AN EXCITING E-BIKE WEEKEND TO EXPERIENCE THE GREEN HEART OF VALLE D’AOSTA, DISCOVER ITS HIDDEN TREASURES, AND ENRICH YOURSELF WITH ITS ANCIENT WISDOM.
When the idea is to spend a few days on vacation in the mountains, dedicating yourself to some hikes and exploring the area, you find yourself having to research and choose which trails to take and which places to include in your itinerary.
At this point, you’re left with relying on your good old friend, or searching the web or consulting a guide. If you’re skilled enough, you can even study a topographic map of the trails.
However, in the end, when you don’t know the places, it’s difficult to go beyond the usual routes, and by doing so, you end up doing the same old things that everyone does.
The mountains, their colours, and their nature are beautiful, of course, but… have you ever found yourself in a place where you didn’t know exactly where to “look,” and you experienced that unpleasant feeling of being lost?
When you move alone in unfamiliar territory, you don’t know exactly what to look for, you don’t know where the most interesting things to visit are hidden, and you only become aware of, at most (no more than 10%), the immense richness around you.
The situation can even worsen if you are in the company of a “seasoned hiker” for whom excursions become practically a sports activity, and what sticks with you the most are the boots of the person in front of you.
For those of us who love to explore the nuances of what we don’t know, not being able to have an authentic and profound experience is a real disappointment.
The worst thing when facing a hike is not knowing exactly what to expect. Will it be suitable for my abilities? Too easy? Too difficult? If the trail is not circular, how can I get back to the starting point?
If, in addition to walking, you want to visit local production companies and engage with artisans and farmers from the area, it becomes even more complicated.
Yes, because in practice, it’s always quite difficult to find precise and reliable information so that you can be sure to meet people who have the time to welcome you and show you their activities.
And in the end, the spontaneous question arises: will I be able to have a truly beautiful, enjoyable, and authentic experience?
Imagine being with a small group of people who share the same interests as you and having an experienced guide at your disposal who listens to you and knows exactly the right places and situations to make you experience something truly special.
Imagine being able to ask all the questions you want and having the time to delve into the aspects you most want to explore. Time to discover hidden, exclusive corners that you would never have seen otherwise.
Imagine having the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of nature and the most intimate places in Valle d’Aosta, enjoying moments of silence to fully appreciate what you are experiencing.
Imagine participating in visits, experiential workshops, and tastings that allow you to experience firsthand what would otherwise have been just a story, and in doing so, living with intensity everything that is happening.
Imagine getting to know and chatting amiably with the local people, testing your senses in a curious and surprising game, and discovering, through direct experience, sensitivities and skills you didn’t think you had.
Imagine getting in direct contact with the local people, meeting entrepreneurs passionate about their work, and talking to them as if they were lifelong friends.
Discover their secrets, experience the excitement that arises from their passion, learn about the traditions and wisdom passed down from generation to generation, and ultimately savour the intense flavours of truly genuine food.
An exciting weekend on an e-bike to experience the green heart of the Aosta Valley, discover its hidden treasures, and enrich yourself with its ancient knowledge.
The Aosta Valley is a small region filled with surprising corners boasting wonderful, vibrant, and consistently sublime nature. It’s majestic yet delicate, offering experiences for every season to inspire wonder and evoke emotions.
This is an opportunity to pedal on an e-bike, accompanied by an expert guide, reaching places you never thought you could access. You’ll learn the safest way to conquer climbs and descents, uncovering abilities you never even knew you had.
It’s a veritable blend of situations and emotions that seamlessly transition between art, nature, culture, moments of relaxation, contemplation, adrenaline, and fun. The variety of situations and activities beyond excursions make this trip perfect for all those, like you, seeking a mountain holiday to have fun and rejuvenate.
For this journey, you are free to choose the departure date.
Send us your request, indicating the period in which you want to take your trip, and we will confirm the available accommodation facilities and the personalized quote*.
(*) See our basic proposal and the special promotion we have reserved for you immediately.
3.00 pm: Check-in
7.00 pm: presentation and welcome drink
Morning and Early Afternoon: “BikeArt and Relax” Excursion
Embark on a naturalistic journey where the forest conceals fragments of history and transforms into a work of art. The water takes on various forms, including streams, waterfalls, and lakes, creating an oasis of tranquility and contemplation. Along the way, you can admire the typical rural wood and stone buildings of Val d’Ayas, known as rascards. You’ll also encounter the ancient “humpback” stone bridges of Verval, which were pivotal in the region’s rural economy in the past, serving as connection points between two opposite sides of the valley.
Throughout the route, water accompanies you, leading you to the nature reserve of Lake Villa. This lake basin presents a stark contrast to the arid territory, featuring a marshy environment. A short distance from there, an unconventional adventure awaits you inside the open-air ecomuseum of ChallandArt, housing real works of art crafted from the very forest that surrounds you. Finally, along the Cammino Balteo route, let your inner explorer roam as you explore the hidden ruins of Castello di Villa, the oldest of the manors owned by the noble Challant family.
This itinerary offers opportunities for off-road climbs, some of which are challenging, and a variety of enjoyable descents along paths carved into the woods, promising moments of adrenaline while ensuring your safety.
Excursion Details:
– Location: Verrès, Val d’Ayas, ChallandArt Ecomuseum
– Distance: 20 km by bicycle
– Starting Altitude: 380 meters
– Maximum Altitude: 1,040 meters
– Total Elevation Gain: 965 meters ↑
– Riding Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
– Total Duration: Approximately 7 hours
– Difficulty Level: Medium
Lunch Bag
Afternoon: Cellar Visit and Tasting
The Aosta Valley boasts an ancient winemaking tradition, and like all “challenging” regions, hard work yields excellent fruits. Strolling between the vine rows, guided by the winemaker, is always an evocative experience that provides you with a glimpse behind the scenes of the refined world of winemaking. Once in the cellar, you can engage in an exciting sensory experience that will help you appreciate the many nuances of aromas and flavors derived from the grapes of the native vines of the Aosta Valley.
Evening: Indulge in a gourmet dinner at one of our carefully selected restaurants.
Morning and early afternoon: “BikeMillestone” excursion
A very distinctive itinerary, especially when traversed on a bicycle saddle. You’ll embark on a journey in complete silence, passing through a forest of rare hooked pines. This ride will transport you back in time to the lithic industrial era of the 19th century, the medieval period, and ultimately the late Roman age.
Your destination is the Valmeriana millstone park, an ancient granuliferous chlorite schist quarry. This quarry, even in Roman times, was the source of stone mill wheels used for grinding cereals. These stone artifacts are genuine discoveries, somewhat concealed by the vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the forest’s greenery, the vibrant pink of rhododendrons, and the various shades of yellow lichens. These ‘natural graffiti,’ along with scents, colors, and silence, will guide you along an unexpected nature trail.
The ascent offers incredible views of the Adret peaks, including Becca d’Aver and Monte Tantané. Upon your return, you’ll have the option to choose between an enjoyable descent on a dirt road, suitable for everyone, or an adrenaline-filled single-track freeride.
Excursion Details:
Location: Pontey, Champdepraz Valley, Valmeriana Millstone Park
Route Length: 21 km by bicycle + 2.5 km on foot (for the quarry visit)
Starting Altitude: 525 meters
Maximum Altitude: 1,780 meters
Total Elevation Gain: 1,250 meters ↑
Riding Time: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes
Total Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium or moderately difficult (single-track descent).
Lunch Bag
Departure
The itinerary of the trip may be subject to small variations due to force majeure, weather conditions, or organizational adjustments.
Upon confirmation of the trip – upon reaching the minimum number of participants – any relevant changes and/or updates will be communicated.
1 special welcome aperitif
1 gourmet dinner
1 jar of honey produced by La Corbetta farm
2 nights with breakfast
2 packed lunches
1 Gourmet dinner
2 e-Bike guided excursions
1 Winery visit with tasting
Possible e-Bike rental
Arrival and departure flights from Italy
Internal transfers, which will be quoted at the time of booking
Possible recommended activities during free time
Single room supplement
Wine and alcoholic beverages during lunches and dinners
Other meals not indicated in the program
Personal expenses (e.g., bar service, porterage, laundry, tips, etc.)
“All Risks” travel insurance (to be requested as an extra at the time of booking)
Tourist tax – mandatory to be paid on-site
All additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances not attributable to our organization (e.g., flight cancellations, fare increases, strikes, or other events and natural disasters, emergency evacuations, etc.);
Everything not specifically included in the clause “The package includes”
PAYMENT AND BOOKING METHODS
The booking must be made at least 15 days before the trip departure date.
Payment is to be made via bank transfer in the following manner:
20% Down payment upon booking confirmation
80% Final payment due 30 days prior
Reservations must be made at least 7 days before the selected departure date.
For Groupage trips (attended by multiple people), the number of participants is limited to 12 people to ensure the best experience. Once this quota is reached, no further registrations will be accepted.
Excursion Schedule: For technical reasons, the order of excursions or visits may be subject to changes. In the event that weather conditions prevent one or more excursions, alternative activities will be organized and agreed upon with the participants.
Customization of the Travel Program: For pre-established groups, upon request and subject to guide availability, it is possible to create personalized excursion programs based on type, difficulty, and duration.
Difficulty of Excursions: E – Intermediate – Easy-to-navigate trails with moderate uphill and downhill slopes and occasional single-track sections. The average ascent is 800-1,200 meters. The pace is relaxed and suitable for all participants. Stops to visit places are planned along the way. No specific physical preparation is required.
Timetable and Duration of Excursions (approximate): Departure from the hotel at 9:00 am, return in the early afternoon (depending on the length of the excursion). Afternoon activities start from 5:00 pm in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Equipment: Suitable cycling clothing (technical wear is recommended, e.g., padded shorts), spare undergarments, cycling shoes or lightweight hiking shoes/boots, windproof jacket, additional windbreaker in colder seasons, sunglasses, cap (or other head protection), medium-sized backpack, water bottle, sunscreen.
Corrado Pedelì
Corrado Pedelì is a professional MTB (Mountain Bike) instructor and off-road cycling guide certified by the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI). He is also recognized as a regional cycle tourism operator by the Aosta Valley Region (Regional Law No. 1 of January 21, 2003).
Even before becoming a cycling expert, Corrado specialized in the conservation of cultural heritage and worked as a UNESCO consultant. He provides education and training for various international institutions such as ICCROM, IIC, Italian and European universities, and other international organizations.
Corrado has successfully combined his experience in cultural heritage, education, and communication with his passion for MTB, turning it into a profession. He designs and offers cultural and dynamic cycling itineraries, providing unique and exclusive experiences suitable for all skill levels. His cycle tourism projects are branded under “B4H” (Bike4Heritage).
Kamelion è un progetto
Openmind Travel Srl
Sede legale
Via Esperanto 2 – 11100 Aosta
Sede operativa
Via Bassi 60 – 35131 Padova
Ph. +39.0498256495
welcome@openmindtravel.it
P.IVA 05236340286
PEC:pec@pec.openmindtravel.it
Kamelion by Openmind Travel
partecipa a:
Progetto finanziato con il POC
Regione del Veneto
Kamelion è un progetto
Openmind Travel Srl
Sede legale
Via Esperanto 2 – 11100 Aosta
Sede operativa
Via Bassi 60 – 35131 Padova
Ph. +39.0498256495
welcome@openmindtravel.it
P.IVA 05236340286
PEC:pec@pec.openmindtravel.it
Kamelion by Openmind Travel
partecipa a:
Progetto finanziato con il POC
Regione del Veneto
