THE VILLAGE OF MASCOGNAZ
Hotellerie de Mascognaz
OUR STORY
The story of this place has roots that stretch far back in time. It is said to have begun in 1323, perhaps even earlier.
Back then, the village was called Mascognia, and even then it carried that discreet yet powerful aura that can still be felt while walking its paths today.
Nothing here stands still, yet nothing has changed at its core.
Seven centuries later, Mascognaz remains a suspended place—authentic, untouched in its purpose: to welcome those seeking truth, nature, and silence.
The story of Hotellerie de Mascognaz would not exist without the Walser people, a population that, starting in the 13th century, chose to settle in the valleys around Monte Rosa—places where mountain nature offers extraordinary views of Europe’s second-highest massif.
This story would have no future without one man and his deep love for this village, where he spent his childhood holidays. A love that only childhood places can inspire.
Then comes the desire to safeguard, the legitimate child of this affection: when the village’s future seemed at risk, this man, aided by the university thesis of an architect friend detailing how to preserve the village, became its protector and guardian.
Hotellerie de Mascognaz was born from the vision of Dr. Paolo Vitelli, founder and owner of Azimut Benetti, who set out to restore and preserve the historic chalets that now form this scattered hotel and part of the village of Mascognaz.
THE PAST
The village has Walser origins.
Around the 1300s, this population—originally from the Swiss canton of Valais—fled religious persecution and settled first in the Valsesia area, then in Gressoney, and finally here in the Ayas Valley, around the Evançon stream. Mascognaz was inhabited from the 1300s until the early 1500s, and again from around 1700 until the 1950s.
Walser villages are known for their distinctive architecture. Their buildings, called Rascard or Stadel, typically featured dry stone masonry on the ground floor for the stables, with bedrooms above. At the top were the lobbie, or attics, where hay and foods for aging, such as salami and cheese, were stored. These attics also housed the Rahtelé, wooden racks with multiple branches used for drying bread. Bread was baked once or twice a year after the harvest and cooked in the communal oven, still preserved today in Mascognaz. Each village was self-sufficient, producing its own food and clothing, and often bartering goods with neighboring villages.
THE PRESENT
Hotellerie de Mascognaz today comprises 11 authentic, historic chalets
transformed into a scattered hotel enriched with hospitality services. Every detail has been restored to preserve the original construction and authenticity.
In summer, the village comes alive again: the sound of cowbells from the pastures, the rush of the Mascogna’ stream, and the rediscovered flavors of the valley—like the local butter and Fontina cheese—bring the village’s traditions to life. In winter, isolation and silence create a uniquely intimate atmosphere. The hotel is accessible only by snowmobiles or Defender vehicles provided by the property. Despite its authenticity, the village offers all the amenities of a hotel: one of the highest alpine restaurants in Italy and a spa with a pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath, and a full treatment menu.
To help guests explore nature, the Hotellerie offers something truly unique: a certified hiking and environmental guide organizes a weekly program of excursions and snowshoe hikes to lakes, peaks, alpine pastures, historical trails, Walser routes, and mountain passes. In winter, daily transfers to the Champoluc ski lifts are available every morning.
