Hi good peep of the Steves forum!
I'm starting to think a bit about longer stays in Europe. Not hard plans right now, but more broad future schemes for a place for longer and return stays.
I'd like it to be near the mountain with winter sports and summer hiking etc. And also a place with reasonably extensive safe cycling infrastructure in the valley bottom. Hopefully access to more than one separated bike route without more than 10k of riding. Good gravel and country roads a bonus.
Access to and from place by train a big bonus. Bigger bonus not a PITA to get to from a major international airport, and quick enough train connection to an interesting metro area.
Aosta Valley crossed my radar, but the cycling infrastructure isn't good enough. Bruneck area in Pustertal Valley/Dolomites gets pretty close, though cycling is "B" and so is the Immediate skiing at Plan Corones. I'd prefer at least one be an "A."
Ideas? No wrong answer at this point, only leas right ;). Thank you!