Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy
Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy
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Based in the pretty mountain village of Cogne
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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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True Italian hospitality with delicious food
Why Choose Cloud 9 Adventure
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Fully qualified BASI ski instructor
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Excellent instruction
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Centrally located 3* Hotel & Spa
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Geneva airport transfers included
Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy: Dates and Prices
AT A GLANCE
4 nights
3 days' skiing
Full luggage access
Group size 4-8
Join: Geneva/Cogne
End: Geneva/Cogne
ACCOMMODATION
4 nights half-board in a gorgeous 3* hotel
DIFFICULTY GRADING
5
Moderate
Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy: Overview
On our Learn to Skate Ski 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 skate-styled 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 is skate skiing?
Skate skiing takes place on a wide track that's been pressed in preparation, using a motion like ice skating. Skate skis are shorter, stiffer and lighter than classic skis and are broader in the centre than at the narrower tip and tail. 'Skating' is also known as 'freestyle' and it was developed in the 1980s.
What to expect
This trip is perfect for beginners coming to skate-styled 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 who will teach you the basic classic techniques and strides 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 everyone in the group. 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!
Travel arrangements
The trip includes a transfer from Geneva airport to/from Cogne, which will be at fixed times. The arrival transfer will leave Geneva airport at 16:30 hrs in order to get to our hotel in Cogne in time for dinner. The transfer time between Geneva and Cogne is around 2 hours, and takes a pleasant route via Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Tunnel. The return transfer will leave after an early breakfast to be at the airport by 10:00 hrs. if you wish to join the group transfer you will need to book your flights to fit in with these times. If you are unable to join the group transfer you will need to arrange an alternative transfer, which will be at your own expense, but is very easy to do - just ask and we can provide further details.
Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy: Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Geneva/Cogne
The group transfer will meet in Geneva at 16:30, and arrive in Cogne in time for dinner. If organising your own transport meet at the group hotel in Cogne. We will be staying 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.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Day 2 - Introduction to skate skiing
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 skate style cross-country skiing. 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 skate ski. After lunch in a local restaurant or cafe 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. Oh, and there'll be plenty of stops for coffee and cake, in case you were wondering...
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner 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 skate skiers at all levels, from beginners to racers. Using the free ski bus we can explore a bit, starting in a neighbouring village such as Epinel or Lillaz. We'll 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 pace so that you really enjoy the experience. In the afternoon we'll learn to progress and adapt our basic strides for different types of terrain, with plenty of practice along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Day 4 - Valnontey day tour
Today we'll take a longer tour that can be adapted to suit all levels reached so far, and put all the skate skiing skills that 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 Skate Ski Break.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Day 5 - Departure day
Our trip ends after breakfast and one single-timed group transfer will be provided at around 07:00-07:30 hrs to transport the group back to Geneva Airport for 10:00-10:30 hrs. More information on this will be provide upon booking.
Included
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4 nights' accommodation on twin-share basis
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Breakfasts and evening meals
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Fully-qualified and expert skate-styled cross-country ski instructor
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One single-timed transport between Cogne and Geneva 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 and snacks
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Tips
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Ski hire / lift pass (approx. €65 total)
Skate Ski Breaks in Cogne, Italy: Book Online