If you want to give yourself a relaxing day of cross-country skiing, try the tracks of the famous Val Ferret, in Val d'Aosta. The tracks, within everyone's reach, develop under the gaze of the spectacular peaks and pinnacles of the Mont Blanc group, in a valley with enchanting panoramas.

Cross-country skiing: Val Ferret, Valle d'Aosta. Nordic skiing at the foot of his majesty Mont Blanc

I'll start immediately by pointing out that, in order not to run into any discomfort, and to enjoy the day in the best way, it is advisable to keep in mind some aspects related to logistics, which are not adequately described in many of the promotional sites of the valley, and which I will tell you about later.

A day here is really worth it. Already when you approach the final head of the Valle d'Aosta, the scenery of the peaks of Mont Blanc, looming above your heads, will be impressive, and will capture your attention. And it will also help you to forget, almost, certain false notes related to the urbanization of Courmayeur, and to the ski lifts, which do not appear in balance with the surrounding mountain environment. When you find yourself gliding on your skis in the middle of the valley, the quiet and beauty of the places will reconcile you with yourself and with the world.

But let's go step by step and describe the tracks.

The tracks were well groomed, and the snow was of good quality: neither too hard nor too soft. The waxing, with Toko universal wax from 0 to - 30 °C, was perfect for our needs, with the skis flowing pretty well. The return way from Lavachey to the starting point is fast and very enjoyable.

The average level of the skiers didn't appear particularly high to us. Probably, due to the ease of the tracks, the place is frequented more by amateurs looking for a day of relaxation, than by agonists in training. Indeed, the area lacks some slightly more adrenaline-pumping variants, with some more technical uphill or downhill sections. But if you love going fast on tracks with modest slopes, the slopes of Val Ferret are for you, with the possibility, of course, of making even more laps, and covering many kilometres.

And I have to tell you in all honesty that, sometimes, when you practice cross-country skiing, it's also nice to send your brain to mass, and let your skis slide, carefree.

Happy skiing. Fabio Muriano

Click here, for the complete slidegallery of our ski day