The Italian Mountain Ranges
Italy is a very mountainous country. In fact, approximately forty percent of the terrain is classified as mountainous areas. Mountains are at the core of the Italian culture. Hiking, scaling to the summits and cycling mountain passes are among the most popular activities. The three main Mountain Ranges of Italy are:
1. The Italian Alps, covering the six northern regions of Italy, bordering France,Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
2. The Dolomites in the north east, form part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
3. The Apennines which stretch from North to South, form the backbone of the country
By Fabio Disconzi - Pixabay
The Italian Alps
Italy shares some of the highest mountains of the Alps with its neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland, and form natural border between these countries. Aosta Valley is one of the mountainous region in Italy, including the majestic Monte Blanc, (4897m), is the highest mountain in Italy, located on the border between Italy and France, Monte Rosa (4633m) located between the regions of Piedmont, Aosta Valley and Switzerland's Valais and Cervino (Matterhorn, 4478m), sharing with Switzerland.
Aosta Valley Region
The Aosta Valley region is a border region, rich in natural beauty, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, fascinating Roman ruins and monuments that witnesses its ancient glorious history, beautiful castles, wonderful wildlife, kilometre upon kilometre of sweeping pistes and world-class skiing resorts.
The region is surrounded by the four highest mountain ranges in Italy: Monte Bianca, , Monte Rosa, Monte Cervino, (Matterhorn), and Gran Paradiso. Its highest peak is Mont Blanc (4,810 m). The city of Aosta is its capital. The official languages are Italian and French.
Monte Bianco
Monte Bianco (French: Mont Blanc) meaning "white mountain" , it is so called because the mountain is usually cover with snow or cloud mixtures. Standing at a height of 4897m, it is the highest mountain Italy,
second highest in Europe, after Mount Elbrus, and the eleventh in the world. The mountain stands between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Savoie and Haute-Savoie, France. The three main towns that surround Monte Bianco are Courmayeur in Aosta Valley, Italy; Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France. A trip to Aosta Valley is a must to include a visit to the majestic Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc).
By Fulvio Spada-flickr
From Courmayeur, you can ride up the Punta Helbronner at 3466m with Monte Bianco Skyway special rotating cable car to discover spectacular panoramic views of the Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta) and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
The Skyway system was inaugurated in 2015 and today includes 3 stations: Courmayeur/The Valley (1,300 m), Pavillon/The Mountain (2,173 m) and Punta Helbronner/The Sky (3,466 m).
Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa is not only nature and landscape, but also tourist resorts rich in history, culture and art. The tourist resorts in our territory, both at high altitudes and in the valley, offer multiple opportunities for recreation and relaxation suitable for people from all walks of life. From architecture to food lovers in search of the best gastronomic experiences, Monte Rosa never disappoints, thanks to the many traditions that still survive despite the passing of time. The two towns Alagna and Gressoney-Saint-Jean are the gateway to Monte Rosa. Other scenic villages in Monte Rosa includes Champoluc, largest ski resort in Monte Rosa and the charming village of Macugnaga.
Monte Cervino
Monte Cervino, known as Matterhorn in Switzerland, and Mont Cervin in France, is the most iconic peak in the entire Alps. Often referred to as “the Mountain of Mountains”, owes its fame to its almost perfect pyramid shape. It is every mountaineer’s dream! It is the most-photographed mountain in the world.
Standing at 4,478 meters, Monte Cervino (Matterhorn) is the fifth highest peak in the Alps. It is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The mountain dominates the Swiss village of Zermatt, in the German-speaking canton of the Valais, to the northeast, and the Italian alpine resort of Breuil-Cervinia, in the Aosta Valley region, to the south.
The ambiance of Cervinia village is relaxed and welcoming. Here you can really enjoy life without any stress.
Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche are two most popular villages in Cervinia.
View of Monte Cervino from Blue Lake, Aosta Valley
By Ventofreddo-wikomedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Breuil-Cervinia
Breuil-Cervinia is a modern resort lying at the foot of the towering Monte Cervino, surrounded by high glaciated mountains. Located in the Aosta Valley province, the town is separated from Zermatt by the Theodul Pass, the main passage between the two valleys and a trade route since the Roman Era.
It shares a ski area with Zermatt in Switzerland, connected through the Plateau Rosa glacier. The ski area of Cervinia-Valtournenche to Zermatt Matterhorn in Switzerland stretches over 350 km of runs. You can ski over between the towns and two countries without any problems, enjoying the changing view of the Matterhorn from every side.
Being one of Europe's highest ski resorts, means low temperatures and good consistent snow fall, skiing is nearly year round on the glacier. The ski season in Cervinia lasts for 6 months in winter but in summer, skiing is also available on the resort's highest peak - Plateau Rosa.
Breuil-Cervinia is the kingdom for climbers, hikers, cyclists and skiers!
By SteGrifo27 -wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Valtournenche
Valtournenche is an authentic mountain village, an ideal holiday location and pays particular attention to its friendly hospitality reputation making guests feel at home.
The cable car “Valtournenche-Salette” is the gateway to the resorts ski area, to Breuil-Cervinia and to Zermatt (Switzerland).
Not to be missed is a visit to the Blue lake, a small body of water surrounded by century-old larch trees, fed by springs and therefore always crystal clear. A picture-perfect spot where the iconic silhouette of the famous Matterhorn reflects in the stretch of water.
Blue Lake (Lago Blu), Valtournenche
By LSC- Pixabay
Gran Paradiso
A mountain in the Graian Alps, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions, in the Gran Paradiso National Park. The peak, with an elevation of 4,061 m, is close to Mont Blanc on the nearby border with France. Each season has unique benefits. Winter is perfect for skiing, especially from December through March. Spring brings wildflowers and impressive waterfalls. Summer is prime hiking time, with the warmest weather and driest trails. Autumn lights up the park with its radiant foliage.
For those who are looking for a mountaineering adventure, alpine guides can assist you on a trip up to one of the surrounding peaks. Experienced hikers can go for Gran Paradiso (4.061m) summit climb with expert mountain guides! During winter, it offers a wide range of activities like snow boarding, horse drawn sledging or sled-dog and ski mountaineering.
