Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Despite a (welcome) dearth of downhill-ski facilities, 80km of well-marked
cross- country
skiing trails
(admission per day €5)
line the unspoilt Valle di Cogne. Try trail 23 up to Valnon-
tey and
Vermiana
, or head east to Lillaz. Alas, there are still 9km of downhill slopes. A
one-day ski pass covering the use of Cogne's single cable car, chairlift and drag lift costs
€23. Skiing lessons are offered by the
Società Guide Alpine di Cogne
(
www.guidealpinecogne.it
;
Piazza Chanoux 1)
. If you want something more esoteric, they also offer
ice-climbing
expedi-
tions on the Lillaz waterfall.
Walking
Easy walks around Cogne include the 3km stroll (wheelchair accessible) to the village of
Lillaz on trail 23, where there is a geological park and a waterfall that drops 150m in three
stages. Trails 22 and 23 will also get you to the village of Valnontey, where you can con-
tinue up the valley to the hamlet of Vermiana (1½ hours one way). Trail 8 from Cogne
leads to another waterfall (Pila) via the village of Gimillian.
A moderately strenuous hike from Valnontey is to the
Rifugio Sella
( 0165 7 43 10;
www.rifugiosella.com
;
dm €17)
, a former hunting lodge of King Vittorio Emanuele II. From
the town bridge, follow the Alta Via 2 uphill for two to 2½ hours. More adventurous
hikers can continue along the exhilarating Sella-Herbetet Traverse (15km), a seven-hour
loop that will drop you back in Valnontey. You'll need a head for heights and a good map.
Climbing
The main point of departure for the Gran Paradiso peak is Pont in the Valsavarenche.
Technically it's no Mont Blanc and can be completed in a day, but you'll need a guide (a
two-day ascent for two people starts at €500). Contact the Società Guide Alpine di Cogne
(
Click here
).
Horse Riding
Horse riding
(per hr €25)
through the mountain meadows and 45-minute
horse-and-carriage
rides
(per carriage of up to 4 people €40)
are run by
Le Traîneau Equestrain Tourism Centre
(
333
10am-12:30pm, 2-7pm)
in Valnontey.
3147248;
www.letraineau.too.it
;
Sleeping & Eating
Wilderness camping is forbidden in the park, but there are 11
rifugi
.
Hotel Sant'Orso
HOTEL
€
