Far from the big infrastructures and the frenetic tourism, Alpe Rebelle is an oasis of authenticity in the wonderful Valpelline, in the Aosta Valley. It is a kind of “pirate island“, as the writer Paolo Cognetti calls it, a place where time slows down and the mountain reveals itself in all its beauty, with respect, love and sustainability. Here, Ilenia and Daniele have given life to a dream: that of a genuine and conscious welcome, where nature, tradition and innovation coexist in perfect balance.
A past between shelters and a sustainable future
For over ten years, Ilenia and Daniele have been the custodians and managers of the Refuge Crête Sèche, at 2410 metres altitude. After having lived many summers up there, they decided to bring the magic of the shelters a little further down the river, in the old house of Daniele’s grandfather. This is how Alpe Rebelle was born, a place that preserves the intimate and warm atmosphere of alpine refuges, offering guests a family and authentic welcome.
Ilenia, with years of skiing experience and a ski teacher in Valtournenche, has managed to combine his passion for the mountains with his organizational skills, managing also local restaurants despite the young age. Today he dedicates his time not only to work and his passions, but also to family and life in the mountains.
Daniele, a great fan of alpine sports – from hiking to mountaineering, through ski touring and climbing – boasts a sporting career of all respect, including participation in the national team of tobogganing, with a European title and a world silver. Deeply connected to Bionaz, the birthplace of his mother, Daniele has made his passion for the mountains a mission: promoting sustainable tourism in the Valpelline region, becoming co-founder and president of the NaturaValp association since 2012.
An environment-friendly welcome
Alpe Rebelle is much more than a simple mountain restaurant and bed & breakfast: it is a virtuous example of sustainable hospitality. The renovation of the old family home was carried out following ecological criteria and adopting innovative solutions to minimize the environmental impact.
Some of the sustainable choices made include:
- Energy saving and thermal insulation of the building
- Geothermal heating plant
- Controlled ventilation
- Installation of solar panels
- Rainwater recovery for irrigation
- Natural lime-based plaster
- Recovery and reuse of local timber
- Internet via cable, to avoid magnetic waves
Every detail has been carefully thought to respect the surrounding environment and enhance the territory.
Genuine cuisine and alpine tradition
Good food is another pillar of Alpe Rebelle. The restaurant offers dishes that tell the alpine tradition, made with local and seasonal products from farmers in the valley. The simplicity and genuineness of mountain flavors are combined with the creativity and passion of Ilenia and Daniele, giving guests an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
A place of memories and adventures
Alpe Rebelle is not only a place of welcome, but also a starting point to discover the Valpelline, with its wild trails, majestic peaks and unspoiled nature. Daniele, with his two faithful donkeys, sometimes accompanies hikers along the trails, offering an alternative and suggestive way of experiencing the mountain.
Whether hiking, mountaineering, climbing or simply immersing yourself in the silence and beauty of the alpine landscapes, Alpe Rebelle offers an experience that reconciles body and mind.
An invitation to discover the real mountain
In a world where mass tourism has often distorted the authenticity of places, Alpe Rebelle is a gentle and concrete rebellion. It is an invitation to live the mountain with respect and awareness, to rediscover the beauty of small things and to leave a light footprint on the planet.
Ilenia and Daniele are waiting for you at Alpe Rebelle to share with you the magic of a special place, where the mountain is told in all its purity. A place where time stands still and dreams take hold!
Alpe Rebelle – Green Hotel in Bionaz, Aosta, Valle d'Aosta, IT 
