Tucked into the northwest corner of Italy, the Aosta Valley is one of the Alps' most dramatic and underrated walking destinations. Surrounded by the highest peaks in Western Europe — Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa — this autonomous region offers an extraordinary concentration of alpine scenery, from glaciated high passes and ancient Roman roads to the medieval monasteries of the Grand St Bernard and the medieval fortress of Forte di Bard.With walks suite...

Hike beneath the legendary giants of the Italian Alps along the Giants’ Trail: Alta Via 1, from Donnas to Courmayeur through the breathtaking Aosta Valley. This inspiring 180km (112-mile) route, also known as the Tour of the Giants (Tor des Géants), traces the northern flank of the valley in the shadows of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Grand Combin.Experience a two-week alpine adventure on quiet trails, far from the crowds, through spectacular mou...

Discover the full range of summer adventures available in the Haute Maurienne, from alpine day walks and mountaineering routes on the rocky summits above Termignon and Val Cenis to via ferratas, rock climbing, mountain biking, road cycling, and multi-day walking tours. Bordered by the Vanoise National Park to the north and the Écrins to the south, this accessible French Alps valley offers an outstanding variety of mountain activities within easy reach of Modane and the TGV from Par...

A Collection of Epic Fantasy Tales from Five Wizards of FantasyThe Silent Blade - by Jacob PeppersThe Downs, the poor district of the city of Avarest, is home to cutthroats and thieves, pickpockets and prostitutes, all of whom pay tribute to one of two powerful crime bosses. It is also home to Aaron Envelar, a disillusioned sellsword known as the Silent Blade, who cares nothing for the criminal overlords or their schemes, who only wants to survive ...