Mountain Adventure Holidays
An extended weekend dedicated to learning or improving the art of cross country 'skate skiing'. Explore picturesque, quiet alpine valleys and villages whilst gaining strength and fitness along the way! This holiday is It's an ideal for Nordic or Alpine skiers who would like to learn the basics, or are looking to take their skate technique to the next level.
NEW: Smaller Group Sizes
Following the success of the 2024 season we have improved this holiday even further. We feel that small groups enable an excellent learning environment. We will be running two groups per date to allow for tuition aimed at your ability. We have carefully chosen instructors who are truly passionate about the sport, and we keep groups small to ensure quality tuition.
Cogne, our base for this trip, is know as the 'Queen of Cross Country' areas in Italy. It is a truly beautiful setting offering excellent skiing away from the crowded alpine ski resorts. This picturesque location is famous for the Gran Paradiso, Italy's highest peak, and is steeped in history with an eighteenth-century chapel and typical stone-houses prevalent.
Skating takes place on a wide, evenly prepared track that has been groomed and pressed. The skis are shorter, stiffer and lighter than 'classic skis', and are narrower at the tip and tail than in the centre. Developed in the 1980's 'skating' (or 'freestyle' as it's also known) is a form of cross country skiing where we ski on groomed trails using a motion similar to ice skating.
Today you arrive in the beautiful Italian village of Cogne. A remote mountain community set in the magnificent Gran Paradiso National Park. Your ski instructor will meet you at your hotel this evening, at approximately 1830 hrs, and brief you on the days ahead. Your ski hire will also be organised for you. For full details please consult the 'Arrival & Departure' section of the Trip Information.
If you live locally and do not require accommodation there is the option of a reduced price. Please ask for details.
Today is our cappuccino day! Be warned that morning coffee and cake will feature on the agenda. After fitting skis and taking time to find our 'ski-legs' your instructor will take you through various exercises as a way of introducing, or re-introducing you to the correct techniques for 'skate style' cross country skiing. Cogne has an excellent 'stadium' offering beautifully groomed tracks in a large flat area. This perfect arena for learning to skate ski offers a range of trails suitable for every skater. Surrounded by mountain views, and only minutes from the nearest cafe makes it a wonderful venue.
Lunch will be at one of local restaurants or cafes when you have the chance to sample dishes local to the region. In the afternoon we will go back to our skis for further practice consolidating what we have learned with options to make some short journeys. Our afternoons do tend to be more relaxed and allow time for personal skiing. Throughout the weekend we aim to create a learning environment that is supportive, and fun.
Of course, it is not all about the skiing. After a day on the ski trails there will still be time to explore the shops, bars for a pre-dinner apéro or relax in the hotel wellness 'Spa La Baita'. Post ski massages can be booked directly with the hotel.
After breakfast we will head off to explore the valley tracks. The free ski bus means we can explore slightly further afield by starting in one of the neighbouring villages such as Epinel or Lillaz. After we warm back up, we can review and practice our new found skills from yesterday. Always keeping the enjoyment factor high and the fear factor low, it is our instructors aim to ensure that you progress each day at 'your' level. It is worth mentioning that learning to skate also helps with other sports, making it an excellent form of 'cross-training'. It will enhance your balance, co-ordination, aerobic and muscular strength and tone, all while enjoying gliding along looking at beautiful views. And with 55km's (35 miles) of ski trails many regional and national cross country ski competitions like the Marcia Gran Paradiso take place in the Cogne valley.
In the afternoon we will spend time consolidating our skills, but at your own pace. We will make short tours over easy angled terrain through stunning mountain and woodland scenery. After a second day of exercising in fresh mountain air, return to the hotel for some chill out time and make use of the hotel jacuzzi and sauna before dinner.
Today we plan to put all our skills into practice and make a longer tour that can be adapted to suit all levels reached so far. Our aim is to ski to the beautiful upper valley of Valnontey. This snow filled valley is famous for ice climbing, and it is possible to see ice climbers tackling the spectacular frozen waterfalls that line the valley on both sides. We will stop for lunch at the charming family run Albergo of La Barme. Think heavy stone tiles on the roof, ancient woodwork, and a tiny hamlet of old wooden houses.
After lunch we tour further on undulating trails by the rivers edge to the head of the valley. It's often possible to spot ibex and chamois on the valley slopes and in the woods close to the trails. Our return journey includes some enjoyable downhill sections which can again be adapted or avoided(!) to suit!
A final Italian meal and over night concludes this Skate Ski Break, where we hope you have enjoyed both the cross country skiing and the charm of the Italian Alps.
Today is departure day and your private minibus transfer will collect you after an early breakfast from your hotel. For full details consult the 'Arrival & Departure' section under Trip Information.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Cogne is a small town equipped with all the facilities you might need for this trip including; a pharmacy, banks/ATMs, small supermarket, sports shops, tourist office, local produce, souvenirs, bars and cafes. Situated in the heart of the old town our accommodation is perfectly situated to easily access the ski trails, free bus to neighbouring villages, shops and bars.
You will be guests of Filippo Gérard, our host whose family owns and runs our gorgeous 3* hotel. Built in the19th century the Hotel du Gran Paradis, is Cogne's oldest hotel. It boasts traditional architecture, local Italian cuisine all in a relaxed alpine setting. Make yourself at home with access to their living room with fireplace, little bibliothèque, bar, heated ski room plus it has a small private wellness Spa La Baita.
Dinner is delicious, typical food from the Aosta valley region of Italy, eaten at our hotel's other restaurant at the Hotel Sant'Orso. The Hotel Sant Orso has a reputation with 'foodies' as being an excellent example of local tastes and dishes from this wonderful part of the Italian Alps. You may feel that on this trip you spend a lot of time contemplating the local tastes! Breakfast is taken in our own hotel dining room and is buffet style.
Massages and single room requests are possible, but do incur an additional fee.
Flying to Geneva
For convenience we have included a transfer from Geneva airport, Switzerland to Cogne. Our departure/pick up time from Geneva airport is scheduled for 16h30 however, once we have all the guest arrival times we may bring this forward if it suits all the other members of the group. If your flight arrives earlier in the day you can use the time to explore Geneva. This less than 10 minutes by train and you can leave your luggage at the airport in the left luggage lockers for around 10€. The journey from Geneva to Cogne is approximately 2.5 hours.
Train Travel from the UK to Geneva
If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline. The most direct route is taking the Eurostar to Gare de Nord and then use the TGV system via Gare de Lyon, Bellegarde Sur Valserine and Geneva.
Departure
On your departure day there will be a private minibus transfer which will collect you after an early breakfast and take you to Geneva airport, Switzerland. The return transfer will leave Cogne at approximately 07h30 in order to arrive at the airport between 10h30-11h00. Your flights from Geneva airport should be booked to depart no earlier than 12-midday. The departure time may be changed if all the group flights are departing later in the day.
It is important that you inform us of your travel times as soon as possible after booking.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
In winter the weather can deliver everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality.
Temperatures vary depending on the month, generally December, January, and February are colder, but by March and April the temperatures are warming up and spring is on the way.
In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F).
The above figures are a general indication only as the weather can vary considerably year on year for any given month.
The cross country skiing equipment includes lightweight track skating skis (not fishscale or waxing skis), Salomon (or similar) boots, bindings and poles. The total ski hire for the weekend is expected to be 45 Euros per person. Please make your ski rental payment directly to rental shop.
To ensure we get the correct sizes equipment hire is arranged in advance. Please make note of your equipment hire on our booking form. We will need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size (you must give us your everyday shoe size and not your personal adjustment for wearing boots) and the measurement of your height up to your armpits plus 10 cm's (for ski pole hire).
Your ski pass for the total 3 days is expected to be around 20 Euros.
Skate skiing takes place on a wide, evenly prepared track that has been groomed and pressed. We do not use the same equipment as for 'classic' technique. Skate skis, boots and poles have all been adapted to suit the skating motion and technique. The skis are shorter, stiffer and lighter than 'classic skis', and are narrower at the tip and tail than in the centre. The boots are more rigid to help with the pushing off motion at the end of the stride, and they have ankle support. The poles are longer and should be approximately level with your mouth.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in.
You require clothing that allows freedom of movement, and mobility. Warm leggings or trousers that are made of a stretch fabric are best. Layers are ideal for your upper body as they allow you to adjust your temperature. Alpine ski clothing is not appropriate as it is too bulky, too warm, and restricts movement.
Equipment
We use 'skate’ style cross country track skis for this trip .
Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
During this weekend you will be introduced to the 'skate' style of skiing. This is cross country skiing, but it is one of the two different techniques/disciplines used today to travel across the snow. Our aim will be to introduce you to the basics of 'skating' with a view to skiing on relatively flat terrain. We will then begin to look at how to tackle ascents and descents and explain the different techniques required to do so. When asked to define the two different disciplines, 'skating' and 'classic' we would suggest that 'classic' is designed for journeying and that 'skate' is about exercise.
A brief history
Developed in the 1980's 'skating', or 'freestyle' as it's also known, is a form of skiing where we ski on groomed trails using a motion similar to ice skating.
At the beginning skate skiing was engulfed in controversy. Those competing in 'classic' style races were using the skating motion to gain speed and power past their rivals much to the dismay of officials who feared the true and original 'classic' technique was being lost. America’s Bill Koch first observed the skate motion at a Swedish marathon, then applied it to win the 1982 World Cup of Cross Country skiing. Five years later World Championship and Olympic cross-country skiing was transformed. Now there were as many medals for Freestyle, in which skating is permitted, as would be awarded for Classic, in which skating is prohibited. Today skating is a major feature of any cross country skiing competitive event.
You can read more on the history and development of skating here.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £160.
We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work.
Your ski instructor will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some countries your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting.
Please note your instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all weekend, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
On our Italian Ski Breaks the lunches are definitely one of the highlights. We do not include the cost of lunches in your trip fee as we find that our guests prefer to make their own choice at lunchtime. In Cogne there are various options for cosy and characterful cafes serving excellent local dishes at a very reasonable cost. We would normally stop at one of these and take a leisurely lunch break or we may eat at one of the local villages. It really depends on how far we have skied!
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. In this respect due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. All the trips being sold by Tracks and Trails are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may find guests from other companies on your trip. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 15 Feb - Wed 19 Feb Code: SKS2 |
Price: £1290 | 2 more to guarantee | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 17 Jan - Wed 21 Jan Code: SKS1 |
Price: £1245 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 14 Feb - Wed 18 Feb Code: SKS2 |
Price: £1340 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £1245 |
| Holiday Type | Skate Skiing |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1682m (5516ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy |
| Meet In | Geneva Airport, Switzerland |
