What to do in Aosta valley in mid-April besides skiing?
 

My family and I are on a trip to Northern Italy in mid-April---we are beginning in the Lakes and ending in Liguria, but we have three days in between and thought it might be good to check out the Aosta valley area (which I've never seen; and living in the east of England I'm starving for some high mountains!).

However, considering it's mid-April what is there to do for non-skiiers? Can we take gondolas up from Cervinia, or La Palud (to Rifugio di Torino)?

What is the extent of hiking we can do without requiring special snow gear?

Is it worth visiting this area for 3 days in mid-April if we're not skiing?

Thanks aplenty!

We were in aosta few years ago in april, and there was no snow except for on the mountain tops and ski pistes (towards mont blanc). Hiking was great and there are many small wineries that produce great wines in the area (white and red), you could visit them as well.

Thanks. I've heard a lot about the Dolomites, and I once spent a couple of days in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland (which I loved), but it seems a bit too much to drive to those places when were are going to Liguria after. I was hoping Aosta, being more convenient, would be impressive enough.

Copy from another forum:

Yes, it is worth. Th snow cover will be very substantial above 1800 mt by mid April, lower on the northern side because it has snowed quite a lot so far. Of course you can take gondolas in Cervinia and Courmayeur, if it's a fair weather it's certainly worth the sight, but Aosta valley has much to offer besides the mountains. Check these: Aosta town itself, tiny but beautiful and with imposing Roman ruins with glacier views; many castles (Fenis is possibly the best known), secluded villages in wonderful position (Cogne is my favourite), manufacts such as the aqueduct/bridge in Pont d'Aël near Cogne, a national park where you can easily spot animals (Valsavaranche, Valgrisenche, Rhemes Notre Dame).

The paths on the sides of the main valley will be surely free of snow.

You may also have a look at
http://www.lovevda.it/turismo/scopri.../default_e.asp
http://www.lovevda.it/turismo/default_e.asp
http://www.aostalife.it/www/index.php/eng/

BTW: there are some really scenic road itineraries between Lake Maggiore and Aosta, like:

Stresa - Lake Orta - Passo della Colma - Varallo - Borgosesia - Biella - Netro - Settimo - Quart castle - Verres castle - Chatillon - Fenis castle - Aosta ....

Stresa - Simplon Pass - Brig castle - Leuk - Varen - Sierre/Siders - St-Leonard underground lake - Sion - Saillon spa - Martigny roman theatre - Bosses - Aosta .....

Thank you! I was thinking about which way would be most scenic (the long way up through Switzerland, or the more convenient way directly west).