Chamois

Chamois is a unique and enchanting alpine village situated at an elevation of 1,815 metres in the Valtournenche, a side valley of the Aosta Valley. Nestled on a sunny, wind-protected mountain terrace, Chamois is famous for being the only municipality in Italy, and one of the few in Europe, that is entirely car-free. It is not connected to the valley floor by any public road.

The village was founded in the Middle Ages by farmers who built traditional stone-and-wood chalets (known as rascards). For centuries, it remained isolated, accessible only by steep mule tracks. In 1955, a cable car was constructed from the valley floor, transforming the village's accessibility while preserving its peaceful, pristine environment.

Today, Chamois is a member of the "Alpine Pearls" association, which promotes sustainable tourism and gentle mobility. The village offers a quiet retreat where the only sounds are the whistling of the wind, the rushing of mountain streams, and the occasional cry of wild chamois.

By Plane

The nearest major airports are Turin Airport (TRN), located approximately 110 km south, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 160 km east.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Châtillon-Saint Vincent, on the Aosta-Ivrea line. From the station, regular regional buses run up the Valtournenche towards Breuil-Cervinia. Passengers must disembark at the hamlet of Buisson.

By Car / Road

There is no road access to Chamois. Travelers driving must take the A5 Autostrada to the Châtillon/Saint-Vincent exit, then follow the SR46 road up the Valtournenche to the hamlet of Buisson. There is a large, free parking lot next to the Buisson-Chamois cable car station. The cable car runs daily, typically every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 22:00 (extended on weekends and during peak seasons).

As there are no cars, the village must be explored entirely on foot, on skis, or on snowshoes in the winter. The village is small, and all services are within easy walking distance.

• Traditional Walser Architecture: The village is dotted with beautifully restored historic rascards—traditional alpine granaries made of larch logs supported by stone pillars with mushroom-like caps to keep out rodents.

• Lago di Lod (Lake Lod): A picturesque alpine lake located at 2,019 metres, just above the main village. It is surrounded by meadows and pine trees, reflecting the surrounding peaks.

• The Historic Parish Church: A simple, charming church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon, located in the main village square.

• Hiking and Trekking: In summer, Chamois offers a network of scenic trails. A popular, flat trail (the "Path of Energy") connects Chamois to the neighboring car-free hamlet of La Magdeleine.

• Skiing and Winter Sports: Chamois has a small, uncrowded ski area with three chairlifts rising to 2,500 metres. It is highly family-friendly and popular for snowshoeing and ski touring.

• Paragliding: The high, open pastures of Chamois make it a popular take-off point for paragliders, offering flights over the Valtournenche.

• Rifugio Hermitage (located at Lake Lod, 2,019 m): A cozy mountain refuge offering excellent, traditional Valdostan cuisine, including polenta cooked on a wood stove, wild game, and house-made desserts.
• Chez Pierina (in the village centre): A friendly local trattoria serving rustic mountain dishes and local cheeses.

• Genepy: The classic herbal liqueur, perfect for warming up after a winter hike.
• Herbal Teas: Infusions made from wild mountain herbs collected in the surrounding meadows.

• Budget: B&B Rascard Altavia (Frazione Corgnolaz) offers cozy rooms in a traditional wooden building with spectacular views.
• Mid-range: Albergo Maison de Sucre (Frazione Corgnolaz) is a charming, family-run hotel in the village centre, offering comfortable rooms and local cuisine.
• Upscale / heritage: > TODO:

• Local Honey and Preserves: Artisanal honey collected from the alpine wildflowers of the valley.
• Mountain Cheese: Fresh and aged cheeses sourced from local alpine pastures (alpeggi).
• Handmade Wooden Crafts: Traditional wooden kitchen utensils and decorative items.

• Valtournenche: The main municipality of the valley, located 15 km away (via cable car to Buisson, then bus).
• Breuil-Cervinia: The famous ski resort at the foot of the Matterhorn, located 25 km north.
• Châtillon: Located 20 km south at the entrance of the valley.