When September Speaks Softly

Listening to the Ancient Voice of Val d’Ayas

In September, the mountains of Val d’Ayas change their tone. Summer lingers, but more gently. The air turns crisp, shadows stretch through the forests, and the valley reveals a quieter, more intimate side. It is a time of suspended beauty, when the landscape seems to breathe only for those willing to slow down and listen.

This is when the mountains begin to speak with an ancient voice.

The call of the deer

From mid-September into October, the silence of the valley is broken by a deep, resonant sound: the roar of red deer during the rutting season. Male deer call out to attract females and assert their presence, their voices echoing through woods and across slopes. It is a raw, primal moment, where instinct takes over and humans become respectful observers.

Dawn and dusk are the most intense hours. Along the edges of forests, just beyond well-trodden paths, the calls grow clearer. Standing still, moving quietly, listening more than looking, turns the experience into something almost ceremonial.

Higher up, among rocky slopes and open pastures, chamois and roe deer move discreetly, slipping in and out of view. They reveal themselves only when footsteps are light and noise fades away. Early morning light or the hours before sunset offer the best chance encounters. With patience, trained eyes and a sense of respect, each sighting feels like a gift rather than a conquest.

Walking the forest in search of mushrooms

September is also the season of mushrooms, when the forests of Ayas release earthy scents beneath fallen leaves and soft moss. Walking among spruce and larch trees becomes a fully sensory experience: damp soil underfoot, the muted hush of the woods, the quiet excitement of spotting a porcini tucked near a tree root.

Mushroom foraging here is more than a pastime. It is a shared tradition, passed down through generations, rooted in knowledge, care and restraint. A slow ritual that teaches attention and humility, reminding us that the forest gives only to those who approach it gently.

A landscape that rewards stillness

Val d’Ayas holds a rare balance of biodiversity, unspoiled landscapes and open skies. Morning mists drifting through the trees, late-summer colours softening into autumn, long stretches of silence broken only by wind or distant calls. Everything invites contemplation rather than haste.

In September, the valley is not asking to be crossed or conquered. It asks to be listened to. To pause. To observe. To feel part of a rhythm older than any trail. Here, time does not rush forward. It settles, breathes, and waits.

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About us

All was really good

We had a great stay, very comfortable, the best view ever from the valley and mountains, stunning. I really liked to be met at the property and shown where to park and shown our apartment, keys etc.

Anneke, ie - 01-07-2024

We had a great stay, very comfortable, the best view ever from the valley and mountains, stunning. I really liked to be met at the property and shown where to park and shown our apartment, keys etc.

Anneke, ie - Family holiday

01-07-2024

Nice and friendly hotel, great breakfast

Nice small hotel with family feeling. Good quality / value for money. Excellent breakfast, clean and tidy. Only a short walk to the gondola, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges just around the c

Ulf H - 25-03-2024

Nice small hotel with family feeling. Good quality / value for money. Excellent breakfast, clean and tidy. Only a short walk to the gondola, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges just around the corner from the hotel

Ulf H - Family holiday

25-03-2024

All the comfort you need when enjoying this charming town.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel L'Aiglon. Firstly the staff were so pleasant and helpful. The room was fine, next time we'd opt for one with a balcony! Comfortable bed, great shower. Plenty of

percehere - 24-03-2024

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel L'Aiglon. Firstly the staff were so pleasant and helpful. The room was fine, next time we'd opt for one with a balcony! Comfortable bed, great shower. Plenty of storage and hooks for all our ski gear! Breakfast was in a lovely sunny room and there was plenty of choice for all nationalities. It's a slow 10 minute walk to the gondola, we opted for storing our gear there, although you can use the hotel's. Wellness centre was a perfect end to the days skiing.Definitely recommend and we'll be back!

percehere - Holiday with friends

24-03-2024

Easter Ski Trip

My adult kids and I had a great time, the hotel was clean, tidy and everyone was extremely helpful. The breakfast buffet was a treat each morning and the sauna/hot tub were great after a hard days sk

marka12023 - 13-04-2023

My adult kids and I had a great time, the hotel was clean, tidy and everyone was extremely helpful. The breakfast buffet was a treat each morning and the sauna/hot tub were great after a hard days skiing. Overall really good value for money and very welcoming

marka12023 - Family holiday

13-04-2023

Happy Vacation in Hotel L'Aiglon.

Stayed in Hotel L'Aiglon for 3 nights earlier this week. Great place to stay. Rooms were really comfortable and plenty of space and really clean. We received a really warm welcome on arrival and right

dubontour2016 - 20-01-2023

Stayed in Hotel L'Aiglon for 3 nights earlier this week. Great place to stay. Rooms were really comfortable and plenty of space and really clean. We received a really warm welcome on arrival and right throughout our stay. Breakfast was included in the price. Food was great - loads of variety and really healthy food to prepare us for the day ahead. Would love to return and stay here again in the future.

dubontour2016 - Family holiday

20-01-2023

Nice location, great value

Nice breakfast, clean and large room, perfect for a family of four with a pet.

Fabio Sergio, it - 10-01-2023

Nice breakfast, clean and large room, perfect for a family of four with a pet.

Fabio Sergio, it - Family holiday

10-01-2023

Excellent séjour à l'hôtel l'Aiglon!

L'accueil est sympathique et chaleureux. Les chambres sont spacieuses. L'hôtel est idéalement situé et le cadre est très agréable. Le petit déjeuner est extra avec un personnel au petit soin et très

PierreG04 - 28-06-2022

L'accueil est sympathique et chaleureux. Les chambres sont spacieuses. L'hôtel est idéalement situé et le cadre est très agréable. Le petit déjeuner est extra avec un personnel au petit soin et très sympa. Je ne peux que recommander chaleureusement l'hôtel l'Aiglon!

PierreG04 - Solo holiday

28-06-2022

Friendly familystyle hotel

We spent a few days before Easter in wonderful Champoluc, we decided to stay at L'Aiglon. The hotel has great location in the village, very friendly staff; most helpful when it comes to answer questio

908micaeld - 18-04-2022

We spent a few days before Easter in wonderful Champoluc, we decided to stay at L'Aiglon. The hotel has great location in the village, very friendly staff; most helpful when it comes to answer questions and point us to good deals and opportunities. The breakfast is wonderful, in itself worth the stay.

908micaeld - Family holiday

18-04-2022

Fabulous return visit

We have stayed here several times. First visit since the pandemic. The warm Italian welcome ever present. Such a friendly family run hotel. Spotlessly clean, very comfy, lovely views, great breakfast

Julie H - 21-03-2022

We have stayed here several times. First visit since the pandemic. The warm Italian welcome ever present. Such a friendly family run hotel. Spotlessly clean, very comfy, lovely views, great breakfast and next to the ski lift for Antagnod mini ski area so quiet on the slopes perfect. We will return again and again. Brandy measures in the bar still extremely generous! Thank you all the staff!

Julie H - Family holiday

21-03-2022

Another GREAT stay

We have been coming to this wonderful family operated hotel for more than 10 years for an annual ski vacation. Great location near main gondola and our favorite restaurants. Good and friendly service.

LarsNice - 14-03-2022

We have been coming to this wonderful family operated hotel for more than 10 years for an annual ski vacation. Great location near main gondola and our favorite restaurants. Good and friendly service. Good breakfast. Rooms are well kept and neatly cleaned daily. Overall, we find L’Aiglon great value for the reasonable rates. We are already looking forward to our next visit!

LarsNice - Couples holiday

14-03-2022