
courses or one-on-one lessons.
For younger kids, there are
inflatable water games, floating trampolines, and a safe swimming pond to jump and play freely under supervision.
Activities provided by our trusted partner: Rafting Aventure Villeneuve.
❄️ Summer Skiing and Snowboarding on the Plateau Rosa Glacier
Summer skiing on the Plateau Rosa glacier – from May to September at 3,500 meters with Matterhorn views
© photo credits Enrico Romanzi
This is Europe’s largest summer ski area, offering around 25 km of slopes suitable for all levels—from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Ski across the wide, sunny Plateau Rosà glacier or enjoy freestyle riding in the legendary Gravity Park, a favorite among riders.
Reaching Plateau Rosà is quick and scenic thanks to the modern panoramic cable car departing from Lago Cime Bianche—just 30 minutes from the town of Cervinia.
You can also explore the fascinating ice cave near the Klein Matterhorn cable car station, accessible on skis or on foot across the glacier (with the right gear and ideally accompanied by an alpine guide). The cave, a hidden gem of the Alps, is open daily and features a 50-meter-long tunnel located 15 meters underground.
Getting there:
The Cervinia ski lifts are about
28 km from
Liberty House Alps and can be reached in
about 35 minutes by car. Alternatively, you can take the
morning bus from
Châtillon Autostazione, just 200 meters from Liberty House.
🔗
Cervinia Ski Area Info & Timetables
🚶♀️ Two Unmissable Hikes near Châtillon and Saint-Vincent
Scenic hikes from your apartment at
Liberty House Alps – nature trails and panoramic views for families and explorers
🚶♂️ Hike from Saint-Vincent to Colle de Joux
A slightly more demanding but highly rewarding hike leads from Saint-Vincent to Colle de Joux, a forested mountain pass connecting the central valley with the Gressoney Valley. The natural setting is enchanting and offers plenty of opportunities for discovery and relaxation.
Starting points:
- 🚶♂️ On foot from the Saint-Vincent Thermal Baths
- 🏡 From the village of Moron, for a shorter route
- 🚗 By car to Colle de Joux, with easier walks starting from there
📏 Trail information
- Trail sign: 6 black-green
- Difficulty: E (hiking)
- Starting altitude: 618 m
- Arrival altitude: 1,639 m
- Length: 6 km
- Estimated time:
- One way: 2–3 hours (depending on breaks)
- Return: 1.5–2 hours
🗺️ Trail description
From the thermal baths parking area, follow the Ancient Thermal Path, which leads to the charming chapel of Moron. The trail continues through switchbacks, old chapels, tiny villages, and meadows with grazing cows.
Past the hamlet of Palla, you’ll reach the equipped area at Colle de Joux, featuring:
- 🍽️ A large picnic and rest area
- 🧒 A children’s playground
- 🏔️
The Etoile de Neige restaurant (📍Google Maps)
Perfect for enjoying local dishes and relaxing on deckchairs with a panoramic view
ℹ️ Helpful tip
Before starting, you can buy a trail map at the Saint-Vincent Tourist Office (Via Roma 62). You can also park along the route or reach the pass by bike or car.
🏰 Châtillon – Walk to Ussel Castle
A pleasant and easy walk takes you from Châtillon to Ussel Castle, which can even be seen from the Liberty House apartments.
The trail is about 2.9 km long and takes approximately one hour on foot, following a varied but easy route:
- 🚉 Start near the Châtillon train station
- 🌉 Cross a small bridge over the Dora Baltea River
- 🌳 Hike gently uphill through woods along a quiet secondary road
🧭 Discover the Castle
Ussel Castle stands on a rocky spur offering panoramic views over Châtillon. It is a rare example of a single-block medieval fortress, one of the first of its kind in the Aosta Valley — a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
⛲ On-site amenities
At the top, you’ll also find:
- 🧒 A small playground for children
- 🍽️ A refreshment area
- 🏔️ The Chez Nous Restaurant, serving traditional Aosta Valley cuisine (📍Google Maps)
💆♀️ SPA and Wellness:
Relax and Thermal Treatments at Saint-Vincent Baths
The renowned "Terme di Saint-Vincent", located just a 5-minute drive from Liberty House Alps, offers thermal treatments, wellness pools, and relaxing massages—all surrounded by the peaceful mountain scenery. The Saint-Vincent Baths are a prestigious Health Spa Centre, founded around the thermal spring known as Fons Salutis, discovered in 1770.
🧗♂️ Climbing Adventures near Liberty House Alps
Climbing in Arnad – from April to October just 15 minutes from Liberty House Alps
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, these spots provide a perfect setting to enjoy the sport surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery.
The crag is historic, probably the first bolted in the Aosta Valley, and is still one of the favorite destinations both for the short access from outside the valley and for the quality of the compact and at the same time well-worked rock. The routes, despite the considerable passage of climbers, maintain an ideal roughness for climbing.
In fact, climbing is mostly technical and there are many ideal itineraries for taking your first steps or getting used to the grip of your shoes on the rock.
The activity requires technical experience, it is advisable to be accompanied by a mountain guide.
👉 Contact the guide for bookings and info: 📞+39 348 5101479
🛏️ Where to Stay
Liberty House Alps in Châtillon is in a strategic location — just 10 to 30 minutes by car from all the experiences featured above
