Caiplie House Goings On

I guess this could actually slot in to the things to do before I die entry. Maybe a bit dramatic but I have been wanting to ski down to Aosta for a couple of years. The snow was looking good all the way to the valley floor this week so it had to be done!

So a crowd of us set off after work one evening, a bit excited at the thought of the big vertical descent ahead, route finding and the opportunity to ski through vines and orchards!

It wasn’t easy! Picking our way through trees, hopping over rocks and trying not to laugh too much….the spills soon started

Emma seemed to find the best jumps and the deepest snow! If you were brave enough to follow it was a fun line!!

As far as I was concerned the highlight was going to be skiing through the vines and orchards. As you pass over these tracks and shacks every day on the way to work it was great to see them from snow level. Those little walls give you quite a thud when you drop off them though!

There were quite a lot of barking dogs, thankfully all chained up. There was one false alarm as a tractor approached but drove past, seemingly not bothered by us sliding on his land!

We did ski past one house and statle the occupants, happily tucking in to their tea as wee skied past!

The light was fading as our lift arrived…..it wasn’t as glamourous as a helicopter but don’t knock it!!

There are a coule of pizza places we frequent here in Aosta. One of my favourites is The Breakhouse, the staff are friendly and I try to have a wee chat with the pizza chef when I arrive. The other evening I arrived and I was chatting away in my faltering Italian which is based on the Fench language with an Italian accent!!

Anyway I noticed this rather unusual bottle of whisky on their shelf……I had to get a photo which produced much interest and nodding of heads and smiles…..They reckon they have a good one.

Last night they were all smiles, pointing at their prized botle of whisky.

Maybe there is a story to it?

Bonnie Prince Charlies march to Derby?

Or the most interesting branding ever?

Old England, Scotch!!

We managed to escape to a tiny resort down the valley called Chamois.

What a tonic!

Chamois is the only village in the whole of the Aosta Valley that can not be accessed by road during the winter months. A short cable car ride over sheer cliffs is needed to access the area.

With three well placed chairlifts a great vertical descent of over 1000m was possible an the fresh powder was hardly touched! All the powder hounds must head to the better known resorts

<

I really shouldn't be telling everyone about this hidden gem but with one hotel up on the slopes it really isn't going to get over run! The owner would only offer me a three night stay which we couldn't take. Oh for a wee B&B!