There are places you stumble upon, and there are places that feel like a secret meant just for you. Hôtellerie de Mascognaz is the latter—a secluded hamlet perched high in the Ayas Valley, where time stretches, snow falls softly, and Alpine elegance meets untamed wilderness. Accessible only by snowmobile or 4x4, this former Walser village is now a spellbinding retreat, blending centuries-old tradition with refined, soulful luxury. Every stay is curated with intention, tailored to awaken a sense of wonder and wild serenity.
The story of Hôtellerie de Mascognaz is one of love and legacy. It begins with the Walser people—an Alpine community who, in the 13th century, journeyed across the Monte Rosa massif to settle in this pristine corner of the Aosta Valley. And it lives on through the vision of Dr Paolo Vitelli, whose childhood memories of Mascognaz inspired him to restore the village with reverence and care. Guided by an architect’s thesis and a deep-rooted affection, Vitelli transformed the crumbling chalets into a scattered hotel that safeguards both heritage and silence.
Mascognaz is not a hotel in the traditional sense—it’s a living, breathing village, where 11 historic chalets are scattered across the alpine slope like jewels in the snow. More than a place to stay, it’s a place to feel. Life here unfolds slowly: heli-skiing above untouched powder, hiking Walser routes with an environmental guide, or simply wandering through the village to the sound of cowbells and the hush of falling snow. Each moment is curated by nature, steeped in authenticity, and wrapped in a kind of beauty that lingers long after you leave.
The chalets of Mascognaz are a love letter to the mountains—each one a thoughtfully restored treasure that honors its heritage while embracing quiet luxury. Raw timber beams, soft wool throws, and stone fireplaces exude warmth and authenticity, while deep-soaking tubs, curated art, and floor-to-ceiling views invite rest and reverie.
The restaurant, nestled within one of the village’s oldest structures, is where tradition meets refinement. Here, mountain flavours are given a modern twist—think handmade pastas, Aostan cheeses, and wild game, all elevated by the chef’s creativity and the valley’s finest produce. The wine cellar is a treasure trove of Italian and Alpine gems, and every meal feels like a celebration: firelight dancing, snow falling softly outside, and each bite echoing the rhythms of the land.
Cradled by the Monte Rosa massif at 1,800 metres, Hôtellerie de Mascognaz sits above the town of Champoluc like a forgotten secret. The journey—winding through forests, past streams, and up rugged trails—is part of the enchantment. In summer, wildflower meadows and alpine lakes beckon. In winter, the snow-covered silence feels almost sacred. This is where the film Le Otto Montagne found its soul, and where travellers find a sense of grounding amidst grandeur.
CIN: IT007007A19HDN8KAU
HOTELLERIE DE MASCOGNAZ 11020 Ayas - Champoluc (AO)
Champoluc - Italy
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