If you’re not familiar with the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy, you probably haven’t heard of the Pila ski resort either. It is a beautiful Italian ski resort with 50 kilometres of carefully designed slopes for skiers of all levels, full of red runs and some black runs for experts. Surrounded by majestic alpine peaks, Pila is noted for its breathtaking views which can be reached directly from Aosta (583m) to the resort’s slopes (1800m) in just 15 minutes. Its frenetic development has made the connection from the village to 2752m possible thanks to the new Couis 1 cable car. In short, you can climb from the town of Aosta to the top of the resort in 30 minutes using several cable cars (Aosta->Pila->Pila Gorraz->Couis->Stella del Couis). The views from the top allow you to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas offered by the Italian ski resorts and to enjoy some of the most beautiful mountains in the world: Mont Blanc, Cervino, Monte Rosa, Grivola and Gran Paradiso .
This new lift, which is the second section of the Pila-Couis route, will replace the historic two-seater chairlift from the late 1980s. The gondola lift is part of the Pila-Couis project, a state-of-the-art lift system that will reach 2,700 metres in just 15 minutes and whose arrival station features a magnificent star-shaped design. Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of iconic alpine peaks such as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Grivola and Gran Paradiso from the “Stella del Couis” panoramic hut.
“With the new infrastructure, it will be possible to reach this scenic spot in just 30 minutes.
It is more than just a ski lift: the project will be a game-changer for skiing and mountain biking enthusiasts, offering an enhanced sporting experience for all levels and ages. It will also be accessible to those who simply want to admire one of the most spectacular views in the Alps.
The project, designed by the De Carlo – Gualla architectural studio, stands out for its integrated approach to the environment. The new ski lifts and stations represent a blend of avant-garde architecture and engineering, characterised by the use of innovative materials and technologies, as well as a futuristic design conceived specifically for high altitudes.
The complete system includes a 10-seater gondola lift with detachable handholds in two sections, with two intermediate stations, connecting the arrival station of the existing Aosta-Pila gondola lift with the Platta de Grevon (Couis 1) area, located at the watershed between the Pila basin and the Cogne valley. The Pila departure station, located at 1,800 metres, will have an innovative service centre, while the mountain top station, with a unique star-shaped design facing the main peaks of the Aosta valley, will house a panoramic bar-restaurant and public services.
Currently, it takes three lifts and about 60 minutes to reach Couis 1 from Pila on skis. With the new infrastructure, it will be possible to reach this panoramic point in just 30 minutes, starting directly from the centre of Aosta, with a difference in altitude of 2,200 metres.
Renovation of Couis 1 cable car
According to information provided by the communication studio Sec and Partners, thePila ski resort is about to take a major step in its modernisation with the near completion of the new 10-seater Couis 1 gondola lift, developed by the company Leitner. This modern system will replace the old two-seater chairlift from the 1980s, offering greater capacity and comfort for skiers. The new gondola lift will be operational for the 2024/2025 ski season, marking the start of an ambitious renovation and expansion project that includes the construction of additional facilities and a direct connection from the outskirts of Aosta to the highest point in the area.
Pila has the distinction of being one of the few ski resorts directly connected to a major communication route, the A5 motorway, and to the city of Aosta. Currently, three sections of cable car provide skiers with access from the capital to the heart of the ski area. The Pila-Couis project plans to extend the route of this gondola lift, rising from the valley floor to Couis 1, located 2,700 metres above sea level, at the watershed between the Pila valley and the Cogne valley.
The departure and arrival stations will open in December 2025.
This new system will create a modern “backbone” for the area, allowing travel in maximum comfort and shelter from the elements in both winter and summer. During the warmer months, the facilities will be available for transporting hikers and cyclists, promoting sustainable tourism and access to nature.
“The realisation of this new project is particularly significant as it will revitalise and complete the tourist offer of one of the most outstanding and busy ski areas of the Aosta Valley,” said Valeria Ghezzi, president of ANEF to Sec and Partners Communication Studio. “Pila will be directly connected to the city of Aosta by cable cars, which is a perfect example of sustainable mobility. This safe and environmentally friendly means of transport not only allows everyone to comfortably enjoy the breathtaking scenery between Pila and Cogne, but also reduces vehicle traffic in the region”.
The new Couis 1 gondola lift will be complemented by a futuristic star-shaped design shelter, which will include a panoramic terrace offering spectacular views of the Aosta Valley, home to approximately 4,000 inhabitants. In addition, the new facilities will optimise the use of the ski slopes, allowing access from Couis 1 to all the slopes of Couis 2. In parallel, slopes 7 and 8 will be renovated and extended, and a new slope, piste 9, will be added, offering greater variety and safety for skiers.
This ambitious project not only improves the existing infrastructure, but also reinforces Pila’s commitment to sustainability and high quality tourism development. With these improvements, Pila positions itself as one of the most advanced and accessible ski resorts in the Aosta Valley.
