Imagine leaving your car in the city, hopping on a gondola and finding yourself 2,723 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Italian Alps, just half an hour later.
That’s part of what makes Pila such a special mountain destination. The resort is getting ready to welcome skiers back on Saturday 28 November 2026, with the slopes scheduled to remain open until Sunday 11 April 2027.
And there’s more: the gondola lifts connecting Aosta to Pila and Stella will continue running until 2 May 2027, giving visitors an extra three weeks to enjoy the mountains.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming winter season, from opening dates and new facilities to activities worth trying even if skiing isn’t on your agenda.
Pila Winter 2026/2027: key dates
- Ski slopes: 28 November 2026 – 11 April 2027, snow conditions permitting
- Aosta–Pila and Pila–Stella gondola lifts: Operating until 2 May 2027
- Stella di Pila and Panoramic Bistrot & Bar: 4 December 2026 – 2 May 2027
Those extra three weeks after the ski season ends are ideal for anyone looking to experience Pila in spring. Whether it’s a mountain walk, a coffee in the sunshine or simply taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks, including Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, there’s plenty of reason to head up.
From Aosta to Pila by cable car: the mountains just minutes from the city
One of Pila’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to reach.
The journey begins in Aosta, where the gondola’s lower station is just a 10-minute walk from the railway station or a 15-minute drive from the motorway exit.
Leave your car behind and head straight up the mountain, without having to worry about snowy roads or fitting snow chains.
The gondola first takes you to 1,800 metres, the heart of Pila, before continuing towards Stella di Pila at 2,723 metres.
The Pila–Stella connection opened in December 2025, making the 2026/2027 season its second winter in operation.
Skiing in Pila: 70 km of slopes and 13 lifts
Pila offers 70 kilometres of ski runs served by 13 lifts, with plenty of terrain to explore.
For experienced skiers looking for a challenge, the Bellevue black run (No. 10) is one to add to the list.
At approximately 1.6 kilometres long, with a 450-metre vertical drop, it’s an officially approved competition slope suitable for all skiing disciplines.
You’ll find its starting point to the left of the Couis 2 lift’s upper station.
Beyond skiing: snowshoeing, snowparks and family fun
There’s plenty to do in Pila even if skiing isn’t your thing:
- Areaeffe Snowpark, for snowboarding and freestyle
- Fun Slope, for a fun descent
- Chacard, a snow play area for children
- 6 snowshoeing routes, accessible during the day and after sunset
- Groomed walking trails
- Dedicated freeride and ski touring routes, designed for safer mountain exploration
These activities are part of the Four Seasons Outdoor Experience project by the L’Espace de Pila Consortium, supported by the Italian Ministry of Tourism through the Montagna Italia initiative and developed in partnership with Aosta, Gressan and Charvensod.
So far, the project has added 185 km of trails and 44 themed experiences, many accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Summer figures show revenue up 116% and visitor numbers up 86% compared with 2025.
Stella di Pila: panoramic views over Aosta and the Alps
From Stella’s terrace, you can look down over Aosta and admire Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso.
The architecture is worth a look too. Designed by De Carlo Gualla, the station takes inspiration from the edelweiss flower and the compass rose, with large glass windows framing the mountain scenery.
For something to eat or drink, there’s the Panoramic Bistrot & Bar, serving a menu created by Skyway Monte Bianco.
Mountain dining: Alpenwood and Hermitage
Two mountain restaurants have been given a fresh new look.
Alpenwood (Chamolé). Built on the site of the former restaurant along the Del Bosco ski run, it serves local produce, charcoal-grilled dishes and pizza, with a wine cellar featuring over 200 labels. Saturday afternoons bring après-ski and DJ sets to the terrace, while evening guests can arrive by snowcat for dinner. Wine tastings and special events are also on the calendar.
Designed by architect Paolo Venturotti, the building features three chalet-inspired structures, exposed timber and large windows overlooking the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. It seats 150 guests indoors and over 150 on the terrace, with a 20 kWp solar power system and two heat pumps.
Hermitage (La Nouva). Completely refurbished, it’s a 15-minute walk (around 300 metres) from the Gorraz–Grimod cable car’s upper station, near the La Nouva chairlift. A new 150 m² panoramic dining room is available for lunches and events. The building is now more energy-efficient, while the menu continues to feature traditional Aosta Valley dishes.
For more dining options, see the Pila restaurant guide.
Ski touring and snowshoeing: marked routes and downloadable maps
Off-piste routes now feature new signs and information boards with geolocated maps and points of interest, particularly useful for first-time visitors.
Ski touring routes start from the Leissé car park, while snowshoeing trails begin at the Aosta gondola’s upper station. Downloadable GPS tracks are available for every route.
If you’d rather go with a guide, local mountain guides organise weekly excursions, including sunset and night-time outings.
Find out more about snowshoeing and ski touring.
Mobile ski passes and unchanged season pass prices
Two updates that make things easier and more affordable:
- Ski passes on your smartphone. Buy online and pass through the gates with your phone still in your pocket, thanks to sMove gates and Mobile Flow technology. No more ticket office queues. The service is available for selected ski passes this season and will expand in the coming years.
- Season passes at last year’s prices. Advance-purchase prices remain unchanged, good news for regular visitors, second-home owners and long-time Pila skiers.
Leissé reservoir: a more sustainable future for Pila
The new 150,000 m³ reservoir will store rainwater and snowmelt when supplies are plentiful, reducing the need to draw water from streams during drier periods.
In winter, the stored water will be used to produce snow without additives, returning to the natural water cycle in spring. The aim is to support the ski season while protecting the mountain environment.
Construction is nearly complete, but the reservoir won’t be operational this winter.
Pila winter 2026/2027 at a glance
- Ski slopes: 28 November 2026 – 11 April 2027
- Aosta–Pila and Pila–Stella gondola lifts: Until 2 May 2027
- Stella di Pila and Panoramic Bistrot & Bar: 4 December 2026 – 2 May 2027
- Key figures: 13 lifts, 70 km of slopes, maximum altitude of 2,723 metres
- What’s new: Mobile ski passes, unchanged season pass prices, refurbished Alpenwood and Hermitage restaurants, marked ski touring and snowshoeing routes
For official updates, visit pila.it.
For more information, you can also contact us by phone or email: