Winter Walks with Your Dog in Aosta Valley

My wife and I vacationed in Valle d'Aosta with friends. They have a dog. Traveling with pets, we wondered about good walking spots. My wife, always efficient, searched online right away. What she found was invaluable.

Luckily, she took on the research. It requires patience. Today, traveling with a dog, you find lots of tips online. Dog-friendly travel blogs and animal forums share stories, mistakes to avoid, and practical advice. This helps travelers plan good itineraries. But this info overload can be tricky. Tips are scattered, not always updated, sometimes conflicting, and need time to sift through.

Let's say it: Valle d'Aosta offers many options for snowy walks with your dog.

Here's what we discovered over the weekend.

Cogne

One area that impressed us was Cogne. We found paths along meadows, perfect for easy walks. In Aosta city, along the Dora Baltea, locals often walk their dogs.

Around Cogne, the simplest path crosses the Prati di Sant'Orso. It forms a half-moon around the village. You can walk it both ways. It's an easy loop, mostly flat, great for leashed dogs on packed snow.

There's also a nice walk from Cogne to Valnontey, near the Prati di Sant'Orso and the stream. It takes about 45 minutes, with gentle slopes. It's suitable for everyone, even families and less active dogs. In winter, the ground stays firm from snowshoers.

One last important thing: since we're in Gran Paradiso Park, check bulletins and restrictions. Some areas limit or ban dogs to protect wildlife.

Aosta

On the second day, we decided to explore Aosta city and its surroundings. Along the Dora Baltea, we noticed many residents walking their pets daily. These paths are convenient for those who prefer not to drive much.

The cycling and walking path along the Dora is part of the larger Cammino Balteo and valley cycling routes. Some parts are flat, with both paved and compact dirt sections. They're perfect for winter walks with a leashed dog.

We explored sections near the city, heading towards Sarre and Fénis. These paths are long and mostly flat. You can plan 30-60 minute walks by simply retracing your steps. In winter, these paths are popular because they're accessible even with moderate snow. Regular maintenance and pedestrian access near bridges and residential areas help.

On sections exposed to the river, watch out for the cold valley wind. It can make temperatures feel colder than they are. Shorter, frequent walks might be better. Choosing less busy times, like late morning or early afternoon on weekdays, helps you enjoy a peaceful walk with your dog. You're still just minutes from Aosta's center.

Lago d'Arpy

We also researched a special route: Lago d'Arpy, above Morgex. The trail takes about an hour with snowshoes and leads to one of the region's most beautiful lakes. It's easily accessible even in winter. The path is wide enough for a comfortable walk with your dog. The photos we saw online were breathtaking.

Unfortunately, we couldn't do this scenic snowshoe walk because my wife had a bad cold. We've promised to return in the future, maybe planning a longer weekend just for this hike. It's still on our wish list for next time!