In Aosta for infrastructure, in the side valleys for nature, in ski resorts like Courmayeur for a glamorous atmosphere, and more affordable in the valley floor.

Yes, almost always—the valleys are vast and public transportation is limited.

In Aosta for infrastructure, in the side valleys for nature, in ski resorts like Courmayeur for a glamorous atmosphere, and more affordable in the valley floor.

Yes, almost always—the valleys are vast and public transportation is limited.

Moving to the Aosta Valley: Life in Italy's High Mountains

Q: What languages are spoken there?

Italian and French are the official languages; Franco-Provençal is also spoken in some valleys.

Q: Is the Aosta Valley expensive?

Moderate to high-end: The upscale ski resorts are expensive, while the more budget-friendly options are more affordable.

Q: What is the job market like?

Small and partly seasonal. The main industries are tourism, hydropower, skilled trades, and public administration; many people work remotely or are self-employed.

Q: What's the climate like?

Alpine: long, snowy winters and mild, short summers.

Q: How do I get to France or Switzerland?

Via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Pass—both countries are within easy reach.

Q: Is the Aosta Valley a good place for nature lovers?

Very—with Gran Paradiso National Park, glaciers, and a vast hiking and skiing area.

Q: What are the first steps to take with the authorities?

Tax ID number, registration with the municipality, enrollment in the National Health Service (SSN), and a bank account.

Table of contents

The Aosta Valley (Italian Aosta Valley, French Aosta Valley) is Italy’s smallest region: a bilingual high-mountain region at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Gran Paradiso. If you’re looking for mountains, winter sports, and peace and quiet, this is the place for you. This guide shows you the best places to live and what to look out for.

Why the Aosta Valley?

The Aosta Valley is independent and bilingual (Italian and French are official languages), offers Spectacular mountain scenery, a high quality of life, and world-class winter sports (Courmayeur, Cervinia, La Thuile). It’s very small and rural—ideal for nature lovers, but less so for those seeking a traditional career.

Where to Stay: Towns and Valleys

Aosta: the small capital city with a Roman heritage and the best infrastructure.
Side valleys (Valtournenche, Val di Cogne, Valle del Gran San Bernardo): close to nature and peaceful.
Ski Resorts (Courmayeur, Cervinia): glamorous and expensive.
low point Along the Dora Baltea: affordable and well-connected.

Living is moderate, more expensive in the upscale ski resorts. You can read about how rental agreements work at Rent an Apartment.

Tourist traps or la dolce vita in Rome, Italy (© shutterstock.com)

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Labor and the Economy

The economy thrives on Tourism (in winter and summer), the Hydropower, skilled trades, agriculture (Fontina cheese, mountain wine), and public administration. The labor market is small and partly seasonal; many make a living from tourism-related jobs, remote work, or self-employment. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job.

Cost of living

The Aosta Valley is moderate to upscale – The upscale ski resorts are expensive, while the more affordable ones are at the lower end of the price range. The overview of the Cost of living.

Everyday Life: Climate and Transportation

The Mont Blanc Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Pass connect the country to France and Switzerland; within the country, there is a A car is practically a must. The climate is alpine: Long, snowy winters and mild, short summers. Learn more at Driving in Italy.

First Steps in the Aosta Valley

The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at your municipality of residence, registration with the health department, and a bank account. You can find the complete process in the Moving Checklist.

What You Need to Do Next

Determine your source of income (tourism, remote work, or self-employment), plan to get a car, and decide between living in a small town or a ski resort. Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and work through the steps one by one.