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Valle d’Aosta, in Italian, is the smallest, and least densely populated region of Italy. It stands alone as the only region which has no provinces. Known primarily for its many well-preserved Roman buildings, the Valley of Aosta is home to the world-renowned ski mountain Mont Blanc, the valleys highest peak.
Location
Aosta Valley is a mountainous autonomous region in north-western Italy. It is bordered by France to the west, Switzerland to the north and the region of Piedmont to the south and east. With an area of 3,263 km² and a population of about 120,000, it is the smallest, least populous, and least densely populated region of Italy. It is the only Italian region which has no provinces (the province of Valle d’Aosta was dissolved in 1945). Provincial administrative functions are provided by the regional government. The region is divided into 74 comuni (communes). One specific commune, concentrated in the valley bottomlands, is Francophone. In the Lys Valley there is a Walser German speaking minority. The regional capital is Aosta.[SinglePic not found]
Geography
0% Lowland – 100% Mountain – 0% Hill
The Aosta Valley is an Alpine valley that with its side valleys includes the Italian slopes of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn; its highest peak is the Mont Blanc. Aosta Valley is a typical mountain region characterized by tall mountains with narrow and rocky throats, tall points, snow and perennial glaciers, colored lawns, pastures, woods, small villages, typical houses, luxurious hotels and roads with steep inclinations.
Climate
The climate of the region is severe, especially when compared with other places in the Western Alps. This is probably due to the mountains blocking the mild winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Places with the same altitude in France or western Switzerland are not as cold as the Aosta Valley. Aosta Valley may be divided into different climatic zones: The Dora Baltea Valley, between 300 and 1000 meters, with the mildest climate in all the province, has a typical Oceanic climate (Cfb). The winters are mild, even milder than the subtropical Po River Valley, but usually wet and foggy. Snow is frequent only during January and February, but the foggy season, which starts in late October, lasts until May. The temperature average for January is between ’1 and 3 °C. The summers are mild, usually rainy. Temperature averages in July between 17 and 20 °C. The main towns in this area are Aosta, Saint-Vincent, Donnas and Courmayeur. Due to the occidental position at the Alpine Arc, the climate classified as Cfb may extend to relatively high places, especially near the French border, which receives the mild oceanic wind, so it’s possible to find places at 1500, or even 1900 meters with the same Cfb climate, but the temperatures are lower, around ’2 °C in the winter and 15 °C in the summer, and mist during all the year. The valleys around 1300 meters, which, depending on the geomorphology, develop a Humid continental climate (Dfb), although with mild winter temperatures for this kind of climate, similar to the temperatures of the Norwegian fjords, as in Trondheim. Winter temperatures average around ’3 or ’4 °C, and summers between 13 and 15 °C. The snow season starts in November and lasts until March. Mist is common during the morning from April until October. The main communities in this area are Gressoney-Saint-Jean (averages of ’4.8 °C in January and 13.8 °C in July), Brusson and Gressoney-La-Trinit©. The mountain lands around 2000 meters have a Cold Oceanic Climate (Cfc). This area has a climate similar to some northern-Norway fjords. Even though at a very high altitude, the climate is mild. This is due to the high influence of the oceanic mild air that can blow at these regions. The fog is common all the year, especially in April and October, when some years these regions can have more than a week with constant fog and mist. The winters are mild. Mean temperature ranges between ’3 °C at the driest regions and 2 °C near lakes. During the summer, the mean temperatures are very low, around 12 °C. The valleys above 1600 meters usually develop a Cold Continental Climate (Dfc). In this climate the snow season is very long, as long as 8 or 9 months at the highest points. During the summer, mist occurs almost every day. These areas are the wettest in the western Alps. Temperatures are low, between ’7 °C and ’3°C in January, and in July between 10 and 13 °C. In this area is the town of Rhªmes-Notre-Dame, which may be the coldest in the Occidental Alps and where winter average temperature is around ’7 °C. Other towns with this climate are Chamois, Cervinia (sometimes ET), Bionaz (sometimes mild), Gressoney-La-Trinit© (mild), and others. Areas between 2000 meters and 3500 meters usually have a Tundra Climate (ET). Every month has an average temperature below 10 °C. Winter and summer averages can change according to the altitude. This climate may be a kind of more severe Cold Oceanic Climate, with a low summer average but mild winters, sometimes above ’3 °C, especially near lakes, or a more severe Cold Continental Climate, with a very low winter average. Above 3000 meters is typically mountainous climate. Averages in Pian Rosa, at 3400 meters, are ’11.6 °C in January and 1.4 °C in July. Above 3500 meters, all the months have an average temperature below freezing, and we find a Perpetual Frost Climate (EF).
Major Cities
What to do
Aosta Valley is well known all over the world as a winter sport heaven, thanks to its 900 km of downhill ski runs and more than 300 km of cross-country ski tracks, but here you can have a wide range of attractions, both sportive and cultural, all year round.
Cuisine
Bread thickened soups of the hearty variety are customary in this region as well as cheese fondues called fonduta typical of the Alpine region. Polenta is another popular staple along with rye bread, smoked bacon, lard, chestnuts and game meats found in the mountain and forest regions. Butter and cream are also important ingredients in the creation of stewed, roasted and braised dishes.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_cuisine – cite_note-20
Specialties:
- Zuppa di Valpelline - savoy cabbage stew thickened with stale bread
- Tortino de riso alla valdostana – rice cake with ox tongue
- Lepre in Civet – jugged hare
- Pere San Martin al vino rosso – winter pears in red wine
- Panna cotta – sweetened cream set with gelatin
Useful Travel Links
Aosta Valley Virtual Museum
Local Government
[SinglePic not found]The Politics of Aosta Valley, Italy takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, whereby the President of Regional Government is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the Regional Government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Council of the Valley.