Travel guide – italian alps
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Overview
The scenic Italian Alps comprise lush valleys and pine forests set against the backdrop of jagged white peaks stretching through the clouds. Towns nestle in the valleys and ski chalets nuzzle into the crevices offered by the generous mountains. Access to the area is provided along train or bus routes snaking through the Alps but the international cable car connection over the mountains from Chamonix is by far the most spectacular way to enter the region. Tourists flock to these parts and the largely French influence is extended to the street names. The Gran Paradiso National Park is a sublime experience of waterfalls, cliffs and lush vegetation. Hiking is a big attraction along the scenic mountain trails that stretch for miles and are paused in parts by mountain huts and refuges. Favourable months for walking are July, August and September when most of the snow has melted into the thirsty soil. Italy's best ski resorts are in the Valle d’Aosta, within the shadows of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Courmayer and Brevil Cervinia are both world class resorts and the skiing is augmented by the Italian love of life and matchless cuisine and wines.
Located below Mont Blanc on the Italian side of the mountain in the Aosta Valley, the atmospheric resort of Courmayeur is full of character with grand old buildings, narrow cobbled streets and plenty of traditional Italian village charm. The scenery is also spectacular with views towards the Mont Blanc, and is surrounded by fourteen 13,123ft (4,000m) mountain peaks at the junction of Italy, France and Switzerland. The village was once known as a spa town and base for climbing, but became recognised as a ski resort with the opening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel to provide easy access from Chamonix and Geneva International Airport.
Climate
The valleys and higher mountains of the Italian Alps experience different climates, both in winter and summer. In winter the mountains are snow covered, but are generally sunny with relatively warm daytime temperatures, while the valleys are often foggy. In summer the valleys experience warm, clear weather, while the mountains are covered in cloud; the altitude of the Alps means that night time temperatures will always be quite cold. Summer tends to be the rainy season with frequent thunderstorms. The warmest temperatures in winter and summer are found in the great lakes region.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Cases of the
N1 bird flu were found in swans in southern Italy and Sicily, but there is a low risk of human infection; as a precaution all close contact with wild, caged and domestic birds should be avoided, and poultry and egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly.
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