The anticipated Zermatt-Cervinia downhill races were canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, causing significant disappointment in the local community. Interviews with Federico Maquignaz, CEO of Cervino Spa, and Enrico Vuillermoz, director of Consorzio Cervino Turismo, highlight the frustration and dismay over the event's exclusion from the World Cup calendar.

Retail commerce in Aosta is in crisis, with a 29% decrease in retail shops over the last 11 years, from 250 to 178. This is more alarming compared to the rest of Italy, which saw a 20% decrease. The study 'Demografia d'impresa nelle città italiane' by Confcommercio's research office reveals that while accommodation and food service activities are on the rise, the loss of commercial activities is significant. Local trade associations attribute this to the new reorganization of municipal traffic. Ermanno Bonomi, president of Ascom-Confcommercio Aosta, emphasizes the importance of commerce to the city's vitality and criticizes the administration's green initiatives without practical alternatives. Graziano Dominidiato, president of Fipe-Confcommercio VdA, also criticizes the administration for ignoring their requests and the lack of foresight in urban planning.

The 'Cancelleria sospesa' initiative, which provides school supplies to students in need, returns this year for an extended period, running from January to autumn. The initiative, started three years ago by the collaboration between Aosta's Briviodue stationery stores and the Associazione Quartiere Cogne, allows anyone to donate money at two stores in Piazza Chanoux and Corso Lanceri or at the Association's headquarters in Place de la neige 1.

Comments on the race and tactics were collected at the finish line from the winner of the MarciaGranParadiso, Fabien Stocek, the second-place finisher Maurice Manificat, and Vladimir Cuaz, the first Valdostan to finish.

The Alcotra France - Italy project 'Respiration Jeunesse' aims to foster cross-border cooperation and youth engagement through sports events, particularly involving French and Valdôtain students. The Mini-Marciagranparadiso event in Cogne serves as a platform for students to volunteer and contribute to the success of the day, promoting a sense of community and recovery post-Covid.

100 young athletes gathered in Cogne for the regional phase of the Gran Premio Giovanissimi cross-country skiing competition. The event featured two categories, baby and cuccioli, for children aged 9 to 12, with staggered starts based on birth year and gender. The course included a 1.5 km loop for older participants and a 1 km loop for younger ones. Traditionally a national final, the competition has been organized at the regional level for the past two years.

In 2019, Nirmal Purja achieved the extraordinary feat of climbing the world's 14 highest peaks in just 189 days. His current goal is to inspire and motivate new generations globally. Recently, he led the first winter ascent of K2 without supplemental oxygen and aims to be the first to complete all the Earth's eight-thousanders with and without oxygen. He emphasizes the crucial role of Sherpas in mountaineering and the impact of climate change on mountains.

The regulation of short-term rentals in Valle d'Aosta continues with the introduction of a new online platform. In three months, over 2,950 identification codes have been issued to 2,075 landlords, registering 12,355 beds. The data collected aids in statistical analysis, security, and emergency planning. From May 1, 2024, guests will be required to pay a tourist tax. The region now faces the challenge of integrating a state law approved in Rome in December.

The Fréjus tunnel, connecting Piémont and France, will be closed from Friday, January 26 at 10 PM until Monday, January 29 at 6 AM, potentially leading to increased traffic at the Mont-Blanc tunnel.

The Befana arrived in Torgnon during the night to accompany children in the traditional Epiphany torchlight procession on the ski slopes. Despite heavy snowfall, she braved the storm in Valtournenche and arrived only a few minutes late. The annual post-ski event involves children in a colorful procession on the final stretch of the return slope, eagerly watched by their families.

The article discusses the problematic behavior of some skiers who act recklessly on the slopes, skip lines, and become aggressive when things don't go their way. Interviews with Paolo Broglio, president of the Monte Bianco Ski School, and Colonel Giovanni Cuccurullo, commander of the Aosta Carabinieri group, provide insights into the issue.

The first day of the new year sees many, especially children, hitting the slopes in Torgnon, a family-friendly ski area in Valtournenche. Despite limited snowfall, the entire resort is open and well-maintained, thanks to recent investments of around 2 million euros. The fresh snow has added to the wintery and romantic atmosphere.

The Splendor Theater in Aosta hosts a performance of Franz Lehár's 'The Merry Widow,' the world's most performed operetta. This rendition, a unique adaptation by Andrea Binetti, features a concert-style narrative and is presented by the Associazione Internazionale Operetta di Trieste. The story, set in Paris, revolves around the romantic entanglements of the wealthy heiress Hanna Glawary and her persistent suitor, Count Dànilo Danilowitsch. The performance includes all essential musical pieces and combines romance with humor, culminating in a predictable happy ending.

In Valsavarenche, families are choosing to celebrate the New Year away from crowded tourist spots, enjoying the remaining snow and over 4 km of cross-country skiing tracks. Despite limited snowfall, the conditions are good, and there is hope for more snow in the coming year to continue the winter season.

Nearly four hundred torches lit up the night in Pila as ski instructors from the area participated in the traditional end-of-year night parade. A colorful procession enlivened the slopes of Couis, followed by a celebration on the snow. The event bid farewell to 2023, with hopes that the new year will fulfill some dreams.

Santa Claus has arrived in Cogne, enchanting both children and adults with the magic of this special day. Many tourists have already come to the region to enjoy the holidays in a relaxed atmosphere with a privileged view of Gran Paradiso, mostly spending time with family. Starting tomorrow, hotel facilities will be fully booked, with sunny weather and mild temperatures encouraging relaxation tourism.

The winter solstice marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday initiatives by the Soprintendenza ai beni e alle attività culturali, coinciding with the 1048th anniversary of the founding of Augusta Pretoria. The events will continue throughout the holiday season. Additionally, the significant gold mines of Chamousira in Brusson will be exceptionally open for winter visits.

La Thuile has kicked off its ski season with picturesque landscapes and snow that has withstood the rain. The opening is partial, with skiing available only in the Les Suches and Chaz Dura areas. The Belvedere may open by Thursday for the Sant'Ambrogio bridge, while the international connection to La Rosière is expected to be ready by December 16. This year's new feature is the modern and engaging LED wall panels that provide information, including a map of the slopes, temperatures, and live webcam feeds.

Santa Barbara, the patron saint of firefighters, was celebrated at the Erik Mortara barracks in Aosta with a ceremony attended by authorities. The event included a wreath-laying in memory of the fallen, a mass, and the presentation of retirement certificates. The firefighters reported nearly 2400 interventions this year, with only 14% related to fires, emphasizing their diverse roles in rescue operations, road accidents, and fire prevention activities in schools, hospitals, and hospitality structures.

Students in Valle d'Aosta are preparing for school enrollments with various orientation activities organized across all high schools. These activities aim to assist families in making important decisions about their children's future. Enrollments for the first year of each school level will begin on January 8, 2024. An interview with Marina Fey, Superintendent of Studies for the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, is included.

Higher than average temperatures are reported, but cold winds maintain good skiing conditions. Breuil-Cervinia attracts tourists from around the world due to its snow.

The Aosta City Council debated a new waste taxation system, transitioning from Tari to Tarip, where citizens will pay based on the amount of non-recyclable waste they produce. Opposition members, including Renato Favre, Roberta Carla Balbis, and Luca Togni, raised concerns about the system's effectiveness and its impact on the elderly. A motion to update the system was rejected with 6 votes in favor, 18 abstentions, and 1 against. The council continues to discuss other opposition motions, aiming to finalize the budget by December 31 to avoid provisional exercise.

The head coach of the Sci Club Crammont fondly remembers Matteo Belfrond, highlighting his unwavering belief in the team and his proud support.

Didier Bionaz showed strong performance in the 20 km individual biathlon at the World Cup in Östersund, Sweden, but finished 31st due to shooting errors. Roman Rees of Germany won the race, with his compatriot Strelow and Norwegian Johannes Boe following. Italian athlete Lisa Vittozzi won the 15 km individual women's event with a nearly perfect race, followed by Germans Franziska Preuss and Vanessa Voigt. Other Italian athletes, Tommaso Giacomel and Lukas Hofer, placed eighth and 22nd, respectively, while Dorothea Wierer was 17th and Samuela Comola 27th. Beatrice Trabucchi, in her World Cup debut, finished 74th.

Isiltep in Verrès offers a wide range of cultural exchange opportunities, including studying French in France, English in Ireland and Finland, and now German in Alto Adige. In addition to the classic Erasmus Plus and Intercultura programs, over 50 students have participated in exchanges abroad in 2023, typically lasting one month and sometimes involving entire classes or individual students.

The Liceo linguistico di Courmayeur has been dedicating several days to physical and psychological well-being and mental coaching as part of its educational approach. Recognizing the importance of sports and psychology in enriching students' cultural experiences and supporting their growth, the school organizes 'A Beautiful Day' where students can spend a day in subject-specific classes with peers of different ages, united by their interest or curiosity in selected themes.

Art and literature intertwine with reflections and debate on women's rights at the Youth Citadel in Aosta. The special edition of 'The first Thursday' features talks with experts, testimonies, and experiences. The 'Woman's rights vda' project, in collaboration with Blu Associazione culturale, addresses violence against women, discrimination, integration, femininity, and support projects for victims, such as 'Una stanza tutta per sé,' in collaboration with the Club internazionale Soroptimist and the Arma dei Carabinieri.

The Women's World Cup downhill event in Zermatt-Cervinia faces uncertainty due to weather conditions, with hopes pinned on a window of calm weather. Previous men's events were canceled due to adverse conditions. The women's race, with a lower starting point, offers a slightly better chance of proceeding. Italian athletes Laura Pirovano, Sofia Goggia, Federica Brignone, Elena Curtoni, and Marta Bassino are among the favorites.

A new initiative focused on educating young people about the mafia has been launched. Registrations for the 'Young Ambassadors of Legality' training course, promoted by the Osservatorio regionale Antimafia of the Consiglio Valle in collaboration with the Università della Valle d'Aosta, are open until November 9. Fabrizio Bal, a member of the Osservatorio, was interviewed about the initiative.

The first World Cup descent was canceled despite the efforts of groomers and volunteers working through the night. The official decision was communicated by the jury at around seven in the morning. Although there was palpable disappointment, it did not lead to despair.

The Castagna d'oro 2023 in Lillianes, Italy, was awarded to Mirko Billette for the best fresh chestnut. The event, which began in 1958, is Italy's oldest chestnut festival. Donato Vallomy and Gabriel Sucquet took second and third places, respectively. The number of producers has halved compared to previous years due to climate change and societal evolution.

Registrations for Intercultura exchange programs for the 2024/2025 period are now open until November 10. The programs offer over 60 destinations worldwide, with durations ranging from a few weeks to a year, including new options like a semester in Lithuania and three months in South Korea. Intercultura also promotes cultural exchange by hosting foreign students.

NODES - Nord Ovest digitale e sostenibile is a project involving Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, and Lombardy, funded by the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza. It aims to innovate digital content for businesses and enhance sustainability in mountainous areas. The project spans three years, with the first year already completed, focusing on digital and sustainable mountain solutions.

Halloween, a celebration enjoyed by many in the Aosta Valley, especially children, originates from an ancient Celtic tradition marking the transition between light and darkness and the connection between the living and the afterlife. The modern concept of Halloween was imported from the United States in the 20th century.

Aosta celebrates Halloween with a treasure hunt and a horror movie marathon organized by Associazione Aiace. The event includes a treasure hunt for both children and adults, with a prize for the best costume. A new addition this year is bikesharing for adults to speed up clue searching. The evening features a horror movie marathon with a themed buffet.

The Erasmus Days event returns to Aosta, celebrating six days dedicated to shining a light on Europe's future through its youth. The event emphasizes the value of cultural diversity and the learning opportunities it provides. The Erasmus program, named after the Dutch humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, who traveled across Europe to understand its various cultures, has been expanding since 1987. It now includes secondary schools with individual and group mobility projects and professional development programs for teachers. Students who have participated in the exchange recommend the experience, which is celebrated with creative workshops at the Cittadella dei giovani during the Erasmus day.

The match between Stade Valdôtain Rugby and Lions VII ended in a 26-26 draw, making the upcoming away match against San Mauro crucial for the play-offs. Stade Valdôtain aims to compete for Serie B after two consecutive second-place finishes. An interview with vice-captain Alberto Duc highlights the team's perspective.

The Azienda Usl della Valle d'Aosta has signed an agreement with the Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano di Torino Umberto I to improve wait times and revitalize the Gastroenterology specialty, which has suffered from a lack of specialists. The collaboration includes weekly visits from Dr. Rodolfo Rocca or other specialized colleagues to provide consultations, advanced endoscopy training, and shared diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Initial results show reduced wait times for specialist visits and gastroscopies, though colonoscopy wait times remain high.

Charvensod will soon have a co-housing facility named 'Charmaisod', aimed at providing a shared living space for the elderly to combat loneliness and improve well-being. The local government has decided to repurpose the 'Maison Anselmet' building for this initiative, which will feature five rooms, common areas such as a kitchen, laundry, dining room, living room, and veranda, as well as services like housekeeping, while allowing residents to maintain their privacy with private bedrooms and bathrooms.

The school year is nearing its end, with the final bell for students in the Aosta Valley set to ring on Thursday, June 15. The Liceo Edouard Bérard in Aosta reports a positive balance for the first regular year post-pandemic, although students still face lingering effects from the pandemic. The article includes an interview with the school's principal, Barbara Buscaglione.

The article reflects on the history of the Beauregard dam in Valgrisenche, highlighting the impact of its construction on local families who had to abandon their homes in the 1950s. The remembrance event aims to honor the sacrifices made and the resilience of those who had to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Interviews with Luigi Bois, Francesco Béthaz from the Comitato du Chatelet, and Aline Viérin, the mayor of Valgrisenche, are featured.

In recognition of World Fibromyalgia Day, various initiatives by public entities and the Asfib Valle d'Aosta association aim to raise awareness about this debilitating and painful yet invisible disease. The Aymavilles Castle will be illuminated in purple until Sunday, and informational gazebos will be set up at Porte Pretoriane and Gros Cidac. Additionally, a fundraising event 'a petunia in support of Asfib' will take place. A training course for fibromyalgia patient care, organized by Azienda Usl and the Regional Health Department, will be held on May 20 and 27 for general practitioners and specialists.

The article highlights the solidarity efforts of Cooperativa Mont Fallère in support of Leonardo Lotto, a 24-year-old from Aosta Valley who was paralyzed following a sea accident in Melbourne, Australia. The cooperative, known for its support activities for vulnerable individuals, is organizing a fundraising event through its plant and flower shop.

The regional government has approved two public notices targeting young people aged 14 to 29. Interested entities must submit their applications by April 27. Danilo Riccarand, head of the Educational Policies Structure of the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, was interviewed.

The 'Hol4All' project, initiated by the Fondazione Allianz UMANA MENTE, brought over 40 families from across Italy to Courmayeur for a snow vacation aimed at overcoming disabilities. The initiative supports individuals with physical or mental disabilities and rare diseases. The Lymph Foundation participated in the project, which also included training for potential future Paralympic athletes by Obiettivo3, a sports society founded by Alex Zanardi.

Approximately 300,000 women in Italy suffer from endometriosis, a condition affecting 10% of the female population, with 30-40% experiencing fertility issues. The disease, caused by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue in other organs, leads to chronic inflammation and has historically faced diagnostic delays and silence. Beauregard Hospital in Aosta opened a dedicated clinic in 2015, and on World Endometriosis Day, the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics launched an email service for women seeking information.

Italy's vast cultural heritage, including over 200,000 archeological and architectural sites, faces significant threats from environmental factors, deliberate destruction, illegal trade, and negligence. Reports indicate thousands of sites are at risk from landslides and floods, with notable incidents of arson and theft exacerbating the situation. Experts call for improved management strategies and maintenance to safeguard these treasures. Key organizations involved include Ispra, the University of Foggia, the Italian Superior Council of Cultural and Environmental Heritage, the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of the Carabinieri, and Italia Nostra.

French reporter Loup Bureau, detained in Turkey for over 50 days, has been released but still faces the threat of a conviction from Ankara, which could lead to an international arrest warrant. He was arrested on July 26 near the Turkey-Iraq border after being found with photos of himself with Kurdish YPG fighters and accused of belonging to a terrorist organization. Despite his release, the situation for journalists in Turkey remains dire, with 160-180 journalists still imprisoned. Turkey ranks 155th out of 180 countries in the RSF Press Freedom Index. The crackdown following the failed coup in July 2016 continues, with recent arrests including government officials and an opposition party lawyer, Celal Celik.

In Valle d'Aosta, there are three minor communities—La Ruche, Petit Foyer, and Maison d'accueil—catering to different age groups and managed by social cooperatives La Libellula and Noi e Gli Altri through regional tenders. The regional administration fully funds these communities, with an annual cost of 400,000 euros each. In 2015, 36 minors were assisted, with the primary goal being to develop and implement a psycho-social-health project for the minors and their families, aiming to restore parental competencies and return the children home. The outcomes after staying in these facilities include family reunification, deprivation of parental authority, transfer to another community, foster care, and adoption. However, often the minors do not return home due to severe traumas, neglect, socio-cultural and educational deficiencies, relational conflicts, or domestic violence. The need for therapeutic facilities, not available in Valle d'Aosta, has increased due to severe psychological diagnoses.