Dolce Far Niente

In the middle of the curve-shaped valleys around Turin, lies the upper Susa Valley, a green area surrounded by many high mountains.
The valley lies in the extreme northwest corner of Italy, and it fits like a wedge between the French territories "Savoy" and "Hautes Alpes", with which it shares a common history and culture.
High mountains - more than thirty peaks rising above the three thousand meters, surrounded smaller valleys of extraordinary beauty.

Vineyards, small towns, hamlets at the beginning of the high Susa Valley, mountains, lakes, forests, mountain meadows, castles, monasteries and churches are proof of the alpine history and culture. They are perfectly preserved and still inhabited areas close to tourist sites with an international reputation.

A mountainous area where different cultures have learned to live together, where old and new traditions, skiing fun, vibrancy and tranquility together.
A mountain that is easily accessible by its geographical position with an efficient network of roads and railways.

Mountains in the past were a boundary and barrier, are today the heart of a new Europe.

The town of Susa on the banks of the river Dora Riparia founded and has always been a stopping place on the route to Moncenisio Monginevro been. Susa is a beautiful town with beautiful and interesting relics from Roman times and Middle Ages. The Arco di Augusto is a triumphal arch in 8 BC. in honor of Emperor Augustus founded by Cottius I, king of the Cottiërs. Also, you can still see ruins of the Roman walls. Excavations here have uncovered remains of an amphitheater and baths. Along the street from the arch tapers, stretches a beautiful park with a statue of Augustus. The cathedral has preserved much of its Romanesque appearance, such as the beautiful bell tower. The origins of Roman Porta Savoia leaning against the church. In the Via Palazzo di Citta, where the town hall, jumping above the quaint old shops and cafes in the eye. The Church of St. Francesco dates from the XIII century, but it was abandoned at the end of 1800. According to legend, decided St. Francesco of Assisi, on his way to France in Susa to stop and founded a church and monastery. Worthwhile to look at are the Roman amphitheater from the II century, the castle that looks over the city.

La Via Lattea The upper part of ValSusa is not for nothing called the Via Lattea, for the Italians it means a whole galaxy. The huge field bears his name right. With more than 600 kilometers of slopes and its many snow cannons is Via Lattea the largest ski area in Italy. The centerpiece of this "universe" is Sestriere with its fantastic slopes of Monte Banchetta. In 1997, this top ski resort experienced its peak when the Alpine World Cup was held there. The two round towers in the middle of the snow are the landmarks of this ski center has become. The hotels were more than 50 years ago put down. The location, hotels and ski area are inextricably linked with "Mr. Fiat "Gianni Agnelli. The Turin car magnate invested years ago in the hotels and elevators of Sestriere, which has since then also has become a fashionable resort. Street names like Via and Piazza Agnelli Agnelli recall the presence of the multimlijonair. From Sestriere extend from three ski resorts, of which two directly from the center with lifts can achieve. The slopes of the Mont Sises rising to a height of 2658 meters. The other elevator goes even higher to the adjacent Monte Banchetta at 2823 meters altitude. The slopes of the two mountains are coated with a very dense network of lifts. One of the most interesting descents from the Banchetta goes to the village of Borgata. Attractive moguls and miles of deep snow of the Motta "and" Anfuteatro "provide enough variety for everyone. The transition between the two ski hitch. The third ski on the other hand, on the slopes of the Fraiteve to 2071 meters altitude. Sestriere, together with the adjacent ski resorts, Sauze d 'Oulx, Cesana Torinese and Sansicario, Via Lattea. In this vast area are buses between the valley station unnecessary, because the whole area is an ingenious modern lift system connected.

Bardonecchia is a beautiful and heavily underrated ski area. To host the 2006 winter Olympics finally gets the recognition it deserves. Already in the days attracted many international guests to this area here to spend their holidays. It might not have the infrastructure we are used by some French regions, but there the breathtaking descents, beautiful scenery and local geniality opposite. The area lies on the French border and offers both ski pass for the hotels and restaurants as value for money.

A friendly and small family ski area above Chiomonte. Very sunny with mostly good conditioned snow. In the old days there was a double chairlift from Chiomonte, unfortunately this is now closed. Frais can be reached by car from Susa. Located in a sheltered valley where different runs together, this place is good for beginners, families, groups and ski clubs. It is possible to make a punch card to purchase.

The dream: a small group of friends, a helicopter above a sleeping valley, one or two mountain guides, hundreds of square kilometers of freshly fallen powder snow, the adventure begins! Superb runs high in the breathtaking Susa Valley, one of the few European areas where heli-skiing is still possible. For a day, for a weekend or a week, a huge experience in the career of a skier should not be missed. Another way of skiing: by replacing the traditional ski lifts for the helicopter takes you to beautiful unspoilt long snow slopes where else in your life you could never come. In the winter season changes the high Susa valley in a sky of snow and therefore has been nicknamed the "Via Lattea" (Milky Way) received. Already in 1900 it was here the first ski club in Italy opgericht.Tochten are always led by the "Guide de haute montagne UIAGM" certified guides Eric and Marco Carquilat Degani made in groups of 5 to 10 persons. Each participant will be an avalanche beeper (transmitter / receiver) provided. They produce flown in Sestriere, Monte della Luna, Val and Val Thuras Argentera. Multiple runs from different slopes in one day possible. Click on the logo above or send us an email for more info.

Touch your tired of the masses and the crowded slopes? Are you attracted by the mountains and remote areas? Can you pretty skiing and terror can not go back on its own strength to rise? Then ski touring exactly what you want. In one week you make some nice trips with a duration of approximately 5 to 7 hours. Doing what you experience is ski touring. How do you climb with skins under the skis up to walk, how you on a steep incline "Spitzkehre", and where to look when descending in unprepared snow. Therefore, you can ski pretty good, because off-piste skiing is quite a bit different. With an ever-closer group of people pull on a daily basis with the guide out. During the day you will return to the refuge, which is about eight, ate and drank and where you can wash and sometimes even take a shower. All aspects of ski touring are addressed to the sometimes short, sometimes long trips as well as the skiing technique in unprepared snow. A sporting experience is certainly worth trying!

Swimming and Sunbathing In the valley are some lakes where you can swim. The water is super clean and bright, you see the trout swimming below you. There are pedal boats and sail boats for rent, and it is possible to water ski or sunbathe on the green meadows. The beaches of pebbles or sand and walk slowly into the water. In the village of Susa is an indoor pool with an outdoor pool and sunbathing. Riding In summer the mountain trails of ValSusa lend itself perfectly for exploring on horseback. Also the nearby Val Chione offers many opportunities there are several riding schools can be found, often organizing riding tours. Check with local tourist agencies. Hiking Walking amidst the colors of nature. With backpack and hiking boots we make. By pine forests, ancient forests (there are as many national parks around), past lakes, along narrow mountain paths. By beautiful landscapes with vivid colors, amazing decor. There are routes that are suitable for everyone, ideal for beginners and a challenge for experienced walkers. Water Water is plentiful in ValSusa both in the form of fast-flowing mountain streams as glassy lakes. Besides windsurfing and water skiing in recent years some spectacular branches of water that must have occurred in wild water. With a canoe or rubber raft dropping of a fast flowing river may enjoy increasing popularity. Val Susa is from April t / m september especially the Dora Ripiera river canoeing, kayaking, rafting and hydro speed done. The latter show people dressed in a wetsuit and board equipped with a swim in a fast flowing river descend. Climbing Especially in ValSusa are plenty of opportunities led by experienced guides to rock climbing. Those who need to learn, can first take a course with a climbing school. These have generally over a climbing wall where the technique can be practiced. The climbing has various forms. In free climbing is not used as a tool picks (or ropes). Under ice-climbing is climbing frozen waterfalls understand.

Discover TurijnDe history of many a city is an adventure and the history of Turin is no exception. Turin origins go back to the founding of Taurasia two and a half millennia ago. In the course of history the city modeled by kings and emperors, splendor and decadence. The inexorable march of time, the small Piedmontese village in a city transformed. And enjoy this great city to look back at his past, but it also keeps an eye open for the future. Turin is easily reached from Susa.