Summer

Summer at the valley bottom is characterised by rather high temperatures, an invitation to take a trip to the lakes and watercourses and enjoy water sports, such as canyoning, which can be practised in natural pools in the Fer and Pacoulla torrents, or rafting along the Dora Baltea River.

Pleasant walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the Lys Torrent, perhaps towards the ”Gouffres de Guillemore", a very deep ravine carved out by the torrent in the rock, where the water dashes strikingly down.

A wide variety of routes are available for hiking and trekking fans, which can also be tackled by mountain bike or on horseback. Guided routes can be found both in the Mont Avic Regional Park and in theMont Mars Reserve, where visitors can also follow the historic route that leads to the Sanctuary of Oropa in the neighbouring region of Piemont.

From Châtillon, simple ascents are possible up to Monte Barbeston (which can also be reached from the Mont Avic Regional Park) and Monte Zerbion, or from Verrayes up to the Becca d'Aver and the Longhede peak, from where spectacular views can be had over the Matterhorn and the whole of the central valley.

Those who like to combine walking with culture should not miss a stretch of the “ Chemin des Vignobles ”, which runs along the ancient Via Francigena, and the 8 walks that set out from Saint-Vincent and lead up to the typical hillside villages built in wood and stone.

Winter

In winter it is the resorts that lie higher up the mountains that come into their own, although visitors who decide to stay in the villages at the bottom of the valley can enjoy the chance to combine winter sports with rest and culture, given, for example, the numerous castles that can be explored in the area.

The main ski resort is Champorcher , in the valley of the same name, which offers a ski area with 21 km of runs, always with great snow guaranteed and suitable for all types of skiers, while for children there is the newly renovated Baby Park Laris, which offers fun snow tubing slides and a new mini-quad track.

A play park on the snow, designed to ensure younger visitors can have fun in complete safety, can also be found at the Col de Joux ski resort , just beyond Saint-Vincent, on the border with the Ayas Valley. The " Joux Park Giocaneve" offers routes featuring figures and animated obstacles, arches, inflatables and magic carpets to take young skiers up the runs, while the 7 km of medium-difficulty runs are ideal for those who wish to spend a pleasant day out with the family, or even just enjoy the sun on a walk through the splendid landscape.

Ideal reserved routes for ski mountaineering or trips out on snow shoes in superb landscapes, where silence reigns supreme, can be found at Champorcher, Fontainemore and Lillianes, while cross-country skiing fans will enjoy the circular trails of Champorcher and the Verrayes ski area, where the Champlong trail links up with those of Torgnon.