Learn to Cross Country Ski in Italy
Learn to cross-country Ski in Italy
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Explore the Gran Paradiso National Park
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Enjoy excellent Italian food & wine
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Beautiful trails away from the crowds
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Based in the pretty mountain village of Cogne
Why Choose Cloud 9 Adventure
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Fully qualified BASI ski instructor
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Excellent instruction
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Wonderful local hotel
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Geneva airport transfers included
Learn to Cross Country Ski in Italy: Dates and Prices
AT A GLANCE
4 nights
3 days' skiing
Full luggage access
Group size 4-8
Join: Milan Malpensa Airport or Cogne, Italy
End: Milan Malpensa Airport or Cogne, Italy
ACCOMMODATION
4 nights in a gorgeous 3* hotel with spa
DIFFICULTY GRADING
1
Beginner
Learn to Cross Country Ski in Italy: Overview
On our Learn to Cross Country Ski short break you'll be based in the small historic mountain town of Cogne, in Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park. Cogne is the perfect location for a cross country skiing trip in the heart of the Italian Alps, with 80 kilometres of ski trails across 12 circuits. We'll ski freshly prepared cross country trails through peaceful forests, passing streams and frozen waterfalls along the way. We may even be able to spot some local wildlife amongst the unforgettable alpine scenery.
What to expect
This trip is perfect for beginners coming to cross-country skiing for the first time, as well as those looking to brush up their skills. The trip is run by a qualified ski instructor and will teach you the basic classic technique of diagonal stride on flat or slightly undulating ground so that you can propel yourself forwards across the snow in the most efficient way. As we master the skills we will ski for longer, but at a pace that suits you. Cross country skiing can, if you want it to, be a very aerobic activity, which makes it ideal for winter 'cross-training' or you can take your time and just enjoy being out in the mountains.
While we will be on our skis for the majority of the days we will stop for rests, photos, and lunch over the course of each day. We're usually on the ski tracks for around 2-3 hrs in the morning - with a well earned Italian coffee break in the middle of course! After lunch we aim for around 2 hours of skiing practice in the afternoon. This may vary depending on how you are feeling, as this is definitely a holiday and we want you to enjoy the experience!
Accommodation
On this trip we stay in the delightful family-run Hotel du Grand Paradis, a 3* hotel in the heart of Cogne. There are spa and wellness facilities to sooth those aching muscles. The evening meals are divine, and this trip is very much about the surroundings, the hotels and the dining experience as well as the cross-country skiing!
Travel arrangements
The trip includes group transfers from Milan Malpensa airport to and from Cogne, both of which will be at fixed times (see the Travel Information section of the Trip Notes for more information.
Learn to Cross Country Ski in Italy: Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Milan Malpensa
The group transfer is scheduled to depart from Milan Malpensa Airport at 16:30, and arrive in Cogne in time for dinner (journey time approx 2 hrs 40 mins), however we may bring this forward once we have the group arrival details if it suits group members to arrive earlier. Previously we used Geneva Airport but for now we have decided to keep the trip within Italy to remove any complication that might arise travelling through Switzerland or France due to covid travel restrictions.
It would also be possible to organise your own transport to either Geneva or Turin and then hire a car to reach Cogne if you prefer.
We aim to stay at the charming Hotel du Grand Paradis in the heart of Cogne, and close to the shops, bars and restaurants. It was the first hotel to be built in Cogne and has its own cosy spa, and we eat at a fantastic restaurant each evening.
Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included
Luggage access
Day 2 - Introduction to cross country
Our hotel is just 5 minutes from the ski tracks, so after fitting our skis we'll get straight onto the snow. The instructor will start with a few exercises to introduce us to the techniques of classic style cross country skiing and what is known as the basic 'diagonal stride'. Cogne has beautifully groomed tracks in a large flat area, and a range of trails suitable for every level of skier so it really is the perfect arena for learning to ski. After lunch in a local restaurant or café we'll don our skis to practice what we have learnt and consolidate our new skills. Depending on how much progress has been made and how the group is feeling we also have the option to ski some shorter routes. After a day on the ski trails we'll still have plenty of time to explore the shops, enjoy a pre-dinner apéro or relax in the hotel spa.
Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included
Luggage access
Day 3 - Building on skills
The Cogne Valley has around 80 kilometres of ski trails, so it's no surprise that many regional and national cross country ski competitions, such as the Marcia Gran Paradiso, take place here. The trails are flat or gently undulating and are the perfect training ground for all levels, from beginners to racers. Using the free ski bus we can explore a bit further afield today, starting in one of the neighbouring villages such as Epinel or Lillaz. We will review and practice the skills we learned yesterday, and take a short tour to our lunch stop. The aim is to make sure you progress each day at your own level, and really enjoy the experience. In the afternoon we will adapt our basic diagonal stride for the different types of terrain, with plenty of chance to learn new skills and practice along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included
Luggage access
Day 4 - Valnontey day tour
Today we will take a longer tour that can be adapted to suit all levels reached so far, and put all the skills we've learned into practice. We'll aim to ski to the delightful upper valley of Valnontey, which is famous for ice climbing. We might even spot some ice climbers tackling the spectacular frozen waterfalls that line the valley on both sides. We'll stop for lunch at the charming family-run Albergo La Barme, which sits in a tiny hamlet of old wooden houses with stone-tiled roofs. After lunch we continue along the undulating trails, following the river's edge to the head of the valley. We may even spot ibex and chamois on the slopes of the valley, and in the woods next to the trails. As we head down we have some enjoyable downhill sections which can be adapted - or even avoided! - depending how you're feeling. In the evening we'll enjoy our final Italian meal - a fitting finale to our Italian Ski Weekend.
Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included
Luggage access
Day 5 - Departure day
Our trip ends after an early breakfast, and we provide a group transfer to Milan Malpensa airport. We aim to arrive at the airport between 10:30-11:00 to cater for flights from midday onwards. We may change this to slightly later if all group members' flights depart later in the day.
Included
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4 nights' accommodation on a twin-share basis (single supplement available for those who would like their own room)
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Breakfasts & evening meals
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Fully-qualified and expert cross-country ski instructor
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Transport between Cogne and Milan Malpensa Airport at the beginning and end of the trip
Not Included
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Lunches
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Personal drinks & snacks
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Ski hire & track pass
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Tips
Learn to Cross Country Ski in Italy: Book Online