Set in the Aosta Valley with spectacular views of Monte Bianco, the traditional alpine village of Courmayeur is one of the most picturesque Italian ski resorts. The range of skiing options makes it suitable for all abilities, be it the gentle beginner’s slopes of the Checrouit-Val Veny or the more demanding upper reaches of Monte Bianco which are more suited to experienced skiers. Other activities to be found around the town include snowshoe walking excursions, indoor climbing, ice skating and a cinema, whilst for those who like their entertainment to be a little more cerebral, there is the nearby ancient town of Aosta and a myriad of medieval castles to explore. After a hard day on the piste head to the atmospheric cobbled alleyways in and around Via Roma and sample the delights of Courmayeur’s restaurants, renowned as the best of any Italian resort. Slope Life: Standing in the shadow of the Monte Bianco-Mount Blanc massif, the beautiful alpine resort of Courmayeur offers 100km of pistes and caters for all levels and abilities. The main hub of the mountain is the Plan Checrouit, but most skiers will use this as a starting point to access more challenging runs on the mountain as can be found at Mount Chetif, Col Cherout and Cresta Youla. At the top of the range there is Cresta d Arp, strictly for high level skiers, offering the chance to experience some good off piste guided skiing. Ski passes are available from 1 to 14 days. All passes valid for 6 to 10 consecutive days may be used for 2 days in one of the other ski resorts of the Aosta Valley, which include the resorts of La Thuile, La Rosière, and Champoluc-Gressoney-Alagna and also include access to Chamonix (lifts on the French side not included, though). Scuola Sci Monte Bianco +39 0165 842477 www.scuolascimontebianco.com Interski +39 0165 304711 www.interski.co.uk If you want to kit yourself out with some go faster skis or if you're looking to keep up with the Courmayeur fashionistas, then there are a number of outlets which can provide what you’re looking for! 4810 Sport 106 Via Roma +39 0165 844345 www.grivel-courmayeur.it Alpineve Loc Plan Checrouit +39 0165 846357 www.alpineve.it

Stroll through Durham University's Botanic Gardens, which house a unique collection of indigenous and exotic plants and animals. Originally established for teaching and research to promote biodiversity on campus, the gardens are now open to the public. Experience diverse ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests and native woodlands, all in one place.

Italian skiing was born in Sauze d’Oulx. Here in 1897 Adolf Kind, a Swiss engineer, made his first appearance on skis and then taught locals how to organise the first competitions. Sauze d’Oulx – which once hosted the Olympic Winter Games - is a village with a delightful little centre of traditional stone and wood built buildings. The area of Sauze d’Oulx is also famous because of its eco-system: close to it, in the Gran Bosco (Great Forest), live 21 species of mammals, including deer, roe-bucks, chamois and wolves, more than 70 species of nesting birds and 600 types of flora. Via Lattea consists of five Piedmontese resorts: Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, and Montgenevre in France. It offers 203 skiing-connected runs (52 blue, 111 red and 40 black), for a total linear extent of 400 km. There are 78 lifts that range from an altitude of 1,350m in Cesana to 2,800m at Mount Motta, a peak that gives a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, allowing skiers to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the area. There are also two snowparks, one in Sauze d’Oulx and one in Séstriere. You have the possibility to purchase a one day ticket, a multi-day pass (e.g. a 2-day card) or a weekly card, according to your needs. Don't worry about the equipment because in Sauze d’Oulx there are many ski rental shops where you can get anything you need! Downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country are the main disciplines taught in all the ski schools of Via Lattea, but there are also instructors who specialise in telemark skiing. Moreover, some instructors are experts in teaching children and the disabled. Here are two schools in Sauze d’Oulx: Sauze Sportinia www.scuolascisauzesportinia.com +39 0122 850218 Sauze Project www.sauzedoulxproject.it +39 0122 850654