Back in 1984 there were big plans for Crevacol. It was going to be the next big thing in skiing. Plans were in place for a huge ski resort made of 10 major lifts including cable cars. Development (thankfully!) stopped at two chairlifts and so as well as pondering what might have been, we are left with a great little ski resort with just enough lift access to open up a huge amount of terrain possibilities. We are also left with just enough limitations on lift access (too few, too slow) and accommodation to avoid attracting the great unwashed of humanity that can descend on larger, more popular ski resorts.
The ample skiable vertical of 800m is more than adequately served by the two well positioned chairlifts. From the top, the options are many. In-bounds piste trails for beginners and particularly intermediates, are fun, rolling runs that are as fast or slow as one desires. Trails wind through trees in the mid area. One marked advanced trail out wide to skiers’ right highlights skinning and backcountry options as well as being a rollicking joy in its own right. All the runs to the base go under the elevated roadway - a surreal experience. Can be difficult stopping oneself from ducking one’s head.
Off piste freeride and backcountry options are excellent from the top lift station. Untouched bowls, safe ridges and light forest to the north and east of the resort all end with a return via the roof of the elevated roadway – a unique experience in the world of skiing. A bit of a push, but who cares. Note that we imagine going onto the roadway is probably not strictly allowed, but as they say, when in Rome…..
Three café/restaurant/bars are on the ski hill. One at the base area above the beginner conveyor lift doesn’t see a whole lot of sun in the middle of winter, nor come to think of it does the beginner area itself. VERY cold there in January. Nice by March though.
The other two restaurants are at the top of the first chair, nestled on a sunny bench with spanking views across the mountains. Both are good but the better of the two is the Grand Golliat. Interesting and traditional local food and wines in a cosy environment. It is also the only commercial accommodation provider in the resort. Other facilities include a ski shop with full rental facilities near the car park.
We visited twice in 2018, January and March.
Crevacol is fun, high alpine skiing in an uncrowded resort close to Aosta for barely the price of a decent meal! Double thumbs up, but just don’t tell anyone else ................. it’s a secret!
You can see our thoughts on the pros and cons on the Crevacol overview page and also see our European ski resort ratings page regarding how we score it compared to other skiing areas.