Nestled in the Italian Alps, the Aosta Valley is best known for world-class skiing and spectacular mountain vistas. Its winter sport resorts Courmayeur and Breuil-Cervinia attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. But with its Roman ruins, more than 120 castles, endless outdoor activities and gastronomic delights, Italy’s smallest region also has a lot to offer off the slopes no matter the time of year.

1. Escape to some of the highest peaks in Europe
Comprising one large glacial valley bordered by France and Switzerland, the Valle d’Aosta, or Aosta Valley, stretches between majestic mountain ranges in the heart of the Alps. Some of the highest and most famous peaks in Europe such as Mont Blanc (15,771 feet/4,807m), the Matterhorn (14,691 feet/4,478m), Monte Rosa (15,200 feet/4,633m) and Gran Paradiso (13,323 feet/4,061m) dominate the vistas of this lush region in northwestern Italy.