November is a transitional month, a sort of interlude between the vibrant colours of autumn and the white of winter.

In the Aosta Valley, a gem nestled in the heart of the Italian Western Alps, you'll find magnificent landscapes, rich history, and the authentic flavours of local tradition. During this less crowded and often overlooked period, you'll have the opportunity to explore the region with the attention and calm it deserves.

Outdoor destinations

Even though the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, in the Aosta Valley you can still enjoy beautiful hikes at medium and low altitudes, where the snow hasn't fallen yet.
You might choose to walk part of the Cammino Balteo, an ideal trekking route for autumn. The trail touches numerous sites of historical and cultural interest, such as medieval castles, Romanesque churches, and Roman bridges. You can immerse yourself in local traditions, discovering ancient villages and meeting the local people.

Another destination for outdoor walks without gaining too much altitude is the Lake Villa Nature Reserve Challand-Saint-Victor in the lower Ayas Valley. Here, you'll find an easily accessible trail that runs along the pond.
Other November-friendly walks include the Lolair Lake Nature Reserve in Arvier - starting from La Ravoire village - and the Marais Nature Reserve between La Salle and Morgex, where a short, half-hour walk allows you to visit the protected area in the Mont Blanc area.

Autumn flavours

For the first weekend of November, consider visiting Torgnon, a charming village in the Matterhorn Valley, where a food festival combines delicious mountain potatoes with exquisite Fontina cheese, a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese exclusively in the Aosta Valley.

This is also the perfect season to indulge in other typical Aosta Valley specialties, such as Lard d’Arnad, Jambon de Bosses, and numerous local wines, perhaps paired with roasted chestnuts. This is indeed the time for chestnut festivals that brighten November afternoons in various villages.

On 22–23 November 2025, the Forte di Bard once again hosts Vins Extrêmes, the international fair dedicated to heroic viticulture. Take the opportunity to visit the museums and major exhibitions at the Fort.

And speaking of castles, the Aosta Valley offers plenty to admire, especially along the central valley.

A taste of Christmas

Don't miss the welcoming city of Aosta and its picturesque Christmas market opening on November 22nd in the pedestrian historic centre.
On 23rd November, Christmas Market also in the charming village of Chambave, where you can taste the fragrant Chambave Muscat wine.
In the Lys Valley, Gressoney-La-Trinité hosts its Christmas Market on 29 November, where children can already meet Santa Claus and his elves.

Fancy skiing?

At Breuil-Cervinia, skiing is already possible from late October on the slopes at the foot of the Matterhorn!
Snow permitting, on 29th November, the ski areas of Pila, Courmayeur, La Thuile, and Monterosa Ski (Frachey - Ayas Valley and Staffal - Gressoney Valley ) will also open.

Follow the links in the text for further info