Our Story
Raised in the Alps and sharing the dream
Trek Ski Plus was founded by two people with a passion
About Us
Chris and Marilisa have been hiking and visiting the Aosta Valley region of the Italian Alps for a lifetime. Marilisa was born and grew up in Cervinia, Italy, a world renowned resort village located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Early on, she developed a passion for hiking due to the loving influence of her father who was a great mountain guide. Even after moving to Minnesota, Marilisa's love for the mountains persisted and she spent every summer in Italy with her family.
As a child she loved listening to stories of the mountain legends of the past, and through her mother, Marilisa gained a deep knowledge of the "old ways" of the valley and the importance of never letting them be forgotten. True to her upbringing Marilisa instilled a love for this region in her three children by making sure they spoke Italian and they felt at home in the valley. She took every chance to expose them to the warmth and authenticity of the local people. She taught them the mountain songs her father had sung with her throughout her youth, many inspired by the partisan rebels fighting against the fascists. Together they hiked, skied and visited the numerous castles nestled in this beautiful valley. She hopes to bring her grandchildren someday, but in the meantime she enjoys showing off her precious valley to her friends. She will share the knowledge of the Aosta Valley as only a person truly connected to the region can.
Chris is an avid outdoorsman. While attending college in Montana, he spent his free time hiking, skiing and climbing. After college, Chris went to Switzerland to ski instruct where he met his future wife Marilisa. Chris' passion for the mountains continued over the years as their family grew. Each summer was spent in the Italian Alps at Marilisa's family home in Val d'Aosta. During that time, the family hiked and explored the many different valleys of the region with friends. While in the valley, Chris went on weekly climbs throughout the surrounding mountains. These trips ranged from simple hikes to long glacier treks up to some of the valley's most spectacular mountain huts. Chris' mountain adventures include climbing the Matterhorn, the Grand Paradiso and many of the peaks on the massifs of the Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa. He has also hiked and climbed many mountains in North America. Chris is a certified PSIA level 2 ski instructor in the winter.
Meet Your Guides
Chris Wallace
Co-founder & Lead Guide
Chris is an avid outdoorsman who discovered the Alps while ski instructing in Switzerland — where he also met Marilisa. Over decades of summers in Val d'Aosta, he explored the valley's peaks, glaciers, and mountain huts. His ascents include the Matterhorn, Grand Paradiso, and peaks across the Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa massifs.
Marilisa Wallace
Co-founder & Lead Guide
Marilisa grew up in Cervinia at the foot of the Matterhorn, shaped by a father who was a celebrated mountain guide. Even after moving to Minnesota, she returned every summer — passing on the valley's songs, stories, and traditions to her children. Her connection to the Aosta Valley is not just professional; it is personal, generational, and deeply felt.
How We Guide
Small Groups
We cap every adventure at 8 guests. Smaller groups mean better pacing, more personal attention, and a deeper connection with the places you visit.
Local Roots
Marilisa grew up here. Chris has spent decades exploring every valley and peak. Our relationships with local rifugios, hotels, and restaurants mean you experience the valley as an insider, not a tourist.
Tailored Pacing
No two groups are the same. We read our clients carefully and adapt every day's route, pace, and challenge level to match the group — without ever compromising the experience.
Authentic Culture
From partisan mountain songs to Roman ruins, fontina cheese producers to medieval castles — we share the valley's living history the way only people truly connected to it can.
Come explore with us
Whether you're a seasoned alpinist or a first-time trekker, we'll find the right route for you.
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