Went with school for two years over new years. Very contrasting; first year powder, second year snow cannon. Slopes covered by snow cannons leave fairly limited skiing so beware if going early in the season.
Aosta isn't the greatest place to stay. Not a lot going on really. Few bars etc but wouldn't rush back. Bit too small for me.
Overall, good resort but probably won't be going back. Save your pennies and go to Tignes instead.
Went with Interski through school who do a good job of everything. so if you are going on a school trip you'll love it.
January 20th 2008
Fantastic, if small, resort. We are beginner to medium intermediates and there was just enough to keep us going for a week. I imagine if you were more experienced you could cover the runs in 2-3 days. Weather was amazing with fantastic views over Monte Bianco and the Matterhorn from our hotel room in Lion Noir, which is a great hotel. Apres-ski is almost non existent but chilled. Looking to go back for 3 nights on the 24th February.
P.s. avoid weekends if you can as it gets packed with locals.
Went to Pila with my wife mid January - fantastic ski area, plenty of snow and the views cannot be beaten. Slopes were generally in great condition but we never left the hotel before 10am. The food on the other side was a bit poor. The apres-ski scene was almost dead if not for the Gallagher's bar (only good place to go - thanks to Laura). Overall, the place is ok if you are there for the average cruising but if you are looking for more challenging terrain you better go to La Thuile.
It is an absolutely amazing resort. Thoroughly enjoyed it. It was my first ski trip. A perfect place to begin. I will be returning. It was brilliant. 5 star holiday !
Got back from Pila two weeks ago after a week skiing trip with 14 sixth formers and two other members of staff. The students were beginners and the staff were advanced skiers. The resort is very good although the staff covered all the ski area pistes in two days. Not many queues during the weekdays but on the weekend there were 5-10 minute waits at the main ski lifts. There had been a good dump of snow the week before we got there so that when we arrived all of the runs were well covered and provided an excellent skiing week. Recommend Interski for school parties. The students and staff had a very enjoyable skiing week.
Nice resort for a day or two - especially on a snowy weekday. Loads of fun off-piste through the trees plus several open bowls higher up though we didn't get to session them properly due to avalanche danger. There's not too many flats for snowboarders and the modern lift system does a pretty good job of getting you up the mountain though it did struggle hugely with the weekend crowds. However during the week it was great - no queues and very quiet slopes during the first week of March. Can't comment on the aprés-ski in Pila itself, but the city of Aosta below the resort(accessible via gondola)has plenty going on - nice restaurants and lively pubs/bars.
Just back from half-term in Pila. It's my 4th trip in last 18 months and still love it. Stayed at Pila2000 hotel right next to the piste, genuine ski in/out, good food, decent people. Pila gets busy at peak periods with Italians at Xmas and school kids at half-term but if you get onto the right pistes at the right time then it's problem free. Have now travelled 3 ways; Interski, Thompson, and Independent. For the price use Interski they stay in the town of Aosta which is 20 mins on cable car but they provide all passes, ski lessons and apres-ski. Please don't go to Pila, leave it alone so I can continue to enjoy it!
I've just come back from a week in Pila. Plenty of snow and sunshine the whole week. Slopes are well groomed although they can be very hard in the mornings. Ski instruction is good. The best school seems to be Aosta. We had an excellent teacher called Max (Alberti Massimo), he used to be in the Italian Ski team, very friendly with lots of tips and pointers!
On the negative side there is VERY little apres ski. It basically revolves around your own hotel. Also, be careful not to pay for your ski equipment until you get a chance to see it. We booked ours through Crystal and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Boots are very old and skis are not maintained or serviced.
On the whole we had a good time and would go back again.
January 17, 2006
Debra Williams
from
United Kingdom
Fantastic resort! with really good facilities and spectacular scenery. Great ski runs for all and good to be able to ski to hotel. A cable car ride down to Aosta is a must, it takes about 20 minutes but again the views are really amazing and the town of Aosta has some lovely buildings and more importantly for us women (!), some great shops.
October 05, 2005
George Brough
from
United Kingdom
Wow! Amazing Ski area!There are slopes for all abilities and ques are minimal.
I went there with my school, to learn to ski. My group progressed really well and we were on the red/black slopes by the end of the week. The mountain restaurants are amazing and serve dilicious food. I had a great time and i am returning there for the 2005/6 season, can't wait!