VALSAVARENCHE
	In the Gran Paradiso National Park, surrounded by peaks, serrated crests and gleaming glaciers, this valley is an inexhaustible font for excursions. The road to Valsavarenche begins at Villeneuve (670 m.), and after passing Introd, you come to the small village of Dégioz (1540 m.), the valley's main village. You then continue towards Eaux Rousses, at 1666 metres, the last village still inhabited during the winter months, which takes its name from a spring of ferruginous water. The downhill runs, served by a ski lift not far from dégioz, are short and easy, ideal for beginners and families with young children. The attractive, illuminated cross-country skiing track winds along the bottom of the valley, passing through woods and clearings. Valsavarenche is perhaps the classic departure point for those wishing to climb Gran Paradiso (the only all-Italian mountain over 4,000 metres), and all types of excursions can begin there. It is not unusual to meet examples of the vast local wildlife: ibexes and chamois goats are frequent visitors to the villages. Those who stay at Dégioz or Eaux Rousses are immersed in tranquillity, far away from the influx of tourists and sophisticated society, and can visit ancient villages which conserve examples of traditional architecture, harmoniously built with local wood and stone from the mountains.